(19)
(11) EP 1 005 108 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
24.04.2002 Bulletin 2002/17

(43) Date of publication A2:
31.05.2000 Bulletin 2000/22

(21) Application number: 99309452.3

(22) Date of filing: 26.11.1999
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7H01R 4/64, H01R 4/24, H02G 7/05
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30) Priority: 26.11.1998 US 110043 P

(71) Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
Sparks, Nevada 89434 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Moran, Thomas T.
    Cincinati, Ohio 45213 (US)
  • Coll, Gene
    Cranford, New Jersey 07016 (US)
  • Dinh, Cong Thanh
    Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (US)

(74) Representative: Howick, Nicholas Keith 
CARPMAELS & RANSFORD 43 Bloomsbury Square
London WC1A 2RA
London WC1A 2RA (GB)

   


(54) Universal ground clip assembly


(57) A universal ground clip assembly (10) for electrically connecting interchangeable messenger clamps (131, 13b, 13c, 13d) to a cable messenger strand (11) strung between utility poles. A saddle shaped grounding clip (17) having a generally U-shaped cross-section with opposing first and second side members (19,21) is positioned over the insulation jacket (14) of the messenger strand and includes at least one pointed prong (22) for penetrating the messenger strand insulation jacket (14) and engaging the messenger strand conductor (11). Compression of the grounding clip causes the prong (22) to penetrate the insulation jacket (14) thereby establishing an electrical connection with the messenger strand conductor (11). The clip assembly (10) may further include a variety of interchangeable messenger clamps (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d), such as a ground or span clamp, capable of engaging the grounding clip (17). Upon engagement, the interchangeable messenger clamps (131, 13b, 13c, 13d) establish an electrical connection with the grounding clip (17). During assembly and installation, the grounding clip (17) is preferably positioned and compressed on the messenger strand (11) prior to installation of the interchangeable messenger clamps.







Search report