Cable Hangers
Patent No. US12074417 (titled "Cable Hangers") was filed by Affordable Wire Management Llc on Feb 1, 2022.
What is this patent about?
’417 is related to the field of cable management, specifically cable hangers used in large-scale energy production and transmission infrastructures like solar power plants. These plants utilize numerous cables for electrical current and signal data, often arranged above ground. Existing cable hangers can suffer from issues like becoming unsecured in harsh weather, inadequate bonding paths, high costs, material degradation from UV exposure, and imbalance when loaded with cables.
The underlying idea behind ’417 is to create a more robust and cost-effective cable hanger system. The key inventive insight is the use of an offset hanging mechanism (a hook) in conjunction with a support member and multiple cable-supporting saddles. The offset design helps maintain balance and prevent rotation of the hanger when loaded with cables. Furthermore, the hook is designed with a deformable section that allows for secure attachment to a support wire.
The claims of ’417 focus on a cable hanger comprising a support member with a proximal and distal end, multiple saddles for supporting cables, and a hanging mechanism at the proximal end. The hanging mechanism is specifically a deformable hook that partially surrounds a support wire. The hook's design allows a section of it to move closer to the support member when deformed, ensuring a secure grip on the support wire.
In practice, the cable hanger is attached to a support wire by deforming the hook around it. The offset design ensures that the center of gravity of the loaded hanger remains aligned with the support wire, preventing unwanted rotation. The saddles, which can vary in size and shape, provide dedicated spaces for different types of cables, potentially complying with electrical code spacing requirements. The deformable hook provides a secure, positive mechanical connection to the support wire, preventing slippage or dislodgement even in high winds.
The invention differentiates itself from prior approaches by addressing several key limitations. Unlike passive attachment components that can become unsecured, the deformable hook provides a more reliable connection. The offset design improves balance compared to hangers with symmetrical designs. Furthermore, the modular design allows for the addition of extra saddles or even entire hangers, increasing carrying capacity without compromising stability. This modularity and improved attachment mechanism contribute to a more robust and adaptable cable management solution for demanding environments.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2020s when ’417 was filed, above-ground cable management at a time when energy production and transmission infrastructures commonly relied on securing cables in a manner capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions. At a time when cable installations typically involved supporting cables in the air in a secure and safe manner.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The application was subject to a final rejection under 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103. The applicant's arguments were considered, and some rejections were withdrawn. However, new grounds of rejection were made. The prosecution record does describe claim changes and technical reasoning that led to the rejection.
Claims
This patent contains 17 claims, with independent claims 1 and 14. Independent claim 1 focuses on a cable hanger with a deformable hook, while independent claim 14 focuses on a cable hanger system including such a hanger and a support wire. The dependent claims generally elaborate on specific features, arrangements, and components of the cable hanger and cable hanger system defined in the independent claims.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
Patent Family
File Wrapper
The dossier documents provide a comprehensive record of the patent's prosecution history - including filings, correspondence, and decisions made by patent offices - and are crucial for understanding the patent's legal journey and any challenges it may have faced during examination.
Date
Description
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US12074417
- Application Number
- US17590498
- Filing Date
- Feb 1, 2022
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Apr 15, 2041
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents