Cable closure having asymmetrical end plate assembly

Abstract

A closure (20) for a cable splice includes two mating covers (23, 24) and two end plate assemblies (30--30). Each of two cables to be spliced is wrapped with convolutions of a sealing tape (32) disposed between two washers (34--34). The washers and sealing tape are received in a circular groove (53) formed by mating semi-circular hub portions (54--54) of two halves (42, 44) of an end plate assembly. The end plate assembly has a truncated conical shape with a smaller diameter portion terminating in a hub (52) which is disposed inside the closure. As a result of this conical shape, fasteners (64--64) inside the closure and aligned with the hub are used to secure together the halves of the end plate assembly and apply a balanced force system to the sealing tape within the hub. Longitudinally extending joints between the covers and a circumferential channel (45) in each end plate assembly are each filled with a sealing gasket. The covers are assembled together to enclose the end plate assemblies. Then, the covers are secured together by a plurality of latching fingers (126--126). As the covers are secured together, the longitudinal and circumferential gaskets are caused to seal the joints between the covers and between the covers and the end plate assemblies.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.