Device for adjusting tension in a cable
A cable tensioner for adjusting the tension in various cables. It may be used with a variety of cables including those that have flexible members routed through bendable sheaths. The cable tensioner includes a worm gear arrangement located within a housing, where the worm gear takes the form of a worm screw engaged with a spur gear. The spur gear may then be engaged with teeth on a movable sleeve. The end of a cable is secured within the sleeve and the tension in the cable can be adjusted by moving the sleeve via the worm gear.
1 . A device for adjusting tension in a cable having an inner flexible member routed through an outer sheath, said device comprising:
a housing configured for attachment to a fixed structure;
a sleeve having a channel for receiving an end of an inner flexible member of a cable, said sleeve located at least partially within said housing and configured for moving within said housing, wherein said end of said inner flexible member is secured to said sleeve;
a set screw for securing said end of said inner flexible member in said channel, said set screw located in said sleeve;
an inlet collar configured to engage with an end of an outer sheath of said cable, wherein said inlet collar abuts an outside of said housing such that said outer sheath remains outside said housing; and
a worm gear operable to move said sleeve for adjusting tension in said inner flexible member without moving said outer sheath.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said worm gear includes a worm screw engaged with a spur gear.
3 . The device of claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of teeth on an upper surface of said sleeve.
4 . The device of claim 3 , wherein said spur gear is engaged with said plurality of teeth on said upper surface of said sleeve.
5 . The device of claim 4 , wherein said worm screw includes a head that extends outside of said housing and said worm screw is operable by a handheld tool engaging with said head.
6 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a slot in said sleeve, wherein said slot is operatively coupled to said channel for receiving said inner flexible member.
7 . A device for adjusting tension in a cable having an inner flexible member routed through an outer sheath, said device comprising:
a housing;
an inlet collar configured to engage with an end of an outer sheath of said cable, wherein said inlet collar abuts an outside of said housing such that said outer sheath remains outside said housing;
a sleeve having a channel for securing an end of an inner flexible member of a cable, said sleeve having a plurality of teeth on an upper surface;
a spur gear located at least partially within said housing, said spur gear engaged with said plurality of teeth on said upper surface of said sleeve; and
a worm screw located at least partially within said housing, said worm screw having a head extending outside of said housing, said worm screw engaged with said spur gear such that rotation of said worm screw provides movement of said sleeve via said spur gear engaged with said teeth for adjusting tension of said inner flexible member without moving said outer sheath.
8 . The device of claim 7 , wherein said worm screw is operable by a handheld tool engaging with said head.
9 . The device of claim 8 , further comprising a set screw for securing said inner flexible member of a cable in said channel, said set screw located in said sleeve.
10 . A device for adjusting tension in a cable having an inner flexible member routed through an outer sheath, said device comprising:
a housing configured for attachment to a fixed structure;
a sleeve located at least partially within said housing, said sleeve having a channel for receiving an end of an inner flexible member of a cable, said sleeve having a plurality of teeth on an upper surface;
a set screw for securing said end of said inner flexible member in said channel, said set screw located in said sleeve;
a spur gear located at least partially within said housing, said spur gear engaged with said plurality of teeth on said upper surface of said sleeve; and
a worm screw located at least partially within said housing, said worm screw having a head extending outside of said housing, said worm screw engaged with said spur gear such that rotation of said worm screw provides movement of said sleeve via said spur gear engaged with said teeth for adjusting tension of said inner flexible member.
11 . The device of claim 10 , wherein said worm screw is operable by a handheld tool engaging with said head.
12 . The device of claim 10 , further comprising an inlet collar to engage with an outer sheath of a cable, wherein said inlet collar abuts an outside of said housing such that said outer sheath remains outside said housing.
13 . The device of claim 12 , further comprising a slot in said sleeve, wherein said slot is operatively coupled to said channel for receiving said inner flexible member.