Patent ID: 12249440

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The disclosure provided in the following pages describes examples of some embodiments of the invention. The designs, figures, and description are non-limiting examples of embodiments they disclose. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed device and/or method may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply to only certain embodiments of the invention and should not be used to limit the disclosed invention.

To the extent parts, components and functions of the described invention exchange electric power or signals, the associated interconnections and couplings may be direct or indirect unless explicitly described as being limited to one or the other. Notably, parts that are connected or coupled may be indirectly connected and may have interposed devices including devices known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG.1shows a guarded coaxial cable assembly in accordance with the present invention100. A substantially flat cableway102interconnects with and extends between first and second connectors104,108. In some embodiments, over-moldings or boots106,110surround an interface between each connector and the cableway. In some embodiments, auxiliary connectors114,118with respective auxiliary leads115,117are included.

FIG.2shows a perspective view of a portion of the cableway200. An exposed end of the cableway201reveals a cross-section including a micro-coaxial cable206, two rails202,204and an outer jacket or matrix208. In some embodiments a single rail is used. In an embodiment, a centerline of the micro-coaxial cable lies substantially along an imaginary surface defined by a plurality of imaginary lines of shortest distance extending between the rails.

Any suitable coaxial cable connectors104,108known to persons of ordinary skill in the art may be used with the micro-coaxial cable206. In an embodiment, “F” type coaxial cable connectors are used. In other embodiments, BNC or RCA type connectors are used. In either case, the connectors may be male, female or mixed. In an embodiment, the guarded coaxial cable assembly includes female connectors on each end for interconnection with the male connectors of a larger feeder RF cable.

FIG.3shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cableway300. In the embodiment shown, the cable jacket is substantially flat having a thickness “t” suitable for location in narrow passages such as between a door and a door jamb or a window and a window sill. In an embodiment, the cable jacket thickness is in the range of about 2 to 5 mm. And, in an embodiment, the cable jacket thickness is about 3 mm. The cableway width “w” is selected such that the outer jacket envelops the micro-coaxial cables and the rails. In an embodiment, the cable jacket is in the range of about 2×(d1+d1+d2) to 5×(d1+d1+d2) where d1 is the outer diameter of each rail and d2 is the outer diameter of the micro-coaxial cable206. And, in an embodiment, the cable jacket width is in the range of about 8.4 to 21 mm. In yet another embodiment, the cable jacket width is about 12 mm.

Materials suited for use as cable jackets include flexible, non-conducting and abrasion resistant materials. A number of polymers, including one or more of rubber, silicon, PVC, polyethylene, neoprene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, and thermoplastic CPE can be used.

Construction methods for integrating the cable jacket208, rails202,204and micro-coaxial cable206include any suitable method known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, the cable jacket208envelops the rails and micro-coaxial cable as it is extruded from a die. In some embodiments (as shown), the jacket envelopes the rails and micro-coaxial cable and fills the spaces between them. In yet another embodiment, the assembly is molded such as by filling a mold holding the micro-coaxial cable and rail(s) with a fluid that will solidify and become the cable jacket. Suitable fluids include fluids useful in making the above polymers and other fluids useful for making suitable jacket materials and known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG.4shows a cross-sectional view of the micro-coaxial cable400. A dielectric material404separates a central conductor402and a conductive ground sheath406and the sheath is surrounded by a protective non-conducting outer jacket408. The selected micro-coaxial cable should be appropriate for the intended service, such as cable TV or feeds from Direct Broadcast Satellite receiving dishes for example.

In an embodiment, the invention includes use of 75 ohm micro-coaxial cable having an outside diameter less than 2 mm which can make a 90 degree bend in a small space and maintain true coaxial performance. The micro cable is protected from radial impact and abrasion by a protective jacket.

Exemplary micro-coaxial cables include MCX™ brand cables sold by Hitachi Cable Manchester. In some embodiments the micro-coaxial cable outer jacket includes a non-stick material such as Teflon® promoting relative motion between the cable and the outer jacket208.

Whether a single rail or two or more rails are used (two are shown)202,204, the rail(s) preferentially bear transverse loads applied to the cableway102and tend to prevent harmful compression of the micro-coaxial cable. In various embodiments, the diameter of the micro-coaxial cable d2 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the rails d1. In some of these embodiments the ratio of the diameters d2/d1 is in the range of about 1.0 to 2.0.

In various other embodiments (as shown) the diameter of the micro-coaxial cable d2 is chosen to be somewhat less than the diameter of the rails d1 for added protection. In some of these embodiments the ratio of diameters d1/d2 is in the about 1.0 to 2.0.

FIG.5shows a portion of a cableway subjected to a load500. In particular, the cableway102is squeezed between opposed passage parts502,504tending to compress the cableway. Choosing rail materials that are relatively incompressible as compared to the cableway jacket materials results in most of the load being borne along and near lines s-s and v-v passing through the respective centers of the rails. An example of such a preferential force distribution is shown in opposed force profiles512,514.

Materials suited for rail construction are relatively incompressible as compared to cableway jacket materials. In some embodiments, rail construction materials are flexible. And, in some embodiments rail construction materials tend, at least partially, to retain deformed shapes such as an angular profile after being bent around a corner.

In various embodiments, rail construction materials include metals and metal alloys with one or more of iron, steel, copper, aluminum, tin, nickel and other metals known by persons of ordinary skill in the art to have suitable properties. In some embodiments, rail construction materials include non-metals such as polymers. For example, a segmented/articulated rail made from PVC can be used, the segments imparting flexibility and/or a tendency to retain, at least partially, a deformed shape.

In embodiments with conductive rail materials, the rails can serve as conductors. In some such embodiments using two conductive rails, the rails at one end of the guarded coaxial cable are interconnected via a lead115with a first electrical connector114and the rails at the other end of the guarded coaxial cable are interconnected via a lead117with a second electrical connector118. As persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand, the power handling capability of the rails will be determined by their physical and material properties and the connectors will be chosen to suit the application.

Uses for guarded coaxial cable assemblies include passing through windows, doors and other confined spaces where an unprotected coaxial cable might otherwise be damaged. As discussed above, such protection is desirable for, inter alia, preserving signal quality. And, as discussed above various embodiments orient one or more rails202,204and a micro-coaxial cable in a flat cableway102such that transverse loads applied to the cableway are preferentially borne by the rail(s).

FIG.6shows a guarded coaxial cable assembly installed in an open sliding window or door jamb600. Here, the cable assembly passes between the opposed passage parts502,504located on a respective sliding sash602and a fixed jamb604. When the sash slides along a slide part603, it presses a cableway section of the cable assembly606into a shape matching the “U” shaped profile of the confined space.

FIG.7shows a guarded coaxial cable assembly installed in a closed sliding window or door jamb700. As described above in connection withFIG.5, the rails202,204of the cableway102guard the micro-coaxial cable206against compression and crushing due to closing the sash or door602and squeezing the cableway between the passage parts502,504.

In addition to a micro coaxial cable, an unshielded pair or twisted pair may be used. For example any of CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT7, and CAT7a may be used.

FIGS.8A-Bshow perspective and end views of a cableway800A-B. An exposed end of the cableway801reveals a cross-section including one or more twisted pair811,812,813,814flanked by one or two rails802,804and an outer jacket or matrix806. In an embodiment, a centerline of the twisted pairs lies substantially along an imaginary surface defined by a plurality of imaginary lines of shortest distance extending between the rails.

Any suitable twisted pair connectors known to persons of ordinary skill in the art may be used with the cableway800A-B. In an embodiment, “RJ45” type connectors or CAT 5 compatible connectors are used. In other embodiments, BNC or RCA type connectors are used. In either case, the connectors may be male, female or mixed. In an embodiment, the guarded cable assembly includes female connectors on each end for interconnection with the male connectors. In an embodiment, the guarded cable assembly includes male connectors on each end for interconnection with female connectors.

FIG.8Bshows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cableway800B. In the embodiment shown, the cable jacket is substantially flat having a thickness “t” suitable for location in narrow passages such as between a door and a door jamb or a window and a window sill. In an embodiment, the cable jacket thickness is in the range of about 4 to 8 mm. And, in an embodiment, the cable jacket thickness is about 6 mm. The cableway width “w” is selected such that the outer jacket envelops the twisted pair cables and the rails. In an embodiment, the cable jacket is in the range of about 0.5×(d1+d1+d2) to 2×(d1+d1+d2) where d1 is the outer diameter of each rail and d2 is the outer diameter of the twisted pair or bundle of twisted pair cables811-814. And, in an embodiment, the cable jacket width is in the range of about 8 to 24 mm. In yet another embodiment, the cable jacket width is about 18 mm.

Materials suited for use as cable jackets include flexible, non-conducting and abrasion resistant materials. A number of polymers, including one or more of rubber, silicon, PVC, polyethylene, neoprene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, and thermoplastic CPE can be used.

Construction methods for integrating the cable jacket806, rails802,804and twisted pair(s)811-814include any suitable method known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, the cable jacket806envelops the rails and twisted pairs as it is extruded from a die. In some embodiments (as shown), the jacket envelopes the rails and twisted pairs and fills the spaces between them. In yet another embodiment, the assembly is molded such as by filling a mold holding the twisted pairs and rail(s) with a fluid that will solidify and become the cable jacket. Suitable fluids include fluids useful in making the above the above polymers and other fluids useful for making suitable jacket materials and known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

In an embodiment, the twisted pair incudes two conductors that are insulated and twisted.FIG.8Bshows this construction. In the figure, a typical wire of the twisted pair820-821includes a solid conductor822in an insulating jacket824. The wire is twisted with an adjacent wire to form a twisted pair. In some embodiments one or more twisted pair are encased in a jacket826.

In an embodiment, the twisted pair cables relying on the balanced line twisted pair design and differential signaling for noise rejection and cable performance or bandwidth is 100 MHz or higher.

In an embodiment, the invention includes use of a twisted pair having an outside diameter of less than 3 mm. In an embodiment the cable can make a 90 degree bend in a small space. In various embodiments, the cable can maintain true twisted pair performance, for example CAT 5 performance.

In an embodiment, the invention includes use of four twisted pair having an outside diameter of less than 7 mm. In an embodiment the cable can make a 90 degree bend in a small space. In various embodiments, the cable can maintain true twisted pair performance, for example CAT 5 performance.

In some embodiments a cable or conductor outer jacket includes a non-stick material such as Teflon® promoting relative motion between the cable or conductor and the outer jacket208.

Whether a single rail or two or more rails are used (two are shown)802,804, the rail(s) preferentially bear transverse loads applied to the cableway and tend to prevent harmful compression of the twisted pair(s). In some embodiments, the diameter of the twisted pair cable d2 is less than or equal to the diameter of the rails. In some of these embodiments the ratio of the diameters d1/d2 is in the range of about 1.0 to 2.0.

FIGS.9A-Bshow perspective and end views of a cableway900A-B. An exposed end of the cableway901reveals a cross-section including one or more twisted pair911,912,913,914flanked by one or two rails902,904and an outer jacket or matrix906. In an embodiment, centerlines of the twisted pairs lies substantially along an imaginary surface defined by a plurality of imaginary lines of shortest distance extending between the rails.

Any suitable twisted pair connectors known to persons of ordinary skill in the art may be used with the cableway900A-B. In an embodiment, “RJ45” type connectors or CAT 5 compatible connectors are used. In other embodiments, BNC or RCA type connectors are used. In either case, the connectors may be male, female or mixed. In an embodiment, the guarded cable assembly includes female connectors on each end for interconnection with the male connectors. In an embodiment, the guarded cable assembly includes male connectors on each end for interconnection with female connectors.

FIG.9Bshows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cableway900B. In the embodiment shown, the cable jacket is substantially flat having a thickness “t” suitable for location in narrow passages such as between a door and a door jamb or a window and a window sill. In an embodiment, the cable jacket thickness is in the range of about 2 to 6 mm. And, in an embodiment, the cable jacket thickness is about 3 mm. The cableway width “w” is selected such that the outer jacket envelops the twisted pair cables and the rails. In an embodiment, the cable jacket is in the range of about (0.8×(d1+d1±4d2)) to (5×(d1+d1+4d2)) where d1 is the outer diameter of each rail and d2 is the outer diameter of each twisted pair911-914. And, in an embodiment, the cable jacket width is in the range of about 11 to 21 mm. In yet another embodiment, the cable jacket width is about 16 mm.

Materials suited for use as cable jackets include flexible, non-conducting and abrasion resistant materials. A number of polymers, including one or more of rubber, silicon, PVC, polyethylene, neoprene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, and thermoplastic CPE can be used.

Construction methods for integrating the cable jacket906, rails902,904and twisted pair(s)911-914include any suitable method known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, the cable jacket906envelops the rails and twisted pairs as it is extruded from a die. In some embodiments (as shown), the jacket envelopes the rails and twisted pairs and fills the spaces between them. In yet another embodiment, the assembly is molded such as by filling a mold holding the twisted pairs and rail(s) with a fluid that will solidify and become the cable jacket. Suitable fluids include fluids useful in making the above the above polymers and other fluids useful for making suitable jacket materials and known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

In an embodiment, the twisted pair incudes two conductors that are insulated and twisted. See the discussion ofFIG.8Bfor details.

In an embodiment, the invention includes use of a twisted pair having an outside diameter of less than 3 mm. In an embodiment the cable can make a 90 degree bend in a small space. In various embodiments, the cable can maintain true twisted pair performance, for example CAT 5 performance.

In some embodiments the cable or conductor outer jacket includes a non-stick material such as Teflon® promoting relative motion between the cable or conductor and the outer jacket208.

Whether a single rail or two or more rails are used (two are shown)802,804, the rail(s) preferentially bear transverse loads applied to the cableway and tend to prevent harmful compression of the twisted pair(s). In some embodiments, the diameter of the twisted pair cable d2 is less than or equal to the diameter of the rails. In some of these embodiments the ratio of the diameters d1/d2 is in the range of about 1.0 to 2.0.

FIGS.10A-Bshow perspective and end views of a cableway1000A-B. An exposed end of the cableway1001reveals a cross-section including one or more pair1011,1012,1013,1014flanked by one or two rails1002,1004and an outer jacket or matrix1006. The pairs are not twisted. In an embodiment, centerlines of the pairs lie substantially along an imaginary surface defined by a plurality of imaginary lines of shortest distance extending between the rails.

Any suitable connectors known to persons of ordinary skill in the art may be used with the cableway1000A-B. In an embodiment, “RJ45” type connectors are used or CAT 5 compatible connectors are used. In other embodiments, BNC or RCA type connectors are used. In either case, the connectors may be male, female or mixed. In an embodiment, the guarded cable assembly includes female connectors on each end for interconnection with the male connectors. In an embodiment, the guarded cable assembly includes male connectors on each end for interconnection with female connectors.

FIG.10Bshows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cableway1000B. In the embodiment shown, the cable jacket is substantially flat having a thickness “t” suitable for location in narrow passages such as between a door and a door jamb or a window and a window sill. In an embodiment, the cable jacket thickness is in the range of about 1.5 to 3 mm. And, in an embodiment, the cable jacket thickness is about 2.2 mm. The cableway width “w” is selected such that the outer jacket envelops the twisted pair cables and the rails. In an embodiment, the cable jacket is in the range of about (1.0×(d1+d1+8d2)) to (1.8×(d1+d1+8d2)) where d1 is the outer diameter of each rail and d2 is the outer diameter of each the wires in the pairs1011-1014. And, in an embodiment, the cable jacket width is in the range of about 10 to 19 mm. In yet another embodiment, the cable jacket width is about 14 mm.

Materials suited for use as cable jackets include flexible, non-conducting and abrasion resistant materials. A number of polymers, including one or more of rubber, silicon, PVC, polyethylene, neoprene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, and thermoplastic CPE can be used.

Construction methods for integrating the cable jacket1006, rails1002,1004and conductors1011-1014include any suitable method known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, the cable jacket1006envelops the rails and conductors as it is extruded from a die. In some embodiments (as shown), the jacket envelopes the rails and conductors and fills the spaces between them. In yet another embodiment, the assembly is molded such as by filling a mold holding the conductors and rail(s) with a fluid that will solidify and become the cable jacket. Suitable fluids include fluids useful in making the above the above polymers and other fluids useful for making suitable jacket materials and known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

In an embodiment, the invention includes uses pair wires having an outside diameter of less than 1.5 mm. In an embodiment the cable can make a 90 degree bend in a small space. In various embodiments, the cable can maintain true twisted pair performance, for example CAT 5 performance. In various embodiments, the cable can maintain true twisted pair performance, for example CAT 5 performance minimums. In an embodiment, the cable bandwidth is greater than 50 MHz.

In some embodiments the micro-coaxial cable outer jacket includes a non-stick material such as Teflon® promoting relative motion between the cable and the outer jacket208.

Whether a single rail or two or more rails are used (two are shown)1002,1004, the rail(s) preferentially bear transverse loads applied to the cableway and tend to prevent harmful compression of the twisted pair(s). In some embodiments, the diameter of the pair wires d2 is less than or equal to the diameter of the rails. In some of these embodiments the ratio of the diameters d1/d2 is in the range of about 1.0 to 2.0.

FIGS.11A-Bshow end views of cableways1100A-B similar to those found inFIGS.9B and10B.

FIG.11Ashows an end views of a cableway1100A. An exposed end of the cableway1101reveals a cross-section including one or more twisted pair1111(4X twisted pair in this embodiment) flanked by one or two rails1102,1104and an outer jacket or matrix1106. In an embodiment, centerlines of the twisted pairs lies substantially along an imaginary surface defined by a plurality of imaginary lines of shortest distance extending between the rails.

In various embodiments the twisted pair is jacketed1109and/or in a matrix1107similar to the matrix above 1106. And in various embodiments the conductors “e1” of the twisted pair are jacketed1129.

Any suitable twisted pair connectors known to persons of ordinary skill in the art may be used with this cableway1100A. In an embodiment, “RJ45” type connectors or CAT 5 compatible connectors are used. In other embodiments, BNC or RCA type connectors are used. In either case, the connectors may be male, female or mixed. In an embodiment, the guarded cable assembly includes female connectors on each end for interconnection with the male connectors. In an embodiment, the guarded cable assembly includes male connectors on each end for interconnection with female connectors.

As shown, the cable jacket is substantially flat having a thickness “t” suitable for location in narrow passages such as between a door and a door jamb or a window and a window sill. Cableway dimensions are selected according to the application. Dimensions for specific embodiments include those found in the table below.

EmbodimentsVariableFirstSecondt2-6 mm; 3 mm;2-6 mm; 3 mm;w9-16 mm; 13 mm;(0.9 × (e4 + e4 + 4e3)) to(1.7 × (e4 + e4 + 4e3))e10.4-1.0 mm; 0.5 mm;0.4-1.0 mm; 0.5 mme20.8-1.5 mm; 1.0 mm;0.8-1.5 mm; 1.0 mm;e31.75-3.0 mm; 2.3 mm1.75-3.0 mm; 2.3 mme40.4-0.75 mm; 0.5 mm;0.4-0.75 mm; 0.5 mm;

Materials suited for use as cable jackets include flexible, non-conducting and abrasion resistant materials. A number of polymers, including one or more of rubber, silicon, PVC, polyethylene, neoprene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, and thermoplastic CPE can be used.

Construction methods for integrating the cable jacket1106, rails1102,1104and twisted pair(s)1111include any suitable method known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, the cable jacket1106envelops the rails and twisted pairs as it is extruded from a die. In some embodiments (as shown), the jacket envelopes the rails and twisted pairs and fills the spaces between them. In yet another embodiment, the assembly is molded such as by filling a mold holding the twisted pairs and rail(s) with a fluid that will solidify and become the cable jacket. Suitable fluids include fluids useful in making the above the above polymers and other fluids useful for making suitable jacket materials and known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

In an embodiment, the twisted pair incudes two conductors that are insulated1129and twisted. See the discussion ofFIG.8Bfor details.

In an embodiment, the invention includes use of a twisted pair having an outside diameter of less than 3 mm and in an embodiment the cable can make a 90 degree bend in a small space, for example wrapping around doors and window frames while allowing the door or window to be closed. In various embodiments, the cable can maintain true twisted pair performance, for example CAT 5 performance.

In some embodiments the outer jacket1109includes a non-stick material such as Teflon® promoting relative motion between the cable and the outer jacket1106.

Whether a single rail or two or more rails are used (two are shown)1102,1104, the rail(s) bear or preferentially bear transverse loads applied to the cableway and tend to prevent harmful compression of the twisted pair(s) and/or of the conductors of the twisted pairs.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the twisted pair cable e3 is less than or equal to the diameter of the rails and in some embodiments the diameter of the rails is less than the diameter of the twisted pair, an insulated conductor of the twisted pair, or a conductor of the twisted pair. In some of these embodiments the ratio of the diameters e4/e3 is in the range of about 1.0 to 2.0. And in some embodiments the ration of the diameters e3/e4 is in the range of about 1.0 to 2.0.

Applicant notes that conductors may be arranged in substantially parallel arrangement with respect to the rail or rails. Substantially in this context means that variation owing to the twisting of the conductors required to form the twisted cable continues to be considered a parallel arrangement.

FIG.11Bshows an end views of a cableway1100B. An exposed end of the cableway1151reveals a cross-section including one or more pair (4 pair shown)1161flanked by one or two rails1152,1154and an outer jacket or matrix1156. The pairs are not twisted. In an embodiment, centerlines of the pairs lie substantially along an imaginary surface defined by a plurality of imaginary lines of shortest distance extending between the rails.

Any suitable connectors known to persons of ordinary skill in the art may be used with the cableway1100B. In an embodiment, “RJ45” type connectors are used or CAT 5 compatible connectors are used. In other embodiments, BNC or RCA type connectors are used. In either case, the connectors may be male, female or mixed. In an embodiment, the guarded cable assembly includes female connectors on each end for interconnection with the male connectors. In an embodiment, the guarded cable assembly includes male connectors on each end for interconnection with female connectors.

In the embodiment shown, the cable jacket is substantially flat having a thickness “t” suitable for location in narrow passages such as between a door and a door jamb or a window and a window sill. Dimensions for specific embodiments include those found in the table below.

EmbodimentsVariableFirstSecondt1.2-2.5 mm; 2 mm1.2-2.5; 2.0 mm;w9-16 mm; 23 mm(1.0 × (e4 + e4 + 4e3)) to(1.9 × (e4 + e4 + 4e3))f10.4-1.0 mm; 0.5 mm0.4-1.0 mm; 0.5 mmf20.8-1.5 mm; 1.0 mm1.5-2.5 mm; 2.0 mmf40.4-0.75 mm; 0.5 mm0.4-0.75; 0.5 mm

Materials suited for use as cable jackets include flexible, non-conducting and abrasion resistant materials. A number of polymers, including one or more of rubber, silicon, PVC, polyethylene, neoprene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, and thermoplastic CPE can be used.

Construction methods for integrating the cable jacket1156, rails1152,1154and pair(s)1011include any suitable method known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, the cable jacket1156envelops the rails and twisted pairs as it is extruded from a die. In some embodiments (as shown), the jacket envelopes the rails and twisted pairs and fills the spaces between them. In yet another embodiment, the assembly is molded such as by filling a mold holding the twisted pairs and rail(s) with a fluid that will solidify and become the cable jacket. Suitable fluids include fluids useful in making the above the above polymers and other fluids useful for making suitable jacket materials and known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

In an embodiment, the invention includes uses pair wires having an outside diameter of less than 1.5 mm. In an embodiment the cable can make a 90 degree bend in a small space such as around a door or around a window frame. In various embodiments, the cable can maintain true twisted pair performance, for example CAT 5 performance. In an embodiment, the cable bandwidth is greater than 50 MHz.

In an embodiment the cable1161may include a jacket or insulating layer1179. In these embodiments the cable outer jacket1179may include a non-stick material such as Teflon® promoting relative motion between the cable and the outer jacket1156.

Whether a single rail or two or more rails are used (two are shown)1152,1154, the rail(s) bear or preferentially bear transverse loads applied to the cableway and tend to prevent harmful compression of the cables1161. In some embodiments, the diameter of the pair wires f2 is less than or equal to the diameter of the rails1502,1504and in some embodiments the diameter of the rails is less than the diameter of the pair wires. In some of these embodiments the ratio of the diameters f4/f2 or f4/f1 is in the range of about 1.0 to 2.0. In some embodiments the ration of the diameters f2/f4 or f1/f4 is in the range of about 1.0 to 2.0.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to skilled artisans that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described examples, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and equivalents thereof.