US 2026/0297976 A1 · Cable Tensioning System

Abstract

A cable rail barrier is provided which includes one or more cables that extend between the two or more posts and a cable tensioning system. The cable tensioning system secures and tensions the at least one cable of the one or more cables to the first post. The cable tensioning system includes a tensioner housing. The tensioner housing is linearly movable in a first direction and a second direction. The tensioner housing includes a tapered housing component. The tensioner housing includes a threaded housing component. A clamp jaw fits into the passageway of the tapered housing component. A spring exerts a bias force on the clamp jaw to bias the clamp jaw in the first direction within the tapered housing component. The spring exerts the bias force on the clamp jaw to provide a grip on the end portion of the at least one cable of the one or more cables. Movement of the tensioner housing in the second direction when the at least one cable of the one or more cables is held by the clamp jaw pulls the at least one cable of the one or more cables taut and tensions the at least one cable of the one or more cables. Movement of the tensioner housing in the first direction causes the tensioner housing to move against the bias force of the spring to allow the at least one cable of the one or more cables to be released from the clamp jaw.

A cable rail barrier comprising:

a top rail that extends between two or more posts;
one or more cables that extend between the two or more posts;
wherein at least one cable of the one or more cables is configured to couple to at least a first post of the two or more posts;
wherein the at least one cable of the one or more cables is configured to be tensioned to provide a desired amount of rigidity;
a cable tensioning system that secures and tensions the at least one cable of the one or more cables to the first post, the cable tensioning system includes:
a cartridge that includes at least one tensioner housing receptacle;
a tensioner housing;
wherein the cartridge fits into an interior of the first post;
wherein the at least one tensioner housing receptacle includes a first channel and a second channel which are open to each other;
wherein between the first channel and the second channel is a first rail component and a second rail component;
wherein the first rail component and the second rail component provide a linear path of travel for the tensioner housing which is movable in a first direction and a second direction;
wherein the tensioner housing includes a tapered housing component with a conical tapered edge;
wherein the tensioner housing includes a threaded housing component with a threaded inner periphery;
wherein the tapered housing component of the tensioner housing fits into the first channel of the at least one tensioner housing receptacle and the threaded housing component of the tensioner housing fits into the second channel of the at least one tensioner housing receptacle;
wherein a bearing portion is located between the tapered housing component and the threaded housing component of the tensioner housing to allow linear movement of the tensioner housing in either the first direction or the second direction within the at least one tensioner housing receptacle;
wherein a passageway is disposed through the tapered housing component of the tensioner housing;
a conical clamp jaw fits into the passageway of the tapered housing component;
wherein the conical clamp jaw includes a plurality of opposing jaw parts that form a conically shaped body;
a spring that exerts a bias force on the conical clamp jaw to bias the conical clamp jaw in the first direction towards the conical tapered edge within the tapered housing component;
wherein an end portion of the at least one cable of the one or more cables is extendable through the first post, into the tapered housing component, and fits between the plurality of opposing jaw parts;
wherein the spring exerts the bias force on the conical clamp jaw towards the conical tapered edge to provide a grip on the end portion of the at least one cable of the one or more cables;
a screw fits into and moves on the threaded inner periphery of the threaded housing component;
and
a tensioner bolt extends through the first post and secures to the screw;
wherein rotation of tensioner bolt rotates the screw, which causes the tensioner housing to move in either the first direction or the second direction;
wherein movement of the tensioner housing in the second direction when the at least one cable of the one or more cables is held by the conical clamp jaw pulls the at least one cable of the one or more cables taut and tensions the at least one cable of the one or more cables;
and
wherein the movement of the tensioner housing in the first direction causes the tensioner housing to move towards an interior wall of the first post to push the conical clamp jaw against the bias force of the spring to allow the at least one cable of the one or more cables to be released from the conical clamp jaw.

25 more elements

Cable Tensioning System

Life of this patent

Cable Tensioning System

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20