US 4,983,784 A · Cable termination apparatus and method

Abstract

The invention permits a cable to be connected to an item with an opening or threaded hub, for example a junction box. The invention can accommodate a wide range of cable sizes and enables an operator to quickly form an effectively water-tight and gas-tight connection with the junction box, thus sealing the junction box from contaminants. The apparatus of the invention has an opening for receiving the cable and a plurality of flexible fingers extending peripherally around the cable. An elastic cover assembly encloses the fingers and comprises an elastic sleeve enclosing a hollow core member. Initially, the sleeve is stretched on the hollow core member, which member is then progressively removed to permit the sleeve to collapse onto the fingers to force the fingers against the cable, enhancing gripping of the cable. A shoulder adjacent the fingers and projections on the fingers enhances grip of the sleeve.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An apparatus for connecting a cable to an item, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a body having aligned first and second portions having respective outer peripheries, the first and second portions having axially aligned openings for receiving the cable passed therethrough, the first portion having a plurality of flexible fingers disposed on the periphery thereof to extend around the cable,
(b) an elastic cover assembly positionable on the body to enclose at least the fingers of the first portion, the cover assembly comprising an elastic sleeve and a hollow core member, the sleeve initially being supported in a stretched condition on the hollow core member which is removeable to permit the sleeve to collapse onto the fingers.

A combination of an item having an opening, a cable passing through the opening, and an apparatus cooperating with the item and cable for connecting the cable to the item, the apparatus including:

(a) a body having aligned first and second portions having respective outer peripheries, the first and second portions having axially aligned openings, the cable passing through the openings, the first portion of the body having a plurality of flexible fingers disposed on the periphery thereof to extend around the cable, the second portion passing through the opening of the item and being secured to the item,
(b) an elastic sleeve enclosing at least the fingers and applying an inwards force to the fingers, so that the fingers are forced against the cable.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cable termination apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Cable termination apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19