Impact load deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly for cable and post protection

A guard system for protecting a cable or a post from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic forces, the guard system comprising:

• a first sleeve rotatably positionable about the cable or the post;
• a second sleeve rotatably positionable about the cable or the post;
• and
• a removable collar assembly positioned between the first sleeve and the second sleeve for maintaining the spacing between the first sleeve and the second sleeve, the removable collar assembly comprising a first removable collar and a second removable collar, each removable collar has a first aperture and a second aperture;
• wherein the first removable collar has a first slot for receiving the cable or the post and the second removable collar has a second slot for receiving the cable or the post, the first slot extending from a perimeter of the first removable collar to a point past a center point of the first removable collar, the second slot extending from a perimeter of the second removable collar to a point past a center point of the second removable collar;
• wherein the first removable collar is positioned against the second removable collar such that the slot of the first removable collar is substantially opposite the slot of the second removable collar, the first aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned with the second aperture of the second removable collar, and the second aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned with the first aperture of the second removable collar;
• fastening means inserted through the first and second apertures of the first and second removable collars for releasably securing the first removable collar to the second removable collar;
• wherein the first sleeve is free from connection with the removable collar assembly;
• wherein the second sleeve is free from connection with the removable collar assembly;
• and
• wherein the first sleeve, the second sleeve, and the removable collar assembly are independently rotatable from each other.