Patent Description:
Electrified overhead cables for railway lines comprise a catenary wire (known as a "messenger wire" in the art) which is joined to a contact cable by a hanging assembly (known as a "dropper" in the art). Conductive manual clamps connect the dropper to the catenary wire. The manual clamps can be difficult to instal.

Similarly, in agricultural and other applications, it is often necessary to support catenary wires from above by cables, or to suspend articles from cables attached to catenary wires. In present such applications, the catenary wires may be attached to the cables by tightly winding strands of wire around the catenary wire and the cable.

<CIT> discloses a connector comprising a clamp consisting of two members. The members have curved portions adapted to be positioned around a cable. A hinge pin connects the curved ends of said members. One of said members has a slot in which the pin is located. A screw in the slotted member engages the pin and permits adjustment of the pin in the slot. The free ends of said members are externally screw-threaded and are of general conical form when together. A conical nut is screwed onto said threaded ends.

<CIT> discloses a spreader bar for conductor wires.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a suspension assembly comprising:.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a support assembly comprising a suspension assembly as described above, and an article received by the clamping recesses of the first and second suspension members.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a support assembly comprising a suspension assembly as described above, and a connecting arrangement received through at least one of the first and second apertures.

The article may be a support. The article may be an elongate article. The support may be elongate.

The first and second suspension members may overlap each other.

The clamping recesses may align with each other to provide a clamping region defined by the first and second suspension members. The clamping recesses may align with each other to hold the support in the clamping region.

The first and second suspension members may be pivotally movable from a released position of the first and second suspension members to a clamping position of the first and second suspension members.

Said pivoting movement of the first and second suspension members may cause a closing movement of the clamping recesses. Said closing movement of the first and second suspension members to the clamping position may close the clamping recesses.

The closing movement of the clamping recesses cause the support to be clamped by the first and second suspension members.

The article may be an elongate support. The elongate support may be a wire, wire rope, cable or the like. The elongate support may be a catenary wire, or messenger wire, of a cable system, such as for a railway line, or for an agricultural or other industrial application.

The suspension assembly may be attached or attachable to a connecting arrangement. The connecting arrangement may comprise an elongate member. The elongate member may be a wire, wire rope, cable or the like. The connecting arrangement may be a dropper of a cable system, such as for a railway line, or of a cable system for use in agricultural or industrial situations.

Each pivot member may be provided at one end region of the respective first or second suspension members. Each elongate aperture may be defined in an opposite end region of the respective first or second suspension members.

Each pivot member may be provided at an upper region of the respective first or second suspension members. Each elongate aperture may be defined in a lower region of the respective first or second suspension members.

The proximal end of the elongate aperture of each of the first and second suspension members may be arranged closest to the clamping recess. The distal end may be furthest from the clamping recess.

The proximal and distal ends of the elongate aperture of the first suspension member may be closed ends. The distal end of the elongate aperture of the second suspension member may be a closed end.

The first suspension member may define an opening at the proximal end of the elongate aperture. The opening may provide communication into the aperture through which at least a portion of the connecting arrangement may enter the aperture defined by the first suspension member.

Each clamping recess may be defined in a central region of the respective first or second suspension members. Each clamping recess may be defined between the elongate aperture and the pivot member of the respective first and second suspension members. Desirably, each clamping recess is defined between the proximal end of the elongate aperture and the pivot member of the respective first and second suspension members.

In other versions of the suspension assembly, each clamping recess may be defined at one or other of the opposite end regions of the respective suspension members. In one version, each pivot hole may be defined in the respective suspension member between the clamping recess and the elongate aperture. In another version, each elongate aperture may be defined in the respective suspension member between the clamping recess and the pivot hole.

The first and second suspension members may be pivotally movable from a released position of the first and second suspension members to a clamping position of the first and second suspension members. In the released position of the first and second suspension members, the first and second suspension members may hold the support loosely in the clamping recesses. In the clamping position of the first and second suspension members, the first and second suspension members may clamp the support in the clamping recesses.

Each of the first and second suspension members may have a leading edge and a trailing edge opposite the leading edge. The leading edge of each of the first and second suspension members may lead the respective suspension member when the suspension members are moved to the clamping position of the first and second suspension members.

Each elongate aperture may extend from the proximal end towards the trailing edge of the respective suspension member.

The pivoting movement of the first and second suspension members from the released position to the clamping position may cause the first and second suspension members to overlap each other to a greater extent.

In the released position of the first and second suspension members, the clamping recesses are further apart than when the first and second suspension members are in the clamping position.

The clamping recesses may face in opposite directions. The clamping recesses may overlap each other. The overlapping clamping recesses may provide a holding region in which the support is held.

Each of the first and second suspension members may have an outer edge defining a gap to provide communication between the region within the clamping recess and the region external thereof. Each of the first and second suspension members may have an inner edge defining the respective clamping recess. The inner edge of the first suspension member may face the inner edge of the second suspension member.

The closing movement of the clamping recesses may cause the edges of the clamping recesses to engage the support. In the clamping position of the first and second suspension members, the edges of the clamping recesses may be in clamping engagement with the support.

Each elongate aperture may receive an engaging portion of the connecting arrangement in an aligned condition of the proximal ends of each elongate aperture. The engaging portion of the connecting arrangement may extend through each of the elongate apertures at the proximal end thereof.

The proximal ends of the elongate apertures may be in an aligned condition in the released position of the suspension members. The aligned proximal ends of the elongate apertures may receive a portion of the connecting arrangement.

The distal ends of the elongate apertures may be in an aligned condition in the clamping position of the suspension members. The aligned distal ends of the elongate apertures may receive a portion of the connecting arrangement.

When the first and second suspension members move from the aligned condition of said proximal ends to the aligned condition of said distal ends, the first and second suspension members may move from the released position to the clamping position.

The connecting arrangement may have a looped region. The looped region may be a looped end region. The looped region may be the aforesaid engaging portion. The looped region may extend through the aperture of the first suspension member.

In the embodiment in which the second suspension member has an opening at the proximal end of the aperture, at least a portion of the engaging portion may be received into the aperture via the opening. This provides the advantage in the embodiment described herein that it obviates the need to thread the elongate member through the aperture. In this embodiment, the first suspension member is provided with the engaging portion of the connecting arrangement extending through the aperture in the first suspension member.

The engaging portion of the connecting arrangement may move along the elongate apertures of each of the first and second suspension members from the proximal end to the distal end. Movement of the engaging portion of the connecting arrangement along the elongate apertures from the proximal ends to the distal ends may effect pivoting movement of the first and second suspension members relative to each other.

Said pivoting movement of the first and second suspension members may move the distal ends of the elongate apertures into alignment with each other to allow the engaging portion of the connecting arrangement to move to the distal end. Thus, in the embodiment described herein, when the engaging portion of the connecting arrangement is received at the distal ends of each elongate aperture the distal ends are aligned with each other.

The elongate aperture of each of the first and second suspension members may extend diagonally across the respective first or second suspension member. Each elongate aperture may extend diagonally relative to a straight line through the centre of the respective pivot member and the centre of gravity of the respective elongate aperture.

Each of the aforesaid straight lines may extend through the centre of the proximal end of the respective elongate aperture. Each of the aforesaid straight lines may extend through the clamping recess of the respective first and second suspension members.

For each of the first and second suspension members, the angle between the elongate aperture and the aforesaid straight line may be less than <NUM>°. The angle between the elongate aperture and the aforesaid line may be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. The angle between the elongate aperture and the aforesaid line may be substantially <NUM>°.

The elongate aperture defined by the first suspension member may be angled in the opposite direction to the elongate aperture defined by the second suspension member. The first and second suspension members may be pivotally movable towards each other.

Each of the first and second suspension members may define a pivot hole through which the pivot member may extend. The pivot member may pivotally attach the first and second suspension members to each other.

The suspension assembly may comprise two of the first suspension members. The first suspension members may have the same orientation as each other.

The second suspension member may be sandwiched between the two first suspension members. Both of the first suspension members may be pivotally mounted on the pivot member.

At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> shows a first suspension member <NUM> for use along with a second suspension member <NUM> in a suspension assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The suspension assembly <NUM> comprises two of the first suspension members <NUM> and one of the second suspension members <NUM> sandwiched between the two first suspension members <NUM>.

The suspension assembly <NUM> may, if desired comprise one of the first suspension members <NUM> and one of the second suspension members <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the suspension assembly <NUM> may comprise any suitable number of the first and second suspension members <NUM>.

The suspension assembly <NUM> is used for clamping an elongate article <NUM>. The elongate article <NUM> may be in the form of a catenary wire, or messenger wire, on an overhead electrical cable system of a railway line. The suspension assembly <NUM> may be used for suspending a connecting arrangement <NUM> from the elongate article <NUM>, so that the connecting arrangement <NUM> is supported by the suspension assembly <NUM>. Alternatively, the connecting arrangement <NUM> may support the suspension assembly <NUM>.

In one use of the embodiments described herein, the elongate article <NUM> may be a catenary wire, catenary wire rope or catenary cable in an agricultural or other situation, for example for supporting crops or industrial equipment, such as light fittings.

The connecting arrangement <NUM> may comprise an elongate wire, cable or the like.

In <FIG>, the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> are identical to each other. However, it will be appreciated that the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> could be different from each other (see, for example, <FIG>, discussed below). It will also be appreciated that the two first suspension members <NUM> could be different from each other.

Each of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> has an upper region <NUM> defining a pivot hole <NUM>, and a lower region <NUM> defining an elongate aperture <NUM>. A clamping recess <NUM> is defined in each of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>. The clamping recess <NUM> of each of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> is defined between the pivot hole <NUM> and the elongate aperture <NUM>.

A pivot member <NUM> extends through the pivot holes <NUM> of each of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby allowing the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> to pivot relative to each other.

The first suspension members <NUM> are arranged in an opposite orientation to the second suspension member <NUM>. The clamping recesses <NUM> defined by both first suspension members <NUM> are aligned with the clamping recess <NUM> of the second suspension member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the clamping recesses <NUM> of both first suspension members <NUM> face in the opposite direction to the clamping recess <NUM> of the second suspension member <NUM>. As a result, when the clamping recesses <NUM> overlap and are aligned with each other the clamping recesses <NUM> form a clamping region <NUM> for holding the elongate article <NUM>. The first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> constitute offset clamping members to clamp the elongate article <NUM> in the clamping region <NUM>.

The first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> are pivotally movable towards each other, as shown by the arrows X in <FIG>, from a released position of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to a clamping position of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

The pivoting movement of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> causes a closing movement of the clamping recesses <NUM>. This closing movement closes the clamping region <NUM>, and causes the elongate article <NUM> to be clamped by the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> in the clamping region <NUM>.

Each of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> has a leading edge <NUM> and a trailing edge <NUM> opposite the leading edge <NUM>. The leading edge <NUM> of each of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> leads the respective first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> when the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> are moved to their clamping position.

Each clamping recess <NUM> extends inwardly of the leading edge <NUM> of the respective first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>. A gap <NUM> for each clamping recess <NUM> is defined in each leading edge <NUM> to provide communication between the space within the recess and the outside of the recess through the leading edge <NUM>.

The elongate aperture <NUM> of each of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> has a proximal end <NUM> closest to the clamping recess <NUM>, and a distal end <NUM> furthest from the clamping recess <NUM>. Each elongate aperture <NUM> extends diagonally from the proximal towards the trailing edge <NUM> of the respective suspension member. Thus, in the embodiment shown, the distal end <NUM> is closer than the proximal end <NUM> to the trailing edge <NUM>.

The elongate aperture <NUM> of each of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> extends diagonally relative to a straight line A-A through the centre of the respective pivot member <NUM> and the centre of gravity of the respective elongate aperture <NUM>. Each of the aforesaid straight lines A-A also extends through the respective clamping recess <NUM>.

Thus, in use, when the looped region <NUM> is arranged at the proximal ends <NUM> of both of the apertures <NUM>, the elongate apertures <NUM> are inclined relative to the straight line A-A. When so arranged, the aperture <NUM> in the first suspension member <NUM> is inclined in the opposite direction to the aperture <NUM> in the second suspension member <NUM>.

For each of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>, the angle between the elongate aperture <NUM> and the aforesaid straight line A-A may be substantially <NUM>°.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> are in the released position, and the proximal ends <NUM> of the elongate apertures <NUM> are aligned with each other. The connecting arrangement <NUM> can be inserted through the aligned proximal ends <NUM>. The connecting arrangement <NUM> is in the form of a wire, wire rope, cable or the like formed into a looped region <NUM> at an upper end of a main portion <NUM> thereof.

As shown in <FIG>, the looped region <NUM> extends through the elongate apertures <NUM> defined by the suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>. The opposite lower end (not shown) of the connecting arrangement <NUM> is attached to a load, such as a contact wire of the overhead electrical cable system of the railway line, or a component of an agricultural or industrial cable system. This load has the effect of applying a downward force on the connecting arrangement <NUM>, as indicated by the arrow Y, thereby pulling the looped region <NUM> downwardly along the elongate apertures <NUM> of both of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>.

The looped region <NUM> is moved by the downward force Y from the proximal end <NUM> of each elongate aperture <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, to the distal end <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This movement has the effect of pivoting the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> in the directions indicated by the arrows X, from the released position shown in <FIG> to the clamping position shown in <FIG>.

In the clamping position of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>, the elongate article <NUM> is clamped in the clamping region <NUM>, and the distal ends <NUM> of the elongate apertures <NUM> are aligned with each other.

In use, the suspension assembly <NUM> is mounted on the elongate article <NUM> by arranging the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> in a splayed position, as shown in <FIG>. In the splayed position, the second suspension member <NUM> is positioned above both of the first suspension members <NUM>. The first suspension members <NUM> can then be arranged on the elongate article <NUM>, with the elongate article <NUM> being received into the clamping recesses <NUM> of each of the first suspension members <NUM> via the gaps <NUM>.

The second suspension member <NUM> can then be closed onto the elongate article <NUM>, by pivoting the second suspension member <NUM> from its splayed position. The elongate article <NUM> is received in the clamping recess <NUM> of the second suspension member <NUM> via the gap <NUM>. This mounts the suspension assembly <NUM> on the elongate article <NUM> in the released position of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Therefore, the embodiment described herein can be retrofitted on overhead electrical cables for railway lines. The embodiment described herein may also be fitted or retrofitted in agricultural situations to provide crop support.

In the released position, the proximal ends <NUM> of the elongate apertures <NUM> are aligned with each other, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, the elongate article <NUM> is shown in broken lines. The elongate article <NUM> is omitted from <FIG> for reasons of clarity.

The upper end region of the connecting arrangement <NUM> is then threaded through the proximal ends <NUM> of the elongate apertures, and secured to the main portion <NUM> of the connecting arrangement <NUM> by a suitable means known in the art to form the looped region <NUM>.

The lower end of the connecting arrangement <NUM> is secured lower contact wire of the overhead electrical cable system, or to a horizontal wire in a crop support system. This applies a downward force on the connecting arrangement <NUM>, thereby pulling the looped region <NUM> downwardly along the elongate apertures <NUM> of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> to the distal ends <NUM> thereof.

The downward movement of the looped region <NUM> along the elongate apertures <NUM> moves the proximal ends <NUM> into alignment with each other, thereby effecting the closing movement of the clamping recesses <NUM>. This causes the elongate article <NUM> to be clamped by the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> within the clamping recesses <NUM>.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the looped region <NUM> need not be formed at one end, but could be the connecting arrangement <NUM> folded in half, so that the looped region <NUM>, in effect, extends the whole length of the connecting arrangement <NUM>.

In another variation, the suspension assembly may comprise a single first suspension member and a single second suspension member. An example of such a suspension assembly, generally designated <NUM>, is shown in <FIG>.

The suspension assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises many of the features of the suspension assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. These features are designated with same reference numerals as the corresponding features in <FIG>.

The suspension assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> differs from the suspension assembly <NUM> in that the suspension assembly <NUM> comprises a first suspension member <NUM>, which is the same as the suspension member <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The suspension assembly <NUM> further includes a second suspension member <NUM>.

The second suspension member <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> of the elongate aperture <NUM>. The opening <NUM> provides communication into the aperture <NUM>, and allows the looped region <NUM> of the connecting arrangement <NUM> to be received in the aperture <NUM>.

The suspension assembly <NUM> can be supplied with the connecting arrangement <NUM> extending through the aperture <NUM> defined by the first suspension member <NUM>. The looped region <NUM> may be pre-formed from the region of the connecting arrangement <NUM> extending through the aperture <NUM> in the first suspension member <NUM>.

The first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> are moved to the splayed position shown in <FIG>. The elongate article <NUM> is then received by the clamping recesses <NUM>. The first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> are then closed, as shown by the arrows X in <FIG>, so that the clamping recesses <NUM> form the clamping region <NUM> to hold the elongate article <NUM> between the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>. The closed position of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The pre-formed looped region <NUM> of the connecting arrangement <NUM> has been previously arranged to extend through the aperture <NUM> in the first suspension member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a portion of the looped region <NUM> is then inserted via the opening <NUM> into the proximal end <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> in the second suspension member <NUM>.

The downward force Y on the connecting arrangement <NUM> pulls the looped region <NUM> downwardly along the elongate apertures <NUM> of both of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>.

The looped region <NUM> is moved by the downward force Y from the proximal ends <NUM> of both elongate apertures <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, to the distal ends <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This movement has the effect of pivoting the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> in the directions indicated by the arrows X, from the released position shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to the clamping position shown in <FIG>.

In the clamping position of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>, the distal ends <NUM> of the elongate apertures <NUM> are aligned with each other, and the elongate article <NUM> is clamped in the clamping region <NUM> provided by the clamping recesses <NUM> of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>.

There is thus provided a suspension assembly <NUM>, <NUM> which can be clamped to an elongate article <NUM> in the form of a catenary. A connecting arrangement <NUM> with a looped region <NUM> extends from the suspension assembly <NUM>, <NUM>. In one use of the suspension assembly <NUM>, <NUM> the connecting arrangement <NUM> is in the form of a dropper. The dropper can be suspended from the catenary by means of the suspension assembly. In this use of the suspension assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, the load on the connecting arrangement <NUM> is provided by the weight on the cable.

In another use of the suspension assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, the connecting arrangement <NUM> is in the form of a cable attached to an upper support. The looped region <NUM> is provided at the lower end of the cable. Thus, the suspension assembly <NUM>, <NUM> suspends the catenary from the cable. In this use of the suspension assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, the load on the connecting arrangement <NUM> is provided by the tension in the cable, said, said tension being caused by the weight of the catenary.

The above described suspension assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> provide the advantages that the suspension assemblies can be installed without the use of tools, and that the suspension assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> are self-locking in that the suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> move automatically to the clamping position.

<FIG> shows a further version of the suspension assembly, generally designated <NUM> in <FIG>. The suspension assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises many of the features of the suspension assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. These features are designated with same reference numerals as the corresponding features in <FIG>.

The suspension assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> differs from the suspension assembly <NUM> in that the suspension assembly <NUM> comprises first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>. In each of the suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>, the pivot hole <NUM> of each of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> is defined, and the pivot member <NUM> provided, between the respective clamping recess <NUM> and the respective elongate aperture <NUM>. Each clamping recess <NUM> is provided at one end region <NUM> of the suspension member <NUM>, <NUM>, adjacent the respective pivot hole <NUM>.

In use, the clamping recess <NUM> is provided at the upper end region <NUM> of the upper region <NUM> each of the suspension members <NUM>, <NUM>.

A version of the suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided in which the elongate aperture <NUM> of one of the suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> has an opening <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> of the elongate aperture <NUM>. In this version, the pivot hole <NUM> is provided adjacent the opening <NUM> between the elongate aperture <NUM> and the clamping recess <NUM>.

In a further modification, the first suspension member <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, could be provided with an opening <NUM> (indicated schematically by broken lines in <FIG>), so that the first suspension member <NUM> is the same as the second suspension member <NUM>. Thus, each of the first and second suspension members <NUM>, <NUM> of the suspension assembly <NUM> is provided with a respective opening <NUM>. This allows a looped region <NUM> of the connecting arrangement <NUM> to be used without the need to pre-form the looped region <NUM> through one of the apertures <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A suspension assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
first and second suspension members (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending across each other; and
a pivot member (<NUM>) on which the first and second suspension members (<NUM>, <NUM>) are pivotally mounted;
characterised in that each of the first and second suspension members (<NUM>, <NUM>) defines a clamping recess (<NUM>) for receiving an article (<NUM>);
the first suspension member (<NUM>) defining a first elongate aperture (<NUM>) and the second suspension member (<NUM>) defining a second elongate aperture (<NUM>), each of said first and second elongate apertures (<NUM>) being provided to effect pivoting movement of at least one of the first and second suspension members (<NUM>, <NUM>) to clamp the article (<NUM>) in the clamping recesses (<NUM>);
each elongate aperture (<NUM>) having proximal and distal ends (<NUM>, <NUM>), the proximal end (<NUM>) being closest to the pivot member (<NUM>); and
wherein the second suspension member (<NUM>) defines an opening (<NUM>) at the proximal end (<NUM>) of the second elongate aperture (<NUM>), the opening (<NUM>) allowing at least a portion of a connecting arrangement (<NUM>) to enter the second elongate aperture (<NUM>).