Cable Hangers

What is this patent about?

’008 is related to the field of cable management, specifically cable hangers used in energy production and transmission infrastructures like solar power plants. These hangers support cables above ground, ensuring they are secure and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Existing cable hangers often use passive attachments that can become unsecured in high winds or degrade under UV exposure, leading to cable displacement and safety issues. The invention addresses these shortcomings by providing a more robust and versatile cable hanger system.

The underlying idea behind ’008 is to create a modular cable hanger system that can be easily expanded and adapted to different cable configurations. This is achieved by using a main support member with a hanging mechanism and an attachment mechanism, combined with saddle extensions that can be added or removed as needed. The hanging mechanism is designed to securely attach to a support wire, while the attachment mechanism allows for the connection of saddle extensions to increase the cable-carrying capacity of the hanger.

The claims of ’008 focus on a cable hanger comprising a support member with a proximal end (having a hanging mechanism) and a distal end (having an attachment mechanism), a first saddle, a second saddle larger than the first saddle, and at least one saddle extension. The saddle extension includes a central post with at least one saddle, a securement mechanism to attach to the cable hanger's attachment mechanism, and another attachment mechanism on its distal end. The attachment mechanism is positioned completely below the first and second saddles and extends downward from the bottom surface.

In practice, the cable hanger is first attached to a support wire using the hanging mechanism, which can be a hook or a similar device. Then, saddle extensions are connected to the attachment mechanism on the distal end of the support member. These extensions provide additional saddles for supporting more cables. The securement mechanism can be clips, bolts, or deformable tabs, allowing for easy installation and removal of the extensions. This modular design allows the cable hanger to be customized to the specific needs of the installation, and expanded later if needed.

The key differentiation from prior approaches lies in the modularity and expandability of the cable hanger system. Unlike traditional cable hangers with fixed capacity, this invention allows for on-demand addition of saddle extensions , providing flexibility in cable management. The offset hanging mechanism ensures balance even with added extensions, preventing rotation and maintaining stability. Furthermore, the secure attachment mechanisms and robust materials enhance the system's resistance to environmental factors, improving its reliability and lifespan compared to existing solutions.