Patent Publication Number: US-7592550-B2

Title: Cable with twisted pair centering arrangement

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/318,350, filed Dec. 22, 2005; which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to devices for use in the telecommunications industry, and various methods associated with such devices. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a telecommunications cable having twisted conductor pairs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A wide variety of cable arrangements having twisted conductor pairs are utilized in the telecommunication industry. Some cable arrangements include a number of twisted conductor pairs separated by one or more filler components. 
     In general, improvement has been sought with respect to existing cable arrangements, generally to improve the structural reliability of the assembly of such cable arrangements, and improve signal transmission performance. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to a multi-twisted pair cable arrangement. The cable arrangement generally includes a plurality of twisted conductor pairs, a filler, and a jacket that covers the twisted conductor pairs and filler. The filler of the cable includes shaped elements located at the ends of extensions. Each of the shaped elements includes a retaining member for retaining the twisted conductor pairs in relation to the filler. In one aspect, the filler includes first and second shaped elements located at the ends of the extensions. In another aspect, at least one of the shaped elements includes a projecting end piece located a distance farther from the center of the filler than the other shaped elements. The projecting end piece creates a helical ridge in the jacket of the cable. 
     A variety of examples of desirable product features or methods are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing various aspects of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure may relate to individual features as well as combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the claimed invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of multi-pair cable arrangement, according to the principles of the present disclosure, shown without twisted pairs; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a filler of the multi-pair cable arrangement of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the shape of the filler of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the multi-pair cable of  FIG. 1 , shown with twisted pairs; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the shape of a filler for use in a multi-pair cable arrangement; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the shape of a filler for use in a multi-pair cable arrangement; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the shape of a filler for use in a multi-pair cable arrangement; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the shape of a filler for use in a multi-pair cable arrangement; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the shape of a filler for use in a multi-pair cable arrangement; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the shape of a filler for use in a multi-pair cable arrangement; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the shape of a filler for use in a multi-pair cable arrangement; and 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a multi-pair cable embodiment including the filler of  FIG. 4 , and shown with twisted pairs. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to various features of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     I. Multi-Pair Cable, Generally 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a multi-pair cable  10  including one embodiment of a filler  12  having features that are examples of how inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure may be practiced. Preferred features of the cable  10  and disclosed filler embodiments are adapted to improve the structural reliability of the assembly of such cable arrangements, and to improve the signal transmission performance of the cable arrangements. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , in general, the filler  12  of the multi-pair cable  10  of the present disclosure is constructed to separate and retain a plurality of twisted conductor pairs  14  ( FIG. 4 ). The twisted conductor pairs  14  each include two insulated conductors twisted about one another along a longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the filler  12  of the multi-pair cable  10  separates and retains four twisted conductor pairs  14 . The multi-pair cable  10  includes a jacket  16  that covers or surrounds the twisted pairs  14  and the filler  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the filler  12  defines a number of pockets  18 . Each of the twisted conductor pairs  14  is positioned within one of the number of pockets  18  (see also  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the filler  12  has four pockets  18  that receive the four twisted conductor pairs  14 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional area of a die used in the manufacture of the filler  12  shown in  FIG. 2 . The cross-sectional area is representative of the cross-sectional shape of the filler  12  produced from the die, and is hereinafter used to describe the cross-sectional shape of the filler  12 .  FIGS. 5-11  likewise are cross-sectional views of the area of a die used in the manufacture of the respective filler, and are also used to described the cross-sectional shape of the respective filler. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the pockets  18  of the filler  12  are defined by four radial extensions (e.g., spokes or legs)  20 . The radial extensions  20  separate each of the twisted conductor pairs  14  from the other twisted conductor pairs. The radial extensions  20  of the filler  12  each have a first end  22  and a second end  24 . The first ends  22  of the radial extensions  20  are joined and define a center  26  of the filler  12 . The center  26  of the filler  12  generally defines the central longitudinal axis A ( FIG. 1 ) of the cable  10 . The second ends  24  of the radial extension  20  are free ends. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , each of the radial extensions  20  of the filler  12  has a length L 1  that extends from the first end  22  or center  26  to the free end  24 . The length L 1  of each of the radial extensions  20  is preferably equal to or greater than a diameter D 1  ( FIG. 4 ) of each twisted conductor pairs  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the length L 1  of the extensions  20  is typically between about 0.075 inches and 0.115 inches; more specifically between about 0.095 and 0.098 inches. 
     The radial extensions  20  have a spoke-like configuration. What is meant by spoke-like is that the extensions have a cross-sectional shape that is straight or linear along a substantial majority of the extension construction. The straight or linear spoke-like configuration is in contrast to constructions having non-linear cross-sectional shapes. The four spokes or radial extensions  20  are oriented generally perpendicular to one another to define a “plus” or “cross” shape (+). Other numbers of spokes can be used to define other shaped fillers  12 . 
     In the illustrate embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the filler  12  includes shaped elements  28  located at the free ends  24  of the radial extension  20 . The four extensions  20  and shaped elements  28  are arranged such that a first two of the four extensions  20  and elements  28  define a major dimension M 1  of the filler  12 , and a second two of the four extensions  20  and elements  28  defines a minor dimension M 2  transverse to the major dimension M 1 . The major dimension M 1  of the filler  12  in this embodiment is greater than the minor dimension M 2  of the filler. In particular, the major dimension M 1  is between about 0.280 inches and 0.320 inches; more preferably about 0.300 inches. The minor dimension M 2  is between about 0.220 inches and 0.260 inches; more preferably about 0.240 inches. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the shaped elements  28  of the filler  12  include first shaped elements  50  and second shaped elements  52 . What is meant by “shaped element” is an element that is non-uniform in shape with that of the radial extension  20 . The first shaped elements  50  are located at the free ends  24  of the radial extensions  20  that define the major dimension M 1  of the filler  12 . The second shaped elements  52  are located at the free ends  24  of the radial extensions  20  that define the minor dimension M 2  of the filler  12 . 
     Each of the first and second shaped elements  50 ,  52  shown in  FIG. 3  includes a retaining member  30 . The retaining members  30  are located at the free ends  24  of the respective radial extensions  20 . The retaining members  30  are arranged and configured to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within the pockets  18  of the filler  12 . In particular, each of the retaining members  30  has a major length L 2 . The retaining members  30  are oriented such that the major length L 2  of the retaining member  30  is transverse to the length L 1  of the respective radial extension  20 . The major length L 2  is provided so that adjacent end portions  32  of adjacent retaining members  30  contain or hold the twisted conductor pairs  14  within the pockets  18  of the filler. 
     That is, a distance D 2  between adjacent end portions  32  of adjacent retaining members  30  is preferably equal to or less than the diameter D 1  of the twisted conductor pair  14 . (Although, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter, portions along the length of the filler  12  may have a distance greater than the diameter D 1  of the twisted conductor pair when the cable is fully assembled.) The retaining members  30  do not fully enclose the twisted conductor pair  14  when the pair is positioned within the pocket  18 . Rather, the retaining members  30  function to retain the twisted conductor pair  14  within the pocket  18  of the filler  12  by contacting the pair in a captive manner, as opposed to enclosing or substantially surrounding the twisted conductor pair  14 . 
     In particular, the opening or distance D 2  is somewhat comparable to the diameter D 1  of the twisted conductor pairs  14 . The opening or distance D 2 , with the twisted conductor pair  14  positioned in the pocket  18  and retained, is between about 75 and 125 percent of the diameter D 1  of the pair  14 . The relatively large opening or distance D 2  accommodates the zip-fit feature of the filler described hereinafter. As will also be described hereinafter, the filler  12  deforms during assembly so that the retaining members  30  more fully engage or contact the twisted conductor pairs  14  to retain the pairs within the pockets  18  of the filler  12 . 
     To achieve the preferred retaining feature of the disclosed filler  12 , one or both of the retaining members  30  and the radial extensions  20  is preferably made of a material that flexes to permit placement of the twisted conductor pairs  14  within the pockets  18 , and to permit bending and distortion of the filler  12  during assembly. In one embodiment, the filler  12 , i.e., the radial extensions  20  and the retaining members  30 , are made of a non-conductive material, such as polyethylene. Other materials can be used to manufacture the filler  12  in accordance with the principles disclosed. 
     Preferably, the retaining members  30  of the filler  12  are constructed such that the twisted conductor pairs  14  snap-fit or zip within the pockets  18  of the filler  12 . That is, the flexible construction of the filler  12  permits the twisted conductor pairs  14  to be placed into the pockets  18  by pressing or zipping the twisted conductor pairs  14  along the lengths of the pairs and filler  12 . The zip-fit construction of the filler  12  makes assembly and manufacture of the multi-pair cable  10  easier than conventional arrangements, as the twisted conductor pairs  14  are held in place by the zip-fit during the remainder of the assembly of the multi-pair cable  10 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the illustrated retaining members  30  of the shaped elements  28  have an arrowhead shape, i.e., a triangular shape. The triangular retaining members  30  are oriented such that the apex opposite the longest side of the triangular retaining member  30  points outward from the center  26  of the filler  12 . As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the retaining members can have other shapes and configurations. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the second shaped elements  52  of the filler  12  are simply the triangular retaining members  30  located at the free ends  24  of the extension  20 . The first shaped elements  50  however further include an end piece  34  located adjacent to the triangular retaining element  30 . The end pieces  34  are interconnected to the retaining elements  30  by a neck  36 . The neck  36  and the end piece  34  of the first shaped elements  50  provide the major dimension M 1  that is greater than the minor dimension M 2  provided by the second shaped elements  52  of the filler. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the end pieces  34  of the first shape elements  50  project radially outward a distance farther from the center  26  of the filler  12  than the second shaped elements  52 . The projecting end pieces  34  create helical ridges  60  in the jacket  16  of the multi-pair cable  10 . The helical ridges  60  function to separate two multi-pair cables  10  from one another by providing air gaps between adjacent cables. The air gaps aid in reducing crosstalk, which can distort signals carried by the cables. In the illustrated embodiment, the end pieces  34  of the first shaped elements  50  have a circular cross-section. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the end pieces can have other shapes and configurations. 
     II. Method of Manufacturing, Generally 
     The following description generally relates to the manufacture of the multi-pair cable. It is to be understood that although the following method of manufacture is described with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the method can be used in the same manner for the manufacture of cables incorporating the other filler embodiments of  FIG. 5-11  described hereinafter. 
     In the manufacture of the disclosed multi-pair cable  10 , the twisted conductor pairs  14  are positioned within the pockets  18  of the filler  12 . Preferably, the twisted conductor pairs  14  are pressed or zip-fit within the pocket  18  of the filler  12  and retained by the retaining member  30 . 
     The retaining members  30  are constructed to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  at or adjacent to the center  26  of the filler  12 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the retaining members  30  retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within a boundary  70  (represented by dashed line). The boundary  70  defines an outer diameter D 3  of a twisted pairs core  72 , which is defined by the twisted conductor pairs  14 . 
     Each of the twisted conductor pairs  14  of the core  72  preferably has an individual conductor twist rate that is different from the twist rates of the other twisted conductor pairs of the core. After the twisted conductor pairs  14  are zip-fit within the pockets  18  of the filler  12 , the filler, and accordingly the twisted conductor pairs  14 , are twisted in unison about the central axis (i.e., axis A,  FIG. 1 ) of the filler  12 . As can be understood, because each of the twisted conductor pairs  14  is already twisted at a particular individual conductor twist rate, the individual conductor twist rates of the twisted conductor pairs  14  change when the filler  12  is twisted. Preferably, each of the twisted conductor pairs  14  has the same direction of twist (e.g. a right-hand twist or a left-hand twist) as the direction in which the filler  12  is twisted. By this, the individual conductor twist rates of the twisted conductor pairs  14  increase as the filler  12  is twisted. 
     After the filler  12  and the twisted conductor pairs  14  have been twisted, the jacket  16  is applied over the filler  12  and the twisted conductor pairs  14 . As previously discussed, the end pieces  34  of the first shaped elements  50  of the filler create ridges  60  ( FIG. 1 ) in the jacket  16 . Because of the twisting of the filler  12 , the ridges  60  formed in the jacket  16  are helical. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , preferably, the shaped elements  50 ,  52  of the filler  12  are at least partially located outside the boundary  70  of the twisted pairs core  72 . That is, the outermost shaped element (e.g., the end pieces  34  of the first shaped elements  50 ) of the filler  12  defines a shaped-element boundary  74  (represented by dashed line). The shaped-element boundary  74  is preferably radially greater than the boundary  70  of the core  72  to radially space the twisted pairs core  72  from the jacket  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shaped-element boundary  74  of the filler  12  has a diameter D 4  that is between about 0.275 inches and 0.325 inches. The diameter D 3  of the boundary  70  of the core  72  is between about 0.165 inches and 0.215 inches. 
     While the illustrated diameter D 4  of the shaped element boundary  74  is concentric with the diameter D 3  of the core  72 , the major dimension M 1  ( FIG. 3 ) and the minor dimension M 2  of the filler  12  provide an elliptical-shaped cable  10 . Accordingly, when the jacket  16  is provided around the filler  12  and twisted pairs core  72 , the spacing or distance D 5  between the diameter D 3  of the core  72  and the jacket  16  varies (i.e., is non-concentric). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the spacing or distance D 5  between the twisted pairs core  72  and the jacket  16  at the second shaped elements  52  along the minor dimension M 2  is at least about 0.022 inches; the distance D 5  between the twisted pairs core  72  and the jacket  16  at first shaped elements  50  along the major dimension M 1  is at least about 0.055 inches. Although the spacing D 5  varies, spacing improves the overall signal transmission performance of the cable  10 . In particular, the radial spacing of the twisted conductor pairs  14  of the core  72  from the jacket  16  reduces the occurrence of signal impedance or slowing. Signal impedance can be caused by contact between the twisted conductor pairs  14  and the jacket  16  due to the jacket having a less desirable dielectric constant than that of air, for example. 
     III. Alternative Filler Embodiments 
     Other embodiments having features that are examples of how inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure may be practiced are shown in  FIG. 5-11 . Many of the principles previously disclosed in reference to the first filler embodiment  12  of  FIG. 3  apply similarly to the embodiments of  FIGS. 5-11  hereinafter described. It is also to be understood that the previously described method of manufacturing a multi-pair cable, referring to the first filler embodiment  12  of  FIG. 3 , is applicable to each of the following alternative filler embodiments of  FIGS. 5-11 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 5-10 , each of the embodiments of the fillers is constructed to separate and retain twisted conductor pairs (e.g., 14) of a multi-pair cable (e.g., 10). Each filler defines a number of pockets, for example, four pockets. Each of the twisted conductor pairs  14  is positionable with one of the number of pockets. 
     The pockets of each filler are defined by four radial extensions or spokes. The radial extensions of the filler each have a length L 1  that extends from a first end or a center of the extension to a free end of the extension. The length L 1  of each of the radial extensions is preferably greater than the diameter D 1  ( FIG. 4 ) of each twisted conductor pairs  14 . 
     Each of the fillers shown in  FIGS. 5-10  includes shaped elements located at the free ends of the radial extension. The four extensions and shaped elements are arranged such that a first two of the four extensions and elements define a major dimension M 1  of each filler, and a second two of the four extensions and elements defines a minor dimension M 2  transverse to the major dimension M 1 . The major dimension M 1  of the fillers is greater than the minor dimension M 2 , which results in the cable  10  having an elliptical shape. 
     While many of the features of the filler embodiments of  FIGS. 5-10  are similar, the filler embodiments of  FIGS. 5-10  illustrate alternative embodiments of shaped elements that can be provided on the filler of a multi-twisted pairs cable  10 . 
     In particular, referring to  FIG. 5 , shaped elements  128  of a second filler  112  embodiment are illustrated. The shaped elements  128  include first shaped elements  150  and second shaped elements  152 . The first shaped elements  150  are located at free ends  124  of radial extensions  120  that define a major dimension M 1  of the filler  112 . The second shaped elements  152  are located at the free ends  124  of radial extensions  120  that define a minor dimension M 2  of the filler  112 . 
     Each of the first and second shaped elements  150 ,  152  shown in  FIG. 5  includes a retaining member  130 . The retaining members  130  are located at the free ends  124  of the respective radial extensions  120 . The retaining members  130  are arranged and configured to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within pockets  118  of the filler  112 . In particular, each of the retaining members  130  is oriented such that a major length L 2  of the retaining member  130  is transverse to a length L 1  of the respective radial extension  120 . The major length L 2  is provided so that adjacent end portions  132  of adjacent retaining members  130  contain or hold the twisted conductor pair  14  within the pocket  118  of the filler, as previously described with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5 , the illustrated retaining members  130  of the shaped elements  128  have an arrowhead shape, i.e., a triangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the second shaped elements  152  of the filler  112  are simply the triangular retaining members  130  located at the free ends  124  of the extension  120 . The first shaped elements  150  however further include an end piece  134  located adjacent to the triangular retaining element  130 . 
     The end pieces  134  are interconnected to the retaining elements  130  by a neck  136 . The neck  136  and the end piece  134  of the first shaped elements  150  provide the major dimension M 1  that is greater than the minor dimension M 2  provided by the second shaped elements  152  of the filler. The end pieces  134  project radially outward a distance farther from a center  126  of the filler  112  than the second shaped elements  152  to create helical ridges  60  ( FIG. 1 ) in the jacket  16  of the multi-pair cable  10 , as previously described. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the end pieces  134  of the first shaped elements  150  have an oval shaped cross-section. The oval shaped cross-section provides an end piece with reduced material than that of the end piece  34  shown in  FIG. 3 . Reducing the amount of material needed to manufacture the filler  112  correspondingly reduces the weight of the filler, which is desirable in the industry. 
     Similar to the previous embodiment, the retaining members  130  of the filler  112  are constructed to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  at or adjacent to the center  126  of the filler  112 . That is, the retaining members  130  retain the twisted conductor pairs  114  within a boundary (e.g.,  70  represented by dashed line in  FIG. 4 ). The boundary defines an outer diameter (e.g., D 3 ) of a twisted pairs core (e.g.,  72 ) that is defined by the twisted conductor pairs  14 . 
     As can be understood by reference to  FIG. 4 , preferably, the shaped elements  150 ,  152  of the filler  112  are at least partially located outside the boundary of the twisted pairs core. Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the outermost shaped element, e.g., the end piece  134  of the first shaped element  150 , of the filler  112  defines a shaped-element boundary (e.g.,  74 ) that is greater than the boundary  70  of the twisted pairs core  72  to radially space the twisted pairs core from the jacket  16  of the cable  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , shaped elements  228  of a third filler  212  embodiment are illustrated. The shaped elements  228  include first shaped elements  250  and second shaped elements  252 . The first shaped elements  250  are located at free ends  224  of radial extensions  220  that partially define a major dimension M 1  of the filler  212 . The second shaped elements  252  are located at free ends  224  of radial extensions  220  that partially define a minor dimension M 2  of the filler  212 . 
     Each of the first and second shaped elements  250 ,  252  shown in  FIG. 6  includes a retaining member  230 . The retaining members  230  are located at the free ends  224  of the respective radial extensions  220 . The retaining members  230  are arranged and configured to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within pockets  218  of the filler  212 . In particular, each of the retaining members  230  is oriented such that a major length L 2  of the retaining member  230  is transverse to a length L 1  of the respective radial extension  220 . The major length L 2  is provided so that adjacent end portions  232  of adjacent retaining members  230  contain or hold the twisted conductor pair  14  within the pocket  218  of the filler, as previously described with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , the illustrated retaining members  230  of the shaped elements  228  have an arrowhead shape, i.e., a triangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the second shaped elements  252  of the filler  212  are simply the triangular retaining members  230  located at the free ends  224  of the extension  220 . The first shaped elements  250  however further include an end piece  234  located adjacent to the triangular retaining element  230 . 
     In contrast to the end pieces  34 ,  134  shown in the previous embodiments, the end pieces  234  of  FIG. 6  are not interconnected to the retaining elements  230  by a neck. Instead, the end pieces  234  are located at the tip of the triangular retaining members  230 . The end piece  234  of the first shaped elements  250  provide the major dimension M 1  that is greater than the minor dimension M 2  provided by the second shaped elements  252  of the filler. The end pieces  234  project radially outward a distance farther from a center  226  of the filler  212  than the second shaped elements  252  to create helical ridges  60  ( FIG. 1 ) in the jacket  16  of the multi-pair cable  10 , as previously described. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the end pieces  234  of the first shaped elements  250  have a circular cross-section. 
     Similar to the previous embodiments, the retaining members  230  of the filler  212  are constructed to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  at or adjacent to the center  226  of the filler  212 . That is, the retaining members  230  retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within a boundary (e.g.,  70  represented by dashed line in  FIG. 4 ). The boundary defines an outer diameter (e.g., D 3 ) of a twisted pairs core (e.g.  72 ) that is defined by the twisted conductor pairs  14 . 
     As can be understood by reference to  FIG. 4 , preferably, the shaped elements  250 ,  252  of the filler  212  are at least partially located outside the boundary of the twisted pairs core. Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the outermost shaped element, e.g., the end piece  234  of the first shaped element  250 , of the filler  212  defines a shaped-element boundary (e.g.,  74 ) that is greater than the boundary  70  of the twisted pairs core  72  to radially space the twisted pairs core from the jacket  16  of the cable  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , shaped elements  328  of a fourth filler  312  embodiment are illustrated. The shaped elements  328  include first shaped elements  350  and second shaped elements  352 . The first shaped elements  350  are located at free ends  324  of radial extensions  320  that partially define a major dimension M 1  of the filler  312 . The second shaped elements  352  are located at free ends  324  of radial extensions  320  that partially define a minor dimension M 2  of the filler  312 . 
     Each of the first and second shaped elements  350 ,  352  shown in  FIG. 7  includes a retaining member  330 . The retaining members  330  are located at the free ends  324  of the respective radial extensions  320 . The retaining members  330  are arranged and configured to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within pockets  318  of the filler  312 . In particular, each of the retaining members  330  is oriented such that a major length L 2  of the retaining member  330  is transverse to a length L 1  of the respective radial extension  320 . The major length L 2  is provided so that adjacent end portions  332  of adjacent retaining members  330  contain or hold the twisted conductor pair  14  within the pocket  318  of the filler, as previously described with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 7 , the illustrated retaining members  330  of the shaped elements  328  have a rectangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the each of the first and second shaped elements  350 ,  352  of the filler  312  include an end piece  334  located adjacent to the rectangular retaining element  330 . 
     The end pieces  334  are interconnected to the retaining elements  330  by necks  336 ,  338 . Each of the necks  336  of the first shaped elements  350  is longer than the necks  338  of the second shaped elements  352 . Accordingly, the necks  336  and the end pieces  334  of the first shaped elements  350  provide the major dimension M 1  that is greater than the minor dimension M 2  provided by the second shaped elements  352  of the filler. The end pieces  334  of the first shaped elements  350  project radially outward a distance farther from a center  326  of the filler  312  than the second shaped elements  352  to create helical ridges  60  ( FIG. 1 ) in the jacket  16  of the multi-pair cable  10 , as previously described. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the end pieces  334  of the first and second shaped elements  350 ,  352  have a circular cross-section. 
     Similar to the previous embodiments, the retaining members  330  of the filler  312  are constructed to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  at or adjacent to the center  326  of the filler  312 . That is, the retaining members  330  retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within a boundary (e.g.,  70  represented by dashed line in  FIG. 4 ). The boundary defines an outer diameter (e.g., D 3 ) of a twisted pairs core (e.g.  72 ) that is defined by the twisted conductor pairs  14 . 
     As can be understood by reference to  FIG. 4 , preferably, the shaped elements  350 ,  352  of the filler  312  are at least partially located outside the boundary of the twisted pairs core. Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the outermost shaped element, e.g., the end piece  334  of the first shaped element  350 , of the filler  312  defines a shaped-element boundary (e.g.,  74 ) that is greater than the boundary  70  of the twisted pairs core  72  to radially space the twisted pairs core from the jacket  16  of the cable  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , shaped elements  428  of a fifth filler  412  embodiment are illustrated. The shaped elements  428  include first shaped elements  450  and second shaped elements  452 . The first shaped elements  450  are located at free ends  424  of radial extensions  420  that partially define a major dimension M 1  of the filler  412 . The second shaped elements  452  are located at free ends  424  of radial extensions  420  that partially define a minor dimension M 2  of the filler  412 . 
     Each of the first and second shaped elements  450 ,  452  shown in  FIG. 8  includes a retaining member  430 . The retaining members  430  are located at the free ends  424  of the respective radial extensions  420 . The retaining members  430  are arranged and configured to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within pockets  418  of the filler  412 . In particular, each of the retaining members  430  is oriented such that a major length L 2  of the retaining member  430  is transverse to a length L 1  of the respective radial extension  420 . The major length L 2  is provided so that adjacent end portions  432  of adjacent retaining members  430  contain or hold the twisted conductor pair  14  within the pocket  418  of the filler, as previously described with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 8 , the illustrated retaining members  430  of the shaped elements  428  have a rectangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the each of the first and second shaped elements  450 ,  452  of the filler  412  include an end piece  434  located adjacent to the rectangular retaining element  430 . 
     The end pieces  434  are interconnected to the retaining elements  430  by necks  436 ,  438 . Each of the necks  436  of the first shaped elements  450  is longer than the necks  438  of the second shaped elements  452 . Accordingly, the necks  436  and the end pieces  434  of the first shaped elements  450  provide the major dimension M 1  that is greater than the minor dimension M 2  provided by the second shaped elements  452  of the filler. The end pieces  434  of the first shaped elements  450  project radially outward a distance farther from a center  426  of the filler  412  than the second shaped elements  452  to create helical ridges  60  ( FIG. 1 ) in the jacket  16  of the multi-pair cable  10 , as previously described. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the end pieces  434  of the first and second shaped elements  450 ,  452  are triangular in shape. The triangular end pieces are oriented such that the apex opposite the longest side of the triangular end pieces  434  points toward the center  426  of the filler  412 . 
     Similar to the previous embodiments, the shaped elements  450 ,  452  of the filler  412  are at least partially located outside a boundary (e.g.,  70  in  FIG. 4 ) of the twisted pairs core (e.g.,  72 ); and, the outermost shaped element, e.g., the end piece  434  of the first shaped element  450 , of the filler  412  defines a shaped-element boundary (e.g.,  74 ) that is greater than the boundary of the twisted pairs core to radially space the twisted pairs core from the jacket  16  of the cable  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , shaped elements  528  of a sixth filler  512  embodiment are illustrated. The shaped elements  528  include first shaped elements  550  and second shaped elements  552 . The first shaped elements  550  are located at free ends  524  of radial extensions  520  that partially define a major dimension M 1  of the filler  512 . The second shaped elements  552  are located at free ends  524  of radial extensions  520  that partially define a minor dimension M 2  of the filler  512 . 
     Each of the first and second shaped elements  550 ,  552  shown in  FIG. 9  includes a retaining member  530 . The retaining members  530  are located at the free ends  524  of the respective radial extensions  520 . The retaining members  530  are arranged and configured to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within pockets  518  of the filler  512 . In particular, each of the retaining members  530  is oriented such that a major length L 2  of the retaining member  530  is transverse to a length L 1  of the respective radial extension  520 . The major length L 2  is provided so that adjacent end portions  532  of adjacent retaining members  530  contain or hold the twisted conductor pair  14  within the pocket  518  of the filler, as previously described with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 9 , the illustrated retaining members  530  of the shaped elements  528  have a rectangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the each of the first and second shaped elements  550 ,  552  of the filler  512  include an end piece  534  located adjacent to the rectangular retaining element  530 . 
     The end pieces  534  are interconnected to the retaining elements  530  by necks  536 ,  538 . Each of the necks  536  of the first shaped elements  550  is longer than the necks  538  of the second shaped elements  552 . Accordingly, the necks  536  and the end pieces  534  of the first shaped elements  550  provide the major dimension M 1  that is greater than the minor dimension M 2  provided by the second shaped elements  552  of the filler. The end pieces  534  of the first shaped elements  550  project radially outward a distance farther from a center  526  of the filler  512  than the second shaped elements  552  to create helical ridges  60  ( FIG. 1 ) in the jacket  16  of the multi-pair cable  10 , as previously described. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the end pieces  534  of the first and second shaped elements  550 ,  552  are triangular in shape. The triangular end pieces are oriented such that the apex opposite a longest side  540  of the triangular end pieces  534  points toward the center  526  of the filler  512 . In contrast to the previous embodiment, the longest side  540  of each of the triangular end pieces  534  of  FIG. 9  is detented or formed with a concave curvature. 
     Similar to the previous embodiments, the shaped elements  550 ,  552  of the filler  512  are at least partially located outside a boundary (e.g.,  70  in  FIG. 4 ) of the twisted pairs core (e.g.,  72 ); and, the outermost shaped element, e.g., the end piece  534  of the first shaped element  550 , of the filler  512  defines a shaped-element boundary (e.g.,  74 ) that is greater than the boundary of the twisted pairs core to radially space the twisted pairs core from the jacket  16  of the cable  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , shaped elements  628  of a seventh filler  612  embodiment are illustrated. The shaped elements  628  include first shaped elements  650  and second shaped elements  652 . The first shaped elements  650  are located at free ends  624  of radial extensions  620  that partially define a major dimension M 1  of the filler  612 . The second shaped elements  652  are located at free ends  624  of radial extensions  620  that partially define a minor dimension M 2  of the filler  612 . 
     Each of the first and second shaped elements  650 ,  652  shown in  FIG. 10  includes a retaining member  630 . The retaining members  630  are located at the free ends  624  of the respective radial extensions  620 . The retaining members  630  are arranged and configured to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within pockets  618  of the filler  612 . In particular, each of the retaining members  630  is oriented such that a major length L 2  of the retaining member  630  is transverse to a length L 1  of the respective radial extension  620 . The major length L 2  is provided so that adjacent end portions  632  of adjacent retaining members  630  contain or hold the twisted conductor pair  14  within the pocket  618  of the filler, as previously described with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 10 , the illustrated retaining members  630  of the shaped elements  628  have an arrowhead shape, i.e., a triangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the second shaped elements  652  of the filler  612  are simply the triangular retaining members  630  located at the free ends  624  of the extension  620 . The first shaped elements  650  however further include an end piece  634  located adjacent to the triangular retaining element  630 . 
     The end pieces  634  are located at a tip or apex of the triangular retaining members  630 . The end pieces  634  of the first shaped elements  650  provide the major dimension M 1  that is greater than the minor dimension M 2  provided by the second shaped elements  652  of the filler. The end pieces  634  project radially outward a distance farther from a center  626  of the filler  612  than the second shaped elements  652  to create helical ridges  60  ( FIG. 1 ) in the jacket  16  of the multi-pair cable  10 , as previously described. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the end pieces  634  of the first shaped elements  650  are formed as tip projections that extend outward from the apex of the triangular retaining members  630 . 
     Similar to the previous embodiments, the shaped elements  650 ,  652  of the filler  612  are at least partially located outside a boundary (e.g.,  70  in  FIG. 4 ) of the twisted pairs core (e.g.,  72 ); and, the outermost shaped element, e.g., the end piece  634  of the first shaped element  650 , of the filler  612  defines a shaped-element boundary (e.g.,  74 ) that is greater than the boundary of the twisted pairs core to radially space the twisted pairs core from the jacket  16  of the cable  10 . 
     While each of the filler embodiment shown in FIGS.  3  and  5 - 10  provide a cable having an elliptical cross-section, it is contemplated some of the features presently disclosed can be employed in a filler that provides a cable having a generally circular cross-section. One such filler embodiment is shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , an eighth embodiment a filler  712  is illustrated. The filler  712  has shaped elements  728 , including first shaped elements  750  and second shaped elements  752 . Each of the first and second shaped elements  750 ,  752  are located at free ends  724  of radial extensions  720 . In contrast to the previous embodiments having major and minor dimensions that provide the elliptical shaped cable, the extensions  720  and the first and second shaped elements  750 ,  752  are generally equally distanced from a center  726  of the filler. 
     Similar to the previous embodiments, each of the first and second shaped elements  750 ,  752  shown in  FIG. 11  includes a retaining member  730 . The retaining members  730  are located at free ends  724  of the respective radial extensions  720 . The retaining members  730  are arranged and configured to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within pockets  718  of the filler  712 . In particular, each of the retaining members  730  is oriented such that a major length L 2  of the retaining member  730  is transverse to a length L 1  of the respective radial extension  720 . The major length L 2  is provided so that adjacent end portions  732  of adjacent retaining members  730  contain or hold the twisted conductor pair  14  within the pocket  718  of the filler, as previously described with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 11 , the illustrated retaining members  730  of the shaped elements  728  have an arrowhead shape, i.e., a triangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second shaped elements  750 ,  752  further includes an end piece  734  located adjacent to the triangular retaining element  730 . 
     The end pieces  734  are located at a tip or apex of the triangular retaining members  730 . In general, the end pieces  734  are formed as tip projections that extend outward from the apex of the triangular retaining members  730 . The retaining members  730  of the filler  712  are constructed to retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  at or adjacent to the center  726  of the filler  712 . That is, the retaining members  730  retain the twisted conductor pairs  14  within a boundary (e.g.,  70  represented by dashed line in  FIG. 4 ). The boundary defines an outer diameter (e.g., D 3 ) of a twisted pairs core (e.g.  72 ) that is defined by the twisted conductor pairs  14 . 
     Preferably, the shaped elements  750 ,  752  of the filler  712  are at least partially located outside the boundary of the twisted pairs core. The end pieces  734  of both the first and second shaped elements  750  of the filler  212  define a shaped-element boundary (e.g.,  74  in  FIG. 4 ) that is greater than the boundary of the twisted pairs core to radially space the twisted pairs core from the jacket  16  of the cable  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a multi-pair cable embodiment  100  including the filler  112  of  FIG. 5  is shown with twisted pairs  14 . As shown, in some methods of manufacturing, during the application of the jacket  16 , the filler (e.g.,  112 ) becomes distorted or deformed. Similar deformation results can be achieved with the filler embodiments of FIGS.  3  and  6 - 11 . Deformation of the filler  112 , and in particular, the radial extensions  120  causes the retaining members  130  to contact the twisted conductor pairs to more securely retain the pairs  14  within the pockets  118 . As can be understood, while in  FIG. 12  one of the pockets appears to have an opening larger than the diameter of the pair, the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 12  does not represent the deformation occurring along the length of the filler  112 . That is, the filler  112  deforms such that portions of the filler along the filler length, as a whole bias the pairs  14  toward the center  126  of the filler  112 . 
     The disclose filler (including each of the filler embodiments of FIGS.  3  and  5 - 11 ) provides a retentive filler arrangement that enhances the structural integrity of the twisted pairs core, while at the same time spacing the jacket  16  from the core  172  to enhance signal transmission performance. The above specification provides a complete description of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, certain aspects of the invention reside in the claims hereinafter appended.