Automatic self-adjusting cable system

Abstract

An automatic self-adjusting cable system comprising first, second and third cables, each including a conduit and a strand extending through the conduit. A self adjusting mechanism is provided and includes a housing, an inner member movable axially relative to the housing and a clutch between the housing and the member comprising a plurality of collet members which are movable radially and longitudinally and surround the member to cause teeth on the collets to disengage and engage teeth on the axially movable member. A spring extends between the collet housing and the conduit of the first cable. The strand of the first cable is connected to the movable member of the collet assembly. The strand of the first cable extends through the inner member of the collet clutch and is attached to the strand of the third cable. The strand of the second cable is connected to the collet housing. When a load is applied to the strand of the first cable, the strand tends to move toward the collet housing. The resisting force created by the second and third cables causes the collets to be forced into locking position to sustain the load. If there is slack in the system, the spring exerts force between the collet housing and the first conduit until a balance of force occurs, the collets moving out of engagement with the movable member until the slack is removed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.