Abstract A cable gripping device which is readily adjustable and fail-safe. The device includes cylindrical inner and outer housings in telescoped relationship which contain an inner gripper member and an outer compression spring connected to the housings. When the housings are biased apart by the compression spring, the gripper member is forced into tight contact with a rope or cable passing axially through the housings, locking the assembly in position on the cable. If the housings are moved toward each other, the compression spring is compressed and the gripper member is loosened, allowing the assembly to be moved along the cable. If the operator releases the housings, such as by slipping and falling, the compression spring automatically moves the housings apart, causing the gripper to again grip the cable. This device is especially suitable for use by workers in high locations, since they can move about along a safety cable without unhooking their safety lanyards from the cable.
A fail-safe cable gripping device comprising: a first cup-shaped housing having a generally cylindrical wall and a transverse base, said base having a central aperture adapted to having a cable extend therethrough along the axis of said first housing; a second cup-shaped housing having a generally cylindrical wall and a transverse base, said base having a central aperture adapted to having a cable extend therethrough along the axis of said second housing; the open end of said second housing extending in a telescoping relationship into the open end of said first housing; a gripper member comprising at least one strand secured to the inside of the bases of said first and second housings and adapted to coil around a cable extending through said housings; a compression spring within said housing bearing against the inside of the bases of said housings to bias the housings apart and tighten said gripper against a cable extending through said housings; said first and second housings being adapted to straight-line manual movement toward each other whereby said gripper is released and said device may be moved along a cable extending therethrough, and adapted immediately and automatically to return to the gripping position in response to said spring when said housings are released.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
207 words
A fail-safe cable gripping device comprising: a first cup-shaped housing having a generally cylindrical wall and a transverse base, said base having a central aperture adapted to having a cable extend therethrough along the axis of said first housing; a second cup-shaped housing having a generally cylindrical wall and a transverse base, said base having a central aperture adapted to having a cable extend therethrough along the axis of said second housing; the open end of said second housing extending in a telescoping relationship into the open end of said first housing; a gripper member comprising at least one strand secured to the inside of the bases of said first and second housings and adapted to coil around a cable extending through said housings; a compression spring within said housing bearing against the inside of the bases of said housings to bias the housings apart and tighten said gripper against a cable extending through said housings; said first and second housings being adapted to straight-line manual movement toward each other whereby said gripper is released and said device may be moved along a cable extending therethrough, and adapted immediately and automatically to return to the gripping position in response to said spring when said housings are released.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The cable gripping device according to claim 1 further including an extension member secured to said second housing and having an eye therein, whereby a personal safety lanyard may be connected thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The cable gripping device according to claim 1 wherein said gripper member comprises a plurality of interwoven right-and left-hand coiled strands.