Multi-wedge connector

Abstract

A connector for high tensile load attachment to an elongated rod, such as a resin bonded, glass reinforced rod, includes a high strength, elongated, metal cylindrical retainer having an internal shoulder formed at one longitudinal end and a plurality of outer peripheral threads formed at the other longitudinal end for the threaded attachment of a hook or other load bearing device. The connector further includes a plurality of metal collets or rings, whose inner peripheral profile configurations are that of a pair of truncated cones placed base-to-base, serially, longitudinally received within the retainer. The slopes of the cones of the collets received within the retainer are independently, variably preselectable to achieve optimum results. The junctions or edges defining the intersections of the bases of the cones are rounded off to avoid excessive stresses being transmitted to the rod. In mounting the connector onto an end of an elongated rod, the retainer is placed around the rod and a desired number of the collets, depending upon the tensile load anticipated, are serially placed within the retainer and abut against the shoulder of the retainer. An elastomeric O-ring seal is positioned securely about the rod and beneath the underside of the retaining cylinder. An organic potting compound, for example an epoxy resin, is poured into the space between the rod and the collets and is held therein by the O-ring seal. After the potting compound has set, the O-ring seal is removed and a suitable load bearing device or attachment may be threaded onto the threaded end of the retainer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.