Patent Publication Number: US-11639745-B2

Title: Self-locking cable securing device, assembly and method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a securing device that facilitates connection with a cable or elongated object and pulling the cable or elongated object. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Proper wiring and cable management in building structures is essential to the safe and effective operation of the building&#39;s electrical and cabling operation. Further, proper connection to a cable, wire, pipe, tube or similar elongated element is important to maintaining a sufficient grip on the element. 
     When wiring or cabling needs to be protected from potential damage, it can be pulled through various types of conduits. Conduit can be made of metal, rigid plastic (e.g., PVC) and other materials, and wiring or cabling can vary from very thin wires that may be bundled for passage through a conduit to very thick cables that may not be joined to any other wires or cabling when passed through a conduit. Further, piping, tubing and other larger elements that require pulling must be sufficiently connected to the pulling device to complete the task, whether it will be pulled through a conduit or not. For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “cable” or “cabling” may be used throughout the present disclosure to refer to any type of wire, cable, piping, tubing or similar elongated object that can be inserted and pulled, whether through a conduit or otherwise. 
     While conduit can be lengthy and provided with curves as necessitated by a building&#39;s structure, it can be difficult to pull cabling through even short lengths of conduit. Traditionally, tools such as compression cable pulling devices have been used to pull wire and cable through conduits. The compression cable pulling device would be attached to one end of the wire or cable, wherein the insulation has been stripped to reveal the inner conductor, using a compression press apparatus which would squeeze and deform the compression pulling device onto the wire or cable being pulled. The compressed section is then pulled through the conduit and removed by cutting the wire or cable. Other methods besides using a compression cable pulling device, such as a fish tape, pushing or wiggling cable through conduit, for example, have been tried with generally unsatisfactory results. 
     Unfortunately, the compression method and other methods of pulling cable through conduit do not always perform effectively, whereas compression pulling devices often separate from the conductor during the process of being pulled through the conduit. Once separated inside the conduit, it can be exceptionally difficult to remove the inserted cable to reinitiate the process. Oftentimes in such situations, the conduit must be removed and/or broken to obtain access to the end of the cable, which can be extremely costly and time-consuming. Additionally, with traditional compression cable pulling devices, a separate, often expensive, and cumbersome, compression device is required to press the compression pulling device body onto the exposed conductor. Alternatively, professionals would bring the wire sections or spools to a local contractor to have the compression body pressed to the conductor, making the process both time consuming and expensive. 
     The traditional process of pulling cable outside of conduit have been the use of a mechanical compression pulling device that often uses a bolt arrangement to secure the elongated object to the mechanical compression pulling device. Unfortunately, the mechanical compression device can be time consuming both in its installation and removal due to the bolts that are deployed in the mechanical connection of the device. Additionally, the compression of the mechanical device often leads to damaging a section of the elongated object during the pulling process. 
     SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure provides, in part, a self-locking cable securing device, assembly and method that facilitates the secure connection of cable ends for pulling the cabling without damage to the cable and while minimizing risk of detachment during the pulling process. 
     In various embodiments, the device and assembly can employ a compression member such as a retaining jaw, a tubular barrel, a spacer and a sleeve. In various embodiments, the retaining jaw and spacer are formed as a replaceable cartridge and can include a fastening ring therebetween. The tubular barrel can be provided with a straight or partially tapered interior wall. The sleeve can be internally tapered and the fastening ring can adhere to the cable being inserted. The internally tapered sleeve can be inserted into the barrel, followed by the retaining jaw and the fastening ring. These elements are capable of axial movement within the barrel along the barrel&#39;s axis during assembly, for example. The spacer is positioned between the fastening ring and the barrel or a retaining cap. 
     In various embodiments, the barrel can be provided with an internal or external thread at one end for securely engaging a retaining cap or bottom locking device, and an internal stop shelf at the other end that prevents the internal components from being dislodged under force and provides resistance for the internal sleeve to cause compression of the retaining jaws. One end of the retaining cap can be provided with an internal or external thread for mating with the barrel&#39;s thread. In another embodiment, the stop shelf is welded, glued, or provided with threads that mate to the threading on the barrel. The retaining cap can also be formed with a central opening through which a rigid lanyard may extend. In various embodiments, a bulb segment of the rigid lanyard is retained within the interior of the retaining cap such that, as the rigid lanyard is pulled, the bulb segment engages the retaining cap and the full device with barrel, retaining jaws and fastening ring can be pulled as a unit. When a cable is inserted into the opening of the barrel opposite the lanyard, the cable moves past the fastening ring and retaining jaw, at which time the jaw fits around the cable. When the cable is pulled back, the jaw and fastening ring securely engage the cable. In additional embodiments, the retaining cap is glued or welded or is integrated with the barrel as part of a monolithic barrel structure. At such time, a fish tape or other device can be secured to the loop in the rigid lanyard for pulling the cable outside of or through a conduit. 
     In various embodiments, a retaining ring is inserted between the compression member and the fastening device, and the retaining ring retains a trailing end of the fastening device while providing a mating surface for the compression member. In various embodiments, a staging clip or pusher is employed between the leading edge of the fastening device and the barrel end to prompt the jaws of the fastening device open for receiving an inserted cable, for example. The retaining ring and/or staging clip can be provided as a fracturable or sacrificial component that breaks down upon a single use, according to various embodiments. In various embodiments incorporating the retaining ring, a grip ring is provided between the retaining ring and the compression member to assist with retaining an inserted cable and maintaining alignment of the fastening device. 
     In various embodiments, the retaining jaw has axial slots that separate different gripping components of the retaining jaw. In various embodiments, one of the slots extends completely along the axial length of the retaining jaw, forming a split in the retaining jaw device. While the elements held within the barrel are axially movable along the interior surface of the barrel, in various embodiments, once the retaining cap and/or bottom locking member is in place, the retaining jaw, fastening ring and spacer do not move axially within the barrel, even when engaging an inserted cable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cable securing device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cable securing device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of the device of  FIG.  1    in cross-section. 
         FIG.  4    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  4 - 4  of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  5 - 5  of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of the barrel member of  FIGS.  3  through  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  7 - 7  of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is a bottom view of a bottom locking ring in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  9 - 9  of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cable securing device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cable securing device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is a front view of the device of  FIG.  11    in cross-section. 
         FIG.  13    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  13 - 13  of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  14    is a cross-sectional view of the barrel member of  FIGS.  12  through  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  15 - 15  of  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  16    is a bottom view of a locking ring in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  17 - 17  of  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  18    is a front view of the locking ring of  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  19    is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cable securing device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  20    is a front view of the device of  FIG.  19    in cross-section. 
         FIG.  21    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  21 - 21  of  FIG.  20   . 
         FIG.  22    is a cross-sectional view of the barrel member of  FIGS.  20  through  21   . 
         FIG.  23    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  23 - 23  of  FIG.  22   . 
         FIG.  24    is a bottom view of an alternative locking ring in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  25    is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  25 - 25  of  FIG.  24   . 
         FIG.  26    is a front view of the locking ring of  FIG.  24   . 
         FIG.  27    is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cable securing device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  28    is a front cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG.  27   . 
         FIG.  29    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  29 - 29  of  FIG.  28   . 
         FIG.  30    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  30 - 30  of  FIG.  28   . 
         FIG.  31    is a front cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG.  27   . 
         FIG.  32    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  32 - 32  of  FIG.  31   . 
         FIG.  33    is an exploded front view in cross-section of elements of a cable securing device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  34    is a front view of a fastening ring in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  35    is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  35 - 35  of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  36    is a front view of a retaining jaw in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  37    is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  37 - 37  of  FIG.  36   . 
         FIG.  38    is a perspective view of the retaining jaw of  FIG.  36   . 
         FIG.  39    is a bottom view of a spacer in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  40    is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  40 - 40  of  FIG.  39   . 
         FIG.  41    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  41 - 41  of  FIG.  40   . 
         FIG.  42    is a bottom view of a sleeve in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  43    is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  43 - 43  of  FIG.  42   . 
         FIG.  44    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  45    is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  46    is a bottom view of a cartridge in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  47    is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  47 - 47  of  FIG.  46   . 
         FIG.  48    is an enlarged view of encircled portion  48 - 48  of  FIG.  47   . 
         FIGS.  49  and  50    are depictions of a cartridge retaining element in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. 
     It will be appreciated that reference to “a”, “an” or other indefinite article in the present disclosure encompasses one or more than one of the described element. Thus, for example, reference to teeth may encompass one or more teeth or sets of teeth, and so forth. 
     In the cable securing device  10  according to embodiments of the present disclosure as shown in  FIGS.  1  through  50   , elements as shown include: a bottom locking device  30 , a barrel  60  and a cable receiving component  40 . The cable receiving component  40  can include a spacer  22 , a fastening ring  24 , a retaining jaw  26  and a sleeve  28 , or a subset thereof. In various embodiments, the cable receiving component  40  can further include the bottom locking device  30 . The cable receiving component  40  may be formed as individual elements joined together or may be provided as an integrated cartridge with two or more of the elements as shown in the drawings. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  through  4   , a lanyard  15  is provided with a body segment  16 , shank ball segment  23 , clasp  18  and end loop segment  19 . The lanyard  15  may or may not be considered part of the cable securing device  10  depending upon the nature of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the shank ball segment  23  is integrally formed with the body segment  16  as at  13  so as to provide a monolithic structure, and the end loop segment  19  can be crimped or clasped as with clasp  18  so as to form a loop  12 , which facilitates the secure connection of a fish tape or other external device having a latch or other mechanism securable to the loop segment  19  for pulling, as described in more detail hereafter. In various embodiments, the lanyard can be made of steel or other rigid material. The shank ball segment  23  is formed of a size appropriate to engage lower neck portion (e.g.,  71 ) of an interior surface  64  of the barrel  60  (see  FIG.  4   , for example) or interior surface portion (e.g.,  522 ) of a separate retainer cap  50  (see  FIG.  32   , for example). This facilitates a secure engagement such that when the lanyard  15  is pulled, it will pull the barrel  60  and its contents during operation. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6 ,  7 ,  14 ,  15 ,  22 ,  23  and  33   , for example, embodiments of the barrel  60  can be formed as a monolithic, single-body component with an exterior surface  62  and an interior surface  64  defining an interior cavity  63  extending axially therethrough. The exterior surface  62  can be substantially cylindrical, or tubular, as shown, with an optionally rounded upper exterior surface  65 . An interior edge surface  68  of the barrel  60  extends radially inwardly from the interior surface  64  to lower neck portion  71  of the interior surface  64 . The interior edge surface  68  provides a structural support for the spacer  22  and/or embodiments of the cartridge during operation as described elsewhere herein. In various embodiments, a portion  73  of the interior surface  64  of the barrel  60  extends axially and radially inwardly from the exterior surface  62  to an upper neck portion  75 , which extends axially to the lower neck portion  71 . The lower neck portion extends radially outwardly and axially away from the upper neck portion  75  to the interior edge surface  68 . The upper  75  and lower  71  neck portions provide surfaces for the shank ball segment  23  and element  13  to engage during operation. 
     In the embodiments of the barrel  60  as shown in  FIGS.  6 ,  7 ,  14  and  15   , the barrel interior surface  64  extends axially from the interior edge surface  68  to a bottom locking device receiving area  100 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , a barrel end surface  66  extends radially inwardly from the exterior surface  62  to an axially extending inner radial lip  67 . The bottom locking device receiving area  100  can include the radial lip  67 , a first wall  77  extending radially outwardly from the interior surface  64  to an axially extending interior wall  78 , from which a second wall  79  extends radially inwardly to the radial lip  67 . Such walls  77 ,  78 ,  79  provide a supporting structure for receiving embodiments of a bottom locking device  30  as described elsewhere herein. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , the bottom locking device receiving area  100  includes a first wall  77  extending radially outwardly from the interior surface  64  and a thread  81  extending from the first wall  77  to the barrel end surface  66 . This embodiment provides proper connection structure for receiving other embodiments of a bottom locking device  30  as described elsewhere herein. 
     The embodiment of the barrel  60  as shown in  FIGS.  22  and  23    is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS.  14  and  15   ; however, a bottom portion  74  of the interior surface  64  extends axially outwardly from the radially outer edge  177  of the first wall  77  to the thread  81 . Such form provides supporting structure for receiving alternative embodiments of a bottom locking device  30  as described elsewhere herein. In still another embodiment as shown in  FIG.  33   , the barrel  60  is formed with a thread  83  proximate the top end  88  and a radially inwardly extending support ledge  87  proximate the bottom end  89 . The support ledge  87  provides structural support to a sleeve  28  and/or cartridge in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the barrel  60  is formed of steel or other rigid material. 
     As shown in the drawings, particularly  FIGS.  39  through  41   , for example, embodiments of the spacer  22  can be formed as a monolithic, single-body component with an exterior surface  122  and an interior surface  124  defining an interior cavity extending axially therethrough. The exterior surface  122  can be substantially cylindrical, or tubular, as shown, with embodiments including a notch  126  at one axial end  127  for engaging the retaining jaw  26  as described elsewhere herein. The notch  126  can be formed as a first platform  129  extending radially inwardly from the exterior surface  122  to an end portion  121  of the exterior surface  122  extending axially outwardly to a radially inwardly extending second platform  128 . An angled inner ridge  125  extends axially and radially inwardly from the second platform  128  to the substantially cylindrical interior surface  124 . The angled inner ridge  125  thus forms a frustoconical portion of the interior surface  124  of the spacer  22 . In various embodiments, the spacer  22  is formed of steel or other rigid material and is resilient and not axially compressible. 
     As shown in the drawings, particularly  FIGS.  34  and  35   , for example, embodiments of the fastening ring  24  can be formed as a monolithic element including a fastening ring rim or base  52  with a radially outer edge  54  and a radially inner surface  55  defining a fastening ring cavity. The fastening ring  24  can be an integral, unsplit ring or can be a split ring member. In the embodiments where the fastening ring is a split ring, the fastening ring can include two circumferential end points (not shown) that do not connect, with fixture points for handling and compressing the fastening ring, such that a tool designed to hold the fastening ring at the fixture points can more easily handle and compress the fastening ring in order to assist with assembly or disassembly. In this embodiment, and once compressed, the fastening ring is easily insertable into the barrel  60  by releasing the hold on the fixture points, thereby allowing the fastening ring to expand such that the radially outer edge  54  engages the interior surface  64  of the barrel  60 . In various embodiments, the fastening ring  24  can comprise a spring steel formulation, for example, that enables the fastening ring to be malformed during installation, while springing back into its originally manufactured position once installed. A first face or radially extending surface  59  of the base  52  is positioned in operational contact with the trailing edge of the retaining jaw  24  and a second face or radially extending surface  57  is positioned adjacent the spacer  22  when installed and during operation. 
     The fastening ring  24  is capable of grabbing an inserted cable&#39;s surface via two or more teeth  58 . As shown in  FIGS.  34  and  35   , the fastening ring  24  can be formed with one or more bifurcated or square edged teeth  58  extending axially and radially inwardly from the radially inner surface  55  of the fastening ring base  52 . As shown in  FIGS.  4 ,  13 ,  21  and  32   , for example, the teeth  58  extend toward the inner surface  124  of the spacer  22  when at rest. The teeth  58  of the fastening ring  24  can extend at various angles from the base axis as measured when the teeth are at rest position and are not stressed by the insertion of a cable, for example. The number of teeth can readily vary in number and size. In various embodiments, the fastening ring teeth  58  are angled radially and axially inwardly from the substantially cylindrical perimeter of the fastening ring  24 , toward the spacer  22  and away from the retaining jaw  24 , such that when a cable is inserted, the teeth  58  first extend radially outwardly to permit the cable to pass through, and then exert a pressure against the cable as it settles to discourage the cable from slipping or moving back out of the barrel  60 . In various embodiments, each of the fastening ring teeth  58  is formed with a gripping edge extending radially inwardly into the barrel interior cavity to engage the cable during operation. In various embodiments, the teeth  58  extend toward or to an angled inner ridge  125  of the inner surface  124  of the spacer  22  when stressed by the insertion of a cable, and then flex back in the opposite direction after the cable has been inserted to thereby grip the inserted cable and resist any axial movement of the cable back out of the barrel  60 . The teeth  58  may or may not contact the angled inner ridge  125  of the spacer  22  during operation. In various embodiments, the fastening ring  24  assists in allowing the device  10  to securely engage an inserted cable while also preventing or minimizing any drifting of the cable once inserted, which can result in an unsatisfactory grip on an inserted cable. 
     As shown in the drawings, particularly  FIGS.  36  through  38   , for example, embodiments of the retaining jaw  26  can be provided in various forms and, in various embodiments, the retaining jaw  26  is formed of steel or other rigid material. The retaining jaw  26  can be provided as a unitary, monolithic element with an outer surface  260 , an inner surface  262 , an axially exterior edge or leading edge  264  at its first axial end and a trailing edge at its second axial end in the form of an axially interior, radially extending end wall  265 . The outer surface  260  can be formed with an axially interior segment  266  and an axially exterior segment  267 , wherein the axially interior segment  266  is substantially cylindrical and the axially exterior segment  267  is substantially frustoconical. In various embodiments, the axially exterior segment  267  of the outer surface  260  extends at an angle so as to mate in sliding engagement with the substantially frustoconical surface of the sleeve  28  during operation. The axially interior segment  266  can further be formed with a groove or indentation  268  for mating with the notch  126  of the spacer  22  as described elsewhere herein. The indentation  268  can be formed as an axially extending wall  269  extending axially from the end wall  265  to a radially extending platform  270 . It will be appreciated that the cable receiving component  40  can be provided as individual elements (e.g., spacer  22 , fastening ring  24  and retaining jaw  26 ) joined together or as a single integrated cartridge, regardless of whether formed with an indentation  268 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS.  36  through  38   , the retaining jaw  26  can be formed with compression channels or slots  272  defined by radially extending jaw walls  274  and axially extending jaw rims  276 . The jaw rims  226  can be formed in the axially interior segment  266  of the outer surface  260  of the retaining jaw  26  and can extend radially to the inner surface  262  of the retaining jaw  26 . The jaw walls  274  can extend axially outwardly from the jaw rims  226  to the exterior edge  264  of the retaining jaw  26 . Thus, the slots  272  extend through the axially exterior segment  267  of the outer surface  260  of the retaining jaw  26  and a portion of the axially interior segment  266  of the outer surface  260  of the retaining jaw  26 . In various embodiments, one of the slots can extend fully through the axially interior segment  266  of the outer surface  260  of the retaining jaw  26  to form a split, which can assist with manipulating the retaining jaw  26  during installation, as the split results in less resistance to radial compression of the retaining jaw  26  such that the retaining jaw  26  may more readily be inserted into the barrel interior. 
     The slots  272  form multiple jaw members, as shown in  FIGS.  36  through  38   . The number of jaw members can vary depending upon the embodiment. For example, as shown in  FIG.  38   , four jaw members  255 ,  256 ,  257  and  258  are formed. Regardless of number, each jaw member can be formed with a respective leading edge corresponding to exterior edge  264  at the axially outer end of the jaw member and a gripping segment such as jaw teeth  250 . The jaw teeth  250  can be formed with riser segments  251  and radially inwardly extending ridges  252 , wherein the riser segments  251  extend radially and axially inwardly from the jaw walls  274  and wherein the riser segments  251  and ridges  252  meet at a radially inner edge  253  which forms a sharpened peak for pinching an inserted cable. In various embodiments, the riser segments  251  are formed with a greater surface area than the ridges  252 , which assists in facilitating the insertion of a cable while also providing for significant gripping force after the cable has been inserted so as to resist movement of the cable axially outwardly of the barrel  60 . 
     As shown in the drawings, particularly  FIGS.  42  and  43   , for example, embodiments of the sleeve  28  can be provided in various forms and can be formed of steel or other rigid material. The sleeve  28  can be formed with a substantially cylindrical outer surface  280  and a substantially frustoconical inner surface  282 . The inner surface  282  extends from a sleeve primary end  284  having a radially narrower depth to a sleeve secondary end  286  having a radially wider depth, with a radially extending wall  287  at the sleeve primary end  284  that mates with a bottom locking device  30  or a support ledge  87  of the barrel  60  depending upon the embodiment as disclosed herein. The inner surface  282  at the sleeve secondary end  286  mates with the axially exterior segment  267  of the outer surface  260  of the retaining jaw  26  during operation. 
     Various embodiments of the bottom locking device  30  are shown in  FIGS.  2  through  26   . As shown in  FIGS.  4 ,  5 ,  8  and  9   , for example, the bottom locking device  30  includes a head  330  integrally formed with a ring-shaped body  332 , wherein the head includes a head radially exterior surface  302 , a head radially interior surface  304 , a head axially exterior surface  305  and a head axially interior surface  307 . When installed, the head axially exterior surface  305  is maintained in contact with the first wall  77  of the bottom locking device receiving area  100  and the radially extending wall  287  at the primary end  284  of the sleeve  28 , as shown in  FIG.  5   . When installed, the head radially exterior surface  302  is further maintained in contact with the axially extending interior wall  78  of the bottom locking device receiving area  100  and the head axially interior surface  307  is maintained in contact with the second wall  79  of the bottom locking device receiving area  100 . Such arrangement keeps the bottom locking device  30  of  FIGS.  4 ,  5 ,  8  and  9    in secure engagement with the barrel  60  and further provides secure retention of the sleeve  28  during operation. In such embodiments, the bottom locking device  30  can be snapped into place in the barrel  60 . 
     The body  332  of the bottom locking device  30  includes a body interior surface  306  and a body radially exterior surface  308 . The head radially interior surface  304  and the body interior surface  306  form an opening  319  extending along an axis T through the head  330  and ring-shaped body  332 . In various embodiments, the head radially interior surface  304  is substantially cylindrical. In various other embodiments, the head radially interior surface  304  extends from the axially outer edge  333  at the radially innermost part of the head axially exterior surface  305  radially and axially inwardly to a lip  334 , and the body interior surface  306  extends radially outwardly and axially inwardly from the lip  334  to an axially inner edge  337 . The angled extensions of the head radially interior surface  304  and body interior surface  306  facilitate operation of the device when a cable is inserted and to be retained as described elsewhere herein. In various embodiments, the radial distance from the axis T to the head radially interior surface  304  at the axially outer edge  333  is greater than the radial distance from the axis T to the lip  334  and greater than the radial distance from the axis T to the axially inner edge  337 . Further, the radial distance from the axis T to the head radially interior surface  302  is less than the radial distance from the axis T to the body radially interior surface  308 . 
     In various embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS.  11  through  26   , the body radially exterior surface  308  is threaded as at  320  to mate with the thread  81  on the barrel  60 . In these embodiments, the radial distance from the axis T to the head radially interior surface  302  is less than the radial distance from the axis T to the body radially interior surface  306 . As shown in  FIGS.  24  through  26   , the body interior surface  306  extends radially outwardly and axially inwardly from the lip  334  along a first interior portion  340  to an intermediate ridge  342  at a first angle X to the axis T, and further extends radially outwardly and axially inwardly from the intermediate ridge  342  along a second interior portion  344  to the axially inner edge  337  at a second angle Y to the axis, wherein the second angle Y is greater than the first angle X. The different angles facilitate maintaining an inserted cable in an appropriately angled channel such that the cable is guided into the retaining jaw  26  and through the fastening ring  24  and spacer  22 . Further, the body radially exterior surface  308 , in addition to including threaded portion  320  can include an unthreaded portion  345  extending axially inwardly from the threaded portion  320 , as shown in  FIG.  25   . 
     In the embodiments of the present disclosure as shown in  FIGS.  27  through  33   , no bottom locking device  30  is employed. As shown therein, a hollow retaining cap  500  is provided and maintains shank ball segment  23  therein. The hollow retaining cap  500  can be provided with a thread  510  on an exterior surface thereof, wherein the thread  510  can mate with thread  83  of the barrel as shown in  FIGS.  27  through  33   . In various embodiments, the retaining cap  500  is made of steel or other rigid material. 
     In various embodiments such as shown in  FIGS.  44  through  48   , for example, the fastening ring  24 , retaining jaw  26  and sleeve  28  can be formed as a single member cartridge  70  for employment in the device  10  as disclosed herein. The cartridge  70  may optionally include the spacer  22 . In such embodiments, the axially extending wall  269  extending axially from the end wall  265  of the retaining jaw  26  can be formed with a slot  300  for receiving the base  52  of the fastening ring  24 . The fastening ring  24 , whether split or not, can be snapped into place within the slot  300 . In such embodiments, the sleeve  28  at the radially wider depth end  286  can be formed with a retaining lip  310  that retains the end wall  265  of the retaining jaw  26  and restricts any axial movement of the retaining jaw  26  within the sleeve  28 . The spacer  22  can be secured to the retaining lip  310  such as by adhesive, for example, and thereby form part of the cartridge  70 . The internal tapered wall  282  of the sleeve  28  compresses the retaining jaw  26  as the jaw slides downward during installation of the cartridge  70 . In various embodiments, the internal tapered wall  282  of the sleeve  28  is formed with a radially inwardly extending nub  288  to act as an axial stop for the retaining jaw  26 . The overall cartridge  70  can have a top axial end surface  298 , and the fastening ring teeth  58  can extend axially to or outwardly of the top axial end surface  298 . Embodiments of the overall cartridge  70  can have a substantially cylindrical outer surface  322  and a substantially frustoconical interior surface  324 . 
     In alternative embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS.  49  and  50   , the retaining jaw  26  is not slidably engaged with the internal tapered wall  282 , but rather the internal wall  282  of the sleeve  28  is formed with receiving cavities  290  for receiving individual jaw elements of the retaining jaw  26 . For example, if the slots  272  separating jaw elements  255 ,  256 ,  257  and  258  of  FIG.  38    extended fully through the axially interior segment  266  of the retaining jaw  26 , four independent jaw elements would be formed. Exemplary such jaw elements are shown at  293  and  294  in  FIG.  49   . Such jaw elements  293 ,  294  can be retained within the individual compartments  290  formed within the sleeve internal wall  282 . It will be appreciated that in such embodiments, the sleeve  28  can be formed with axially extending slots or compression channels  295  to facilitate radial contraction and expansion during operation. 
     In operation, the device  10  can be assembled from the bottom or the top of the barrel  60 , depending upon embodiment. In the bottom loading assembly, such as shown in  FIGS.  1  through  26   , the spacer  22  is inserted into the barrel  60  so as to abut the interior edge surface  68  of the barrel  60 . The fastening ring  24  is inserted so as to engage the spacer  22  as shown in the drawings and as described elsewhere herein. The retainer jaw  26  is then inserted so as to engage the fastening ring  24  and the spacer  22  as shown in the drawings and as described elsewhere herein. The sleeve  28  and bottom locking device  30  are then inserted as described elsewhere herein with regard to  FIGS.  1  through  18   . Alternatively,  FIGS.  19  through  26    illustrate the embodiment whereby the bottom locking device  30  is an integrated combination of a bottom locking device and sleeve. In such arrangement, the thread  320  on the bottom locking device radially exterior surface  308  engages the thread  81  of the barrel  60  and the unthreaded portion  345  of the body radially exterior surface  308  engages the bottom portion  74  of the interior surface  64  of the barrel  60 . In this embodiment, the axially inner edge  337  of the body  332  engages the first wall  77  extending radially outwardly from the interior surface  64  of the barrel  60 . The combination of the threaded connection between the bottom locking device  30  and the barrel  60  and the engagement of the axially inner edge  337  of the bottom locking device  30  with the first wall  77  of the barrel  60  provides a secure and stable connection that will not permit axial movement of the bottom locking device  30  during operation. 
     In assembly of the device  10  from the top of the barrel  60 , such as shown in  FIGS.  27  through  33   , the sleeve  28 , retaining jaw  26 , fastening ring  24  and spacer  22  are inserted from the top of the barrel  60  and the sleeve  28  is maintained against the radially inwardly extending ledge  229  of the barrel  60 . The retaining cap  500  can then be threadedly connected to the barrel interior  64 . 
     The inner surface of the retaining jaw  26 , the radially inner surface of the fastening ring  24 , the interior surface of the spacer  22  and the interior surface of the sleeve  28  define a cable receiving cavity  195 . It will be appreciated that the cable receiving component  40  is maintained in substantially axially static position within the interior surface of the barrel  60  upon insertion of a cable into the cable receiving cavity  195 . 
     Prior to insertion of a cable, the device  10  is loaded as described above such that the cable receiving component  40  is inserted into the barrel  60 . As disclosed elsewhere herein, the cable receiving component  40  can comprise multiple elements assembled and positioned together or can alternatively comprise a single, pre-joined and integrated cartridge device  70 . Regardless of form, the cable receiving component  40  can be inserted into the barrel  60  and maintained securely within the barrel interior so as to prevent axial movement of the cable receiving component during operation. 
     It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present disclosure work with and accommodate both insulated as well as uninsulated cables, wiring and other elements. It will be appreciated that the cable is not necessarily considered an element of the device and component as presently disclosed. An inserted cable extends past the optional bottom locking device  30 , cartridge  70  and/or elements  28 ,  26  and  24 . The retaining jaw  26  is maintained securely within the barrel  60  and does not slide axially as the cable is inserted. The pressure from the inserted cable against the jaw teeth  250  does not result in the retaining jaw  26  moving radially inwardly, yet the jaw teeth  250  maintain engagement with the inserted cable while permitting the cable to pass through. 
     As the cable element is pushed further into the barrel  60 , it passes the fastening ring  24  and spacer  22 . In doing so, the fastening ring teeth  58  are flexed radially outwardly so as to permit the inserted cable element to pass. As described elsewhere herein, the fastening ring teeth  58  may flex to the point of engaging angled inner ridge  125  of the spacer interior surface  124 . The cable element can extend until it reaches resistance from the shank ball segment  23  or other internal element, for example. Once the cable element is fully inserted, any movement of the cable axially outwardly of the barrel  60  is resisted by the fastening ring teeth  58  and the jaw teeth  250 , and it will be appreciated that the fastening ring teeth  58  will flex back from the position attained during insertion of the cable element to a position where the edges of the teeth  58  pinch the inserted cable element. At such time, the retaining jaw  26  is immediately and evenly engaged so as to remain in alignment and assist in securely engaging the inserted cable. Further, at such time, a fish tape or other device can be secured to the loop  12  in the rigid lanyard  15  for pulling the cable, such as through or outside of a conduit. 
     It will be appreciated that the cable receiving component remains in a substantially axially static position within the barrel when the device is fully assembled with the retaining cap fully secured to the barrel, regardless of the action of the inserted cable. Further, the threaded and/or snap in engagement of the retaining cap  500  and/or the bottom locking device  30  with the barrel  60  permits ease of assembly and disassembly of the device. 
     The angles, dimensions and materials described herein will be understood to be exemplary and provided as embodiments associated with proper working operation of the device, assembly and method as presently disclosed. Further, it will be appreciated that, in various embodiments, the members of the device and assembly disclosed herein can be formed through hydroforming processes. 
     The device, assembly and method as presently disclosed may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims of the application rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.