Helical tensioner for tension members
OwnerBilly Olsoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tensioner structured to shorten the effective length of a tension member is provided. The tensioner has a body with an outer surface and a generally helical path on the outer surface. The tension member is wrapped around the tensioner body and retained in the path. In this configuration, the tensioner acts to retain a first length of the tension member within a second, shorter length corresponding to the length of the tensioner body. When the effective length of a tension member is reduced, the amount of sag in the tension member is reduced.
Claims19
A tensioner for an elongated tension member suspended between two points, said tension member having a length, a cross-sectional shape, wherein said tension member has a generally circular cross-sectional area with a diameter, and a sag, said tensioner comprising:
- an elongated body having an outer surface, a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis;
- a generally helical path disposed on said body outer surface, said helical path sized to accommodate at least a portion of said tension member, said helical path being less deep than the diameter of the tension member;
- wherein a portion of the length of said tension member may be disposed along said helical path, said tension member cross-sectional shape being at least partially disposed within said helical path;
- and
- wherein the sag of said tension member is reduced.
A tensioner for an elongated tension member suspended between two points, said tension member having a length, a cross-sectional shape, wherein said tension member has a generally circular cross-sectional area with a diameter, and a sag, said tensioner comprising:
- an elongated body having an outer surface, a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis;
- a generally helical path disposed on said body outer surface, said helical path sized to accommodate at least a portion of said tension member, said helical path being less deep than the diameter of the tension member;
- wherein a portion of the length of said tension member may be disposed along said helical path, said tension member cross-sectional shape being at least partially disposed within said helical path;
- wherein the sag of said tension member is reduced;
- said helical path has at least two portions including a first portion and a second portion;
- said first portion having a first pitch;
- and
- said second portion having a second pitch.
A tensioner for an elongated tension member suspended between two points, said tension member having a sag and a cross-sectional shape, wherein said tension member has a generally circular cross-sectional area with a diameter, said tensioner comprising:
- an elongated body having an outer surface, a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis;
- a generally helical path disposed on said body outer surface, said helical path sized to accommodate at least a portion of said tension member, said helical path being less deep than the diameter of the tension member;
- at least one clamping device, said clamping device structured to retain said tension member in said helical path;
- wherein a portion of said tension member may be disposed along said helical path, said tension member cross-sectional shape being at least partially disposed within said helical path;
- and
- wherein the sag of said tension member is reduced.
A tensioner for an elongated tension member suspended between two points, said tension member having a sag and a cross-sectional shape, wherein said tension member has a generally circular cross-sectional area with a diameter, said tensioner comprising:
- an elongated body having an outer surface, a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis;
- a generally helical path disposed on said body outer surface, said helical path sized to accommodate at least a portion of said tension member, said helical path being less deep than the diameter of the tension member;
- at least one clamping device, said clamping device structured to retain said tension member in said helical path;
- wherein a portion of said tension member may be disposed along said helical path, said tension member cross-sectional shape being at least partially disposed within said helical path;
- wherein the sag of said tension member is reduced;
- said at least one clamping device includes a first clamping device and a second clamping device;
- said first clamping device disposed adjacent to said body first end;
- and
- said second clamping device disposed adjacent to said body second end.
A tension member comprising:
- a first support point;
- a second support point;
- a tension member extending between said first support point and said second support point, said tension member having a sag and a cross-sectional shape, wherein said tension member has a generally circular cross-sectional area with a diameter;
- a tensioner disposed on said tension member, said tensioner having an elongated body with an outer surface, a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis;
- a generally helical path disposed on said body outer surface, said helical path sized to accommodate at least a portion of said tension member, said helical path being less deep than the diameter of the tension member;
- at least one clamping device, said clamping device structured to retain said tension member in said helical path;
- wherein a portion of said tension member may be disposed along said helical path, said tension member cross-sectional shape being at least partially disposed within said helical path;
- and
- wherein the sag of said tension member is reduced.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.