Patent Publication Number: US-11652344-B2

Title: Cable spacer comprising a ratchet spacer clamp

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/983,208, filed on Feb. 28, 2020, entitled “CABLE SPACER COMPRISING A RATCHET SPACER CLAMP,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to cable spacers and, more specifically, cable spacers for that comprise a plurality of ratchet spacer clamps that maintain positions of a plurality of cables relative to each other. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Overhead high-voltage power transmission or distribution systems typically have a plurality of electrically conductive cables. A cable spacer is used to separate the conductive cables from each other, thereby limiting the possibility of a fault resulting from contact between two or more of the conductive cables. Generally, clamps provided to the cable spacer cooperate with different conductive cables of the power transmission system. A frame coupled to the clamps maintains separation between those clamps and, accordingly, the portions of the respective conductive cables received by the clamps. 
     The conductive cables of a power transmission system are commonly suspended from poles or towers. Due to their weight, the suspended conductive cables sag between neighboring poles or towers. Cable spacers have a tendency to slip along the length of the conductive cables over time toward the low point along the sagging conductive cables between the neighboring poles or towers. This undesirable slippage is worsened by environmental factors such as ice accumulation on the conductive cables that lowers the coefficient of friction between the cable spacer and the conducting cables, and makes the sag of the conductive cables more pronounced. As a result, cable spacers often move from a point of installation, where they establish a desired separation of the conductive cables, to a central region of the conductive cables between poles or towers. 
     In an attempt to limit movement of the cable spacer along the length of conductive cables, installers are instructed to tighten the clamps provided to the cable spacers onto the conductive cables. However, the cable spacers are installed along conductive cables high in the air, where installers have limited leverage to exert on hand-tightened clamps to establish a tight fit that effectively limits slippage of the cable clamps. Further, such clamps include locking members that flex while being installed on the conductive cables, and return to an unbiased shape once the tightening force imparted during installation is removed. Such relaxation of the locking member limits the clamping force that can be imparted on the conductive cables by the installed clamps, worsening slippage of the cable spacer along the conductive cables. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     According to an aspect, a cable spacer for maintaining positions of a plurality of cables relative to each other is provided. The cable spacer includes a frame and a hanger that suspends the frame from a support member. A plurality of clamps couple the plurality of cables to the frame to maintain the positions of the plurality of cables relative to each other. A first clamp of the plurality of clamps cooperates with a region of a first cable of the plurality of cables. The first clamp includes a receiver comprising a first arcuate surface defining a first concave pocket that receives the region of the first cable, and a keeper. The keeper is adjustably coupled to the receiver to be adjusted to a first position relative to the receiver. A portion of the keeper is separated from the first arcuate surface by the region of the first cable received within the first concave pocket, and interferes with removal of the region of the first cable from the first concave pocket. A locking system is adjustably coupled to the keeper to adjust the keeper from the first position to a second position relative to the receiver, maintaining the keeper in the second position. The portion of the keeper, in the second position, exerts a compressive force on the region of the first cable, urging the region of the first cable into the first concave pocket. 
     According to an aspect, a clamp for maintaining a position of a cable is provided. The clamp includes a receiver including an arcuate surface defining a concave pocket that receives a region of the cable. A keeper is adjustably coupled to the receiver to be adjusted to a first position relative to the receiver. A portion of the keeper is separated from the arcuate surface by the region of the cable received within the concave pocket, and interferes with removal of the region of the cable from the concave pocket. The clamp also includes a locking system adjustably coupled to the keeper to adjust the keeper from the first position to a second position relative to the receiver, and maintain the keeper in the second position. The portion of the keeper, in the second position, exerts a compressive force on the region of the cable, urging the region of the cable into the concave pocket. 
     According to an aspect, a cable spacer for maintaining positions of a plurality of cables relative to each other is provided. The cable spacer includes a frame, a hanger that suspends the frame from a support member, and a plurality of clamps that couple the plurality of cables to the frame to maintain the positions of the plurality of cables. A first clamp of the plurality of clamps cooperates with a region of a first cable of the plurality of cables. The first clamp includes a receiver including a first arcuate surface defining a first concave pocket that receives the region of the first cable, a guide surface that extends along a portion of the receiver, and a keeper. The keeper is adjustably coupled to the receiver to be adjusted from a first position relative to the receiver, where a portion of the keeper is separated from the first arcuate surface by the region of the first cable received within the first concave pocket, to a second position relative to the receiver, where the portion of the keeper exerts a compressive force on the region of the first cable, urging the region of the first cable into the first concave pocket. A foot is coupled to the keeper, and contacts the guide surface to interfere with deformation of the keeper during adjustment of the keeper from the first position to the second position. A locking system maintains the keeper in the second position. 
     According to an aspect, a cable spacer for maintaining positions of a plurality of cables relative to each other is provided. The cable spacer includes a frame, a hanger that suspends the frame from a support member, and a plurality of clamps that couple the plurality of cables to the frame to maintain the positions of the plurality of cables. A first clamp of the plurality of clamps cooperates with a region of a first cable of the plurality of cables. The first clamp includes a receiver comprising a first arcuate surface defining a first concave pocket that receives the region of the first cable, and a keeper that is adjustably coupled to the receiver to be adjusted from a first position relative to the receiver. A portion of the keeper is separated from the first arcuate surface by the region of the first cable received within the first concave pocket, to a second position relative to the receiver. In the second position, the portion of the keeper exerts a compressive force on the region of the first cable, urging the region of the first cable into the first concave pocket. An anti-slip material on the first arcuate surface interferes with axial movement of the region of the first cable within the first concave pocket. 
     The following description and drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments, aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of a cable spacer including a plurality of clamps that cooperate with cables to maintain positions of the cables relative to each other, according to one aspect; 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of an embodiment of a clamp with a keeper in a first position; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the clamp of  FIG.  2   , with the keeper adjusted to a second position; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of an embodiment of a clamp with a keeper in a first position; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the clamp of  FIG.  4   , with the keeper adjusted to a second position; 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of an embodiment of a clamp with a keeper in a first position; 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of the clamp of  FIG.  6   , with the keeper adjusted to a second position; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamp that includes a rib as a guide surface, with a keeper in a first position; 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the clamp of  FIG.  8   , with the keeper adjusted to a second position; 
         FIG.  10    is a top view of an embodiment of a clamp that includes a plurality of lateral apertures forming guide surfaces; 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of the clamp of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamp that includes a spring-biased keeper in a first position; 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of the clamp of  FIG.  12   , with the keeper adjusted to a second position by a spring; and 
         FIG.  14    is a side view of an embodiment of a cable spacer comprising a linearly adjustable keeper. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The claimed subject matter is described with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the claimed subject matter. It will be apparent, however, that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter. Relative size, orientation, etc. of parts, components, etc. may differ from that which is illustrated while not falling outside of the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     This disclosure relates to a cable spacer to be used for spacing jacketed, bundled electrical conductors (referred to herein as “cables”) suspended from transmission pylons, towers or poles. In particular, this disclosure relates to a cable spacer including a clamp that imparts an improved clamping force on at least one of the cables, an anti-slip material provided to a surface of the clamp, or a combination thereof, in an attempt to interfere with slippage of the cable spacer along the cables. 
     For example, conventional clamps use a high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) material forming an interface that engages the cables. HDPE has a low coefficient of friction that limits the ability of the clamp to securely clamp onto a cable and limit slippage of the clamp along the cable. Conventional clamps also include a keeper that flexes excessively during tightening, and relaxes once tightening is completed, which contributes to an insufficient clamping force being exerted on the cable by the clamp to interfere with slippage of the cable spacer along the cables. 
     The present cable spacer comprises an improved keeper, an improved anti-slip material on a surface of the clamp that engages the cable, or a combination thereof. For example, embodiments of the improved keeper can include a guide surface that supports the keeper during tightening to limit flexing of the keeper while being urged toward the cable received by the clamp. 
     As an example, the improved keeper includes a lever, a spring-actuated closing system, or other mechanically-advantageous locking system that urges the keeper toward the cable received by the clamp. According to some embodiments, the improved keeper allows for a greater compressive force to be imparted on the portion of the cable received by the clamp than manual adjustment of a conventional keeper, lacking the locking system, that is pivotally adjustable about a pivot point. 
     As an example, a layer of a compressible, anti-slip material is applied to a surface of the clamp, to be disposed between the surface of the clamp and the cable while the clamp is fully installed on the cable. During installation, the anti-slip material compresses as a result of the keeper being urged toward the cable received by the clamp. A ratchet system comprising a plurality of teeth provided to a portion of the clamp and/or the keeper allows the keeper to be maintained at a position where the keeper prevents complete relaxation of the anti-slip material while the keeper is in a closed position. 
     One or more aspects of an improved cable spacer  100  (e.g.,  FIG.  1   ) will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. An illustrative embodiment of a cable spacer  100  that can be utilized on a three-phase circuit is shown in  FIG.  1   , and includes a first clamp  102 , a second clamp  104  and a third clamp  106 , which are referred to collectively herein as the clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106 . Although the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1    includes three clamps, some embodiments of the cable spacer  100  include a single clamp, for supporting a single-phase circuit from a support member, at least two clamps, or more than three clamps. For the sake of brevity and clarity, the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1    will be described in detail. 
     Each of the plurality of clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  in  FIG.  1    cooperates with a different cable  108 ,  110 ,  112 , to maintain spacing between the portions of those cables  108 ,  110 ,  112  received by the clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  relative to each other. In order to illustrate greater detail of the clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106 , the cables  108 ,  110 ,  112  are only partially shown, and it is to be understood that the cables  108 ,  110 ,  112  pass through the clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  when the cable spacer  100  is deployed in the field. The clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  are coupled to a frame  114 . The frame  114  is a rigid structure formed from an electrically-insulating material that maintains the positions of the clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  relative to each other. The dimensions of the frame  114  can be chosen to separate the clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  a suitable distance from each other based on the power to be conducted by the cables that are to be received by the clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106 . 
     The frame  114  also includes a hanger  116  that suspends the frame  114  from a support member  118  such as a messenger cable extending between neighboring poles, pylons or towers (not shown). Embodiments of the messenger cable can include a bundled, unjacketed cable that is a dedicated support structure, that does not conduct electrical energy as part of the power transmission system. The hanger  116  comprises a hook  120  or other receiver that is opening downward (e.g., concave down) to be placed on the messenger cable, thereby suspending the cable spacer  100  from the messenger cable. 
     The clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  each include a receiver  122  comprising an arcuate surface  124  defining a concave pocket  126  that receives a region of the respective cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  on which the clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  are to be installed. For example, the first clamp  102  includes a receiver  122  with an arcuate surface  124  defining a concave pocket  126  that receives a first cable  108 . The second clamp  104  includes a receiver  122  with an arcuate surface  124  defining a concave pocket  126  that receives a second cable  110 . The third clamp  106  includes a receiver  122  with an arcuate surface  124  defining a concave pocket  126  that receives a third cable  112 . 
     According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the arcuate surface  124  is provided with an anti-slip material  132 . For the purposes of this disclosure, the anti-slip material can include materials that have a greater coefficient of friction (static or kinetic) than the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112 . In additional examples, the anti-slip material can include materials that have a greater coefficient of friction (static or kinetic) than the keeper  134 . This greater coefficient of friction relative to at least one of the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  or the keeper  134  can reduce or eliminate relative motion between the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  and the components of the cable spacer  100 . Examples of the anti-slip material include, but are not limited to, a natural or synthetic rubber, an elastomeric resin, or other elastically-compressible material. According to some embodiments, the anti-slip material  132  has a depth dimension that is compressible toward the arcuate surface  124  as a result of the compressive force exerted on the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  received therein by at least 0.012 inches. In some examples, the anti-slip material  132  has a depth dimension that is compressible toward the arcuate surface  124  as a result of the compressive force exerted on the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  received therein by at least 0.025 inches. 
     Each of the clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  illustrated in  FIG.  1    includes a keeper  134 . The keeper  134  includes a first arm  136  and a second arm  138  laterally spaced apart from the first arm  136 . A hinge pin  140  extends transversely across the receiver  122 , and connects the first arm  136  to the second arm  138  at a proximate end  142  of the keeper  134 . The hinge pin  140  is received by a hinge socket  144 , allowing for pivotal adjustment of the keeper  134  relative to the receiver  122  from a first position to a second position. In the first position, a portion of the keeper  134  is separated from the arcuate surface  124 , allowing for introduction of the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  into the concave pocket  126  defined by the by the arcuate surface  124 . In the second position, the portion of the keeper  134  that was separate from the arcuate surface  124  is proximate to the arcuate surface  124 , but separated from the arcuate surface  124  by the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  received in the concave pocket  126 . In the second position, the keeper  134  interferes with removal of the region of the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  from the concave pocket  126  and separation of the cable from the receiver  122 . In some examples, at least a portion of the keeper  134  is provided with an anti-slip material  132 , similar to the anti-slip material  132  described above in relation to the receiver  122 . 
     The clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  also include a locking system  146  that at least maintains the keeper  134  in the second position, where a portion of the keeper  134 , in the second position, exerts a compressive force on a portion of the cable received within the concave pocket  126 , urging the portion of the cable into the concave pocket  126  (e.g., toward the arcuate surface  124 ). According to some embodiments, the locking system  146  is adjustably coupled to the keeper  134  to adjust the keeper  134  from the first position to a second position relative to the receiver  122  when the locking system  146  is adjusted. 
       FIGS.  2  and  3    illustrate embodiments of a keeper  134  adjusted by the locking system  146  from the first position ( FIG.  2   ) to the second position ( FIG.  3   ). According to the illustrated embodiments, the locking system  146  includes a ratcheting lever  200  that is pivotally coupled to the keeper  134  by a hinge pin  202  extending between the first arm  136  and the second arm  138 . 
     The ratcheting lever  200  comprises a tooth  204  at a proximate end  206  and a handle  210  at a distal end  208 . Embodiments of the handle  210  include an aperture  212  defined by a wall forming a portion of the handle  210  to facilitate manual grasping of the handle  210 . Some embodiments of the receiver  122  include a first projection  214 . In some examples, the receiver  122  includes the first projection  214  that projects from a surface  216  of the receiver  122 , and the locking system  146  comprises a locking member (e.g., tooth  204 ) that cooperates with the first projection  214  to maintain the keeper  134  in the second position (represented by  FIG.  3   ). 
     In some particular examples, the first projection  214  can be at least one, or optionally a plurality of ratchet teeth  214  or other protrusions that extend transversely, in a direction between the first arm  136  and the second arm  138 , laterally across an outward facing arcuate surface  216  of the receiver  122 . For simplicity, the remainder of the disclosure will use the terms “first projection” and “ratchet teeth” interchangeably, however, the described ratchet teeth are not meant to be limiting, and are just one example of possible first projections. Embodiments of the outward facing arcuate surface  216  define a curvature that extends an angular extent about the hinge pin  140  of the keeper  134  received in the hinge socket  144 . 
     To urge the keeper  134  toward the cable received by the receiver  122 , the keeper  134  is manually adjusted about the hinge socket  144  until portions of the first arm  136  and the second arm  138  of the keeper  134  are in close proximity to a region of the cable received in the concave pocket  126  defined, at least in part, by the arcuate surface  124 . In this position, the outward facing arcuate surface  216  extends through a space between the first arm  136  and the second arm  138  of the keeper  134 . The ratcheting lever  200  is pivotally adjusted about the hinge pin  202  (in the clockwise direction in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , indicated by arrow  218 ) through manipulation of the handle  210 , causing the tooth  204  of the ratcheting lever  200  to engage at least one of the ratchet teeth  214  provided to the outward facing arcuate surface  216 . Such engagement urges portions of the first arm  136  and the second arm  138  toward the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  in the concave pocket  126 , thereby establishing a compressive force on the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  strong enough to interfere with relative axial movement of the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  and the receiver  122 , and limiting slippage of the cable spacer  100  along the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , according to some embodiments, the locking system  146  comprises a ratcheting lever  400  that includes a cam  402  that is pivotal about an axis represented by line  404  defined by a hinge pin  406  to urge portions of the first arm  136  and the second arm  138  of the keeper  134  toward the concave pocket  126  defined by the arcuate surface  124 . Such adjustment of the cam  402  adjusts the keeper  134  from the first position to the second position, thereby compressing the cable against the arcuate surface  124  with the concave pocket  126 . 
     Some embodiments of the ratcheting lever  400  comprise a handle  408  that includes an aperture  410  defined by a wall forming a portion of the ratcheting lever  400 . Similar to the description above, the illustrated embodiment of the receiver  122  in  FIGS.  4  and  5    include at least one, or optionally a plurality of ratchet teeth  214  or other protrusions that extend transversely, in a direction between the first arm  136  and the second arm  138 , laterally across the outward facing arcuate surface  216  of the receiver  122 . Embodiments of the outward facing arcuate surface  216  have a curvature that extends an angular extent about the hinge pin  140  of the keeper  134  received in the hinge socket  144 . 
     An external, arcuate surface  412  of the cam  402  comprises a plurality of teeth  414  extending transversely between the first arm  136  and the second arm  138 . According to some embodiments, the cam  402  is offset relative to the hinge pin  406 , to pivot eccentrically about the axis defined by the hinge pin  406 . Accordingly, as the keeper  134  is pivoted from the first position (represented in  FIG.  4   ) toward the second position (represented in  FIG.  5   ), and the teeth  414  of the cam  402  tend to move radially away from the ratchet teeth  214 , eccentric rotation of the cam  402  maintains engagement of the teeth  414  provided to the cam  402  and the ratchet teeth  214 , facilitating a large range of adjustment. 
     To urge the keeper  134  toward the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  received by the receiver  122 , the keeper  134  is manually adjusted about the hinge socket  144  until portions of the first arm  136  and the second arm  138  of the keeper  134  are in close proximity to a region of the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  received in the concave pocket  126  defined, at least in part, by the arcuate surface  124 . In this position, the outward facing arcuate surface  216  extends through a space between the first arm  136  and the second arm  138  of the keeper  134 . The ratcheting lever  400  is pivotally adjusted about the hinge pin  406  (in the counter-clockwise direction in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , indicated by arrow  416 ) through manipulation of the handle  408 , causing the teeth  414  of the ratcheting lever  400  to engage at least one of the ratchet teeth  214  provided to the outward facing arcuate surface  216 . Such engagement urges portions of the first arm  136  and the second arm  138  toward the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  in the concave pocket  126 , thereby establishing a compressive force on the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  strong enough to interfere with relative axial movement of the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  and the receiver  122 , and limiting slippage of the cable spacer  100  along the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , according to some embodiments, the locking system  146  comprises at least one cam  600 , or a plurality of cams  600  that causes adjustment of a tooth  602  to urge portions of the first arm  136  and the second arm  138  toward a cable received within the concave pocket  126  defined by the arcuate surface  124  of the receiver  122 . As shown, the cam(s)  600  is/are eccentrically coupled to a member  604 , which is coupled to a tooth  602  at a distal end of the linear member  604 . Being eccentrically coupled to the member  604 , pivotal adjustment of the cam(s)  600  as a result of pivotal adjustment of a handle  608  (in the clockwise direction indicated by arrow  610  in  FIG.  6   ) causes a portion of the cam(s)  600  to make contact with a wall  612 . Continued pivotal adjustment of the handle  608  causes the cam(s)  600  to drive the member  604  forward, causing linear translation of the tooth  602  in the direction of arrow  610 , toward the receiver  122 . This arrangement enables a rotation of the cam  600  to urge the tooth  602  to move back and forth such that as the handle  608  is rotated, the tooth  602  can move relatively quickly during one portion of the handle  608  rotation, and the tooth  602  can move relatively slowly during another portion of the handle  608  rotation due to a profile of the cam  600 . Resultant non-linear motion of the tooth  602  enables the described structure to function as a locking mechanism. 
     Similar to the description above, the illustrated embodiment of the receiver  122  in  FIGS.  6  and  7    comprise at least one, or optionally a plurality of ratchet teeth  214  or other protrusions that extend transversely, in a direction between the first arm  136  and the second arm  138 , laterally across the outward facing arcuate surface  216  of the receiver  122 . As the tooth  602  is driven toward the receiver  122 , the tooth engages at least one of the ratchet teeth  214 , causing adjustment of the keeper  134  from the first position, shown in  FIG.  6   , toward the second position shown in  FIG.  7   . Urging the portions of the first arm  136  and the second arm  138  toward the cable received in the concave pocket  126  defined by the arcuate surface  124 , results in a compressive force being exerted on the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  to reduce or eliminate slippage of the cable spacer  100  along the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112 . 
     Some embodiments of the keeper  134  lack an adjustable lever or handle that is adjustable relative to the first arm  136  and the second arm  138 . However, such embodiments of the keeper  134  have a tendency to flex during application of the forces required to exert the compressive force on the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  received within the concave pocket  126 . To limit the extent to which the keeper  134  can flex, the receiver  122  comprises a guide surface that supports the keeper  134  during application of the forces to adjust the keeper  134  from the first position to the second position. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the guide surface comprises a rib  800  that projects outwardly, away from the outward facing arcuate surface  216  of the receiver  122 . The rib  800  extends linearly, along a central region of the ratchet teeth  214 , such that a portion of the ratchet teeth  214  extend laterally from both sides of the rib  800 . However, alternate embodiments of the guide surface can include a plurality of ribs  800 , arranged adjacent to opposite lateral sides of the ratchet teeth  214  or at any other location along the receiver  122 . 
     For embodiments where the rib  800  extends along a central region of the outward facing arcuate surface  216  shown in  FIG.  8   , the keeper  134  includes one, or a plurality of pawls  802  arranged between the first arm  136  and the second arm  138 . The pawls  802  are angled relative to the ratchet teeth  214  of the receiver to slide over the ratchet teeth  214  as the keeper  134  is being adjusted from the first position toward the second position, but to interfere with adjustment of the keeper  134  from the second position back toward the first position. Accordingly, adjustment of the keeper  134  for such embodiments is considered unidirectional. 
     To support the keeper  134  during adjustment from the first position to the second position, a foot  804  extends generally toward the receiver  122 , from a portion of a handle  806  disposed between the first arm  136  and the second arm  138 . As shown in  FIG.  8   , the foot  804  comprises a surface that defines a recess  808  configured to receive a portion of the rib  800 . Cooperation between the portion of the rib  800  and the recess  808  maintains alignment of the keeper  134  relative to the receiver  122  as the keeper  134  is adjusted between the first position and the second position. 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , an underside of the foot  804  comprises a surface  812  that is shaped to travel along one or more slide surfaces  810  forming a portion of the rib  800 . For example, the surface  812  comprises an arcuate shape in  FIG.  9    that is a mirror image of the slide surfaces  810 . In other words, the radius of curvature of the surface  812  is approximately the same as the radius of curvature of the slide surfaces  810  extending along the outward facing surface  216  of the receiver  122 . 
     According to some embodiments, the guide surface provided to the receiver  122  comprises a plurality of surfaces that engage a plurality of feet coupled to the keeper  134 . For example, as shown in  FIGS.  10  and  11   , the guide surface comprises a bottom surface  1000 , or underside of the outward facing arcuate surface  216 , that is provided with the plurality of ratchet teeth  214 . According to some embodiments, the bottom surface  1000  is arcuate in shape and has a radius of curvature that is not equal to a second radius of curvature of the second arcuate surface of the receiver  122  provided with the ratchet teeth  214 . The bottom surface  1000 , for such embodiments, partially defines an aperture  1002  along with a second arcuate surface  1004  provided to the receiver  122 . The aperture  1002  forms a track, defining a permissible direction and range of travel of the keeper  134  relative to the receiver  122 . 
     The keeper comprises feet  1008  that extend laterally inward from the first arm  136  and the second arm  138  of the keeper  134 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . The feet  1008  travel within the aperture  1002  to allow the keeper  134  to be adjusted between the first position and the second position. Since the range of movement of the keeper  134  is limited by the feet  1008  within the apertures  1002 , flexing of the keeper  134  as a result of the forces applied on a handle region  1010  is limited. During adjustment of the keeper  134  from the first position toward the second position a pawl  1012  slides over the ratchet teeth  214 , but interferes with the keeper traveling in the opposite direction (e.g., toward the first position), thereby securing the keeper  134  in place, where it exerts the compressive force on the cable received within the concave pocket  126 . 
     According to some embodiments, the locking system  146  includes a biasing member. For example, the locking system  146  can be spring-biased, to automatically adjust the keeper  134  from the first position to the second position in response to actuation of a trigger  1200 . For such embodiments, the keeper  134  is maintained in the first position, shown in  FIG.  12   , by the trigger  1200 . A biasing member such as a spring  1202  or other, similar structure applies a force that urges the keeper  134  toward the second position adjacent to the receiver  122 , as shown in  FIG.  13   . The trigger  1200  overcomes the force exerted by the spring  1202  to maintain the keeper  134  in the first position until the trigger  1200  is actuated by a cable  108  coming into contact with the trigger  1200  while the keeper  134  is in the first position. Contact between the cable  108  and the trigger  1200  releases the keeper  134 , allowing the force exerted by the spring  1202  to adjust the keeper  134  from the first position to the second position. 
     For embodiments comprising a biasing member, such as the spring-biased keeper  134 , the keeper  134  comprises a single arm  1204 , and the receiver  122  comprises a plurality of arms  1206 ,  1208  that collectively form the concave pocket  1210 . The arm  1204  of the keeper  134  and the arms  1206 ,  1208  of the receiver  122  include an elastically-compressible liner  1212  that acts as an anti-slip material. Additionally, the force exerted by the spring  1202  that causes compression of the cable between the arm  1204  of the keeper  134  and the arms  1206 ,  1208  of the receiver  122  can at least partially compress the elastically-compressible liner  1212 , limiting relative axial movement of the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  relative to the receiver  122  and interfering with slippage of the cable spacer  100  along the cable  108 . Because the spring  1202  maintains the closing force on the keeper  134  while the keeper  134  is in the second position, a separate pawl and ratcheting teeth are unnecessary to maintain the position of the keeper  134  in the second position for such embodiments. 
     In some examples, the locking system  146  includes a latch  1300  that cooperates with another structure to maintain the keeper  134  in the first position (e.g., the open position), to allow insertion of the region of the first cable  108  into the first concave pocket  1210 . Upon contact between the first cable  108  and the trigger  1200 , the latch  1300  can be moved away from the cooperating structure to enable the spring  1202  to urge the keeper  134  to the second position (e.g., the closed position). 
     According to some embodiments, the keeper  134  is linearly adjustable relative to the receiver, as shown in  FIG.  14   , to impart a clamping force on the cable suitable to interfere with slippage of the cable spacer  100  along the cable. Using the clamp  106  as an example, the keeper  134  comprises an arm  1400  defining an arcuate surface  1402  that is concave down. A female fastener  1410  comprises a side wall provided with internal threading that defines an internal passage for receiving a male threaded fastener  1412 . 
     The receiver comprises a first arm  1404  and a second arm  1406  that collectively form a concave pocket  1408 . The first arm  1404  and the second arm  1406  are laterally spaced apart from each other an extent sufficient to allow a portion of the arm  1400  of the keeper  134  to be received between the first arm  1404  and the second arm  1406  when the keeper  134  is adjusted to the second position. 
     The male threaded fastener  1412 , such as a bolt for example, extends through a flange  1414  coupled to the receiver  122 . A handle  1416  that, according to some embodiments, is an eye or other structure that can be manipulated by hand or a power tool such as a drill, electric screwdriver, or other apparatus that rotates the male threaded fastener  1412 . Linear movement such as translation of the male threaded fastener in the axial direction is constrained by the flange  1414 , or the flange  1414  in combination with a secondary fastener such as a threaded nut  1418 . Thus, angular adjustment of the male threaded fastener  1412  causes internal threading provided to the female fastener  1410  to engage external threading of the male threaded fastener  1412 , resulting in movement of the arm  1400  toward or away from the receiver, depending on the angular direction in which male threaded fastener  1412  is adjusted. With the cable received within the concave pocket  1408 , the male threaded fastener  1412  is angularly adjusted by hand or power tool to adjust the arm  1400  of the keeper  134  toward the receiver, exerting a compressive force on the cable  108 ,  110 ,  112  between the arm  1400  and the first and second arms  1404 ,  1406  of the receiver  122 . 
     In some examples, at least one of the first arm  1404  or the second arm  1406  of the receiver  122  define an arcuate surface  1420  that can be referred to as a first arcuate surface. The arcuate surface  1420  defines a first concave pocket  1422 . The arcuate surface  1402  defined by the arm  1400  can be referred to as a second arcuate surface that defines the concave pocket  1408 . The concave pocket  1408  can be referred to as the second concave pocket. The second concave pocket  1408  opens toward the first concave pocket  1422  defined by the first arcuate surface  1420  of the receiver  122 . A pivotal adjustment of the male threaded fastener  1412  positions the keeper (e.g., arm  1400 ) relative to the receiver  122  to form a circular perimeter that extends about or around an external surface of the region of the first cable  108 . 
     Some embodiments of the cable spacer  100  can include a plurality of the different configurations of the clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  described herein, as shown in  FIG.  1   , and some embodiments of the cable spacer  100  can include clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  that have a common physical configuration. 
     Thus, improved cable spacers  100  and clamps  102 ,  104 ,  106  are provided according to any aspect or combination of aspects. It will be appreciated that application of the clamps having one or more of the keeper and receiver configurations provided herein may be used in other cable spacers. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims. 
     Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations are described should not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering is contemplated. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments. 
     Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first location and a second location correspond to location A and location B or two different or two identical locations or the same location. 
     Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims are generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” 
     Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others of ordinary skill in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure comprises all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.