# US 2008/0184535 A1 · Rope or cable retainer

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- Number: US 2008/0184535 A1
- Document ID: US20080184535A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 11/672,085
- Filed: 2007-02-07
- Published: 2008-08-07
- Earliest claimed: 2007-02-07
- Inventors: Clyde HILLIER
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20080184535A1

## CPC

- B63B 21/08: Clamping devices (in general F16B; {means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objects in general F16G11/00})
- F16G 11/101: {deforming the cable by moving a part of the fastener}
- Y10T 24/3969: Sliding part or wedge
- Y10T 24/44581: Biased by distinct spring
- B63B: SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING (arrangements of vessel ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning B63J2/00; floating substructures as supports of dredgers or soil-shifting machines E02F9/06)
- F16G: BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A rope, cable or other linear tension member is retained along its length by a device 10 having a body 12 with a plunger 18 that is movably located in an internal cavity 14 of the body. The body provides a first surface 16 to engage the tension member and the plunger provides a second surface 24 that is disposed in substantially parallel relationship to the first surface. A biasing means 26 is used to urge the plunger upwardly in the internal cavity, so that the first and second surfaces are urged towards registration. Opposing ends 28, 30 of the body may be shaped in a manner to provide a cleat upon which the tension member may be wound or tied off. Mounting means 32, 34 in the body permit the body to be fixed to a surface.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A device for retaining a linear tension member along the length thereof, in relation to a surface, comprising:
a body, defining a shaped internal cavity open at a top of the body, the body comprising:
a first surface, adapted for engaging the linear tension member; and
means for mounting the body to the surface;
a plunger, movably located in the shaped internal cavity, the plunger comprising:
a second surface, adapted for engaging the linear tension member; and
an upright portion extending through the top of the body; and
means for biasing the plunger upwardly in the shaped internal cavity.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The retaining device of claim 1, wherein:
a pair of opposing ends of the body define a cleat for tying off an end of the linear tension member.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The retaining device of claim 1, wherein:
the first and second surfaces are in a substantially parallel facing relationship and remain in such relationship as the second surface moves relative to the first.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The retaining device of claim 1, further comprising:
a means for frictionally grasping the linear tension member, disposed on provided on at least one of the first and the second surfaces.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The retaining device of claim 4, wherein:
the frictional grasping means comprises a metallic plate.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The retaining device of claim 5, wherein:
the metallic plate has a plurality of grasping members projecting substantially normally therefrom.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The retaining device of claim 1, wherein:
the biasing means engages the plunger.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein:
the mounting means comprises a first and a second hole for receiving a fastener, each of the holes positioned laterally between the shaped internal cavity and on the corresponding end of the body.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein:
the biasing means is a coil spring.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein:
the plunger is slidably constrained to lineal upward and downward motion by the respective profiles of a portion of the shaped internal cavity and the upright portion of the plunger.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The device of claim 10, wherein:
upward motion of the plunger is delimited by engagement of the first and second surfaces.

### Claim 12 (depends on 10)

The device of claim 10, wherein:
downward motion of the plunger is delimited by engagement of the plunger against the surface on which the device is mounted.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein:
the body and the plunger comprise a moldable thermoplastic.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The retaining device of claim 1, wherein:
the second surface is arranged on the plunger on a flange extending laterally from the upright portion.