USOO86921.39B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Aldrich et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,692,139 B2
`Apr. 8, 2014
`
`(54) CABLE GLAND ASSEMBLY FOR
`TERMINATING CABLE
`
`(75) Inventors: Alvah Aldrich, Geneva, NY (US);
`Evgeny M. Orlov, Syracuse, NY (US)
`(73) Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company,
`Houston, TX (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 72 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/605,569
`
`(22) Filed:
`(65)
`
`Sep. 6, 2012
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2013/OO56264 A1
`Mar. 7, 2013
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/531,169, filed on Sep.
`6, 2011
`isional application No. 61/639,409, filed
`s A g ga applicauon No.
`4U9, Ille
`On Apr. Z. f.
`(51) Int. Cl
`iotB i7/58
`(2006.01)
`s
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`USPC ............ 174/653; 174/650; 174/652; 439/271
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC .......... 174/652, 653, 650, 665; 439/271, 278,
`439/279; 285/151.1
`See application file for complete search history.
`Ref
`Cited
`eeees e
`
`(56)
`
`k .
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4.515.991 A * 5, 1985 Hutchison ..................... 174,654
`5321.205 A
`6/1994 E. E.
`... 174f655
`5,929,383 A * 7/1999 Marik et al. .................... 174.78
`7.976,070 B2 *
`7/2011 Kiely .........
`285/1511
`cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner – Dhirubhai R Patel
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — King & Spalding LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A cable gland assembly for terminating cable is described
`herein. The cable gland assembly can include a gland config
`ured to receive a cable, and a gland nut disposed around the
`gland. A skid washer may be disposed within the gland nut
`above O below the gland. The cable gland assembly can also
`include an intermediate body having a first end and a second
`end, in which the first end may be coupled to the gland nut.
`The cable gland assembly can further include a body coupled
`to the second end of the intermediate body, and an interme
`diate nut disposed around a portion of the body and the second
`end of the intermediate body.
`24 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
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`S.Š58-210210b
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`232 Nauves S. S
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`4 N
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2004; page CMP0693
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 8, 2014
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`Sheet 1 of 6
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`US 8,692,139 B2
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`FIG. 1
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2004; page CMP0694
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 8, 2014
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`Sheet 2 of 6
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`US 8,692,139 B2
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`418b,41
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2004; page CMP0695
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 8, 2014
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`Sheet 3 of 6
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`US 8,692,139 B2
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`318
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`-2102 10a,210b
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`310
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`418, 418b
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2004; page CMP0696
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 8, 2014
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`Sheet 4 of 6
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`US 8,692,139 B2
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`210,210a,210b
`1.
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`FIG. 5A
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`320
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`210,210a,210b
`1.
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`FIG. 5B
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2004; page CMP0697
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 8, 2014
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`Sheet 5 of 6
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`US 8,692,139 B2
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2004; page CMP0698
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 8, 2014
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`Sheet 6 of 6
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`US 8,692,139 B2
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2004; page CMP0699
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`US 8,692,139 B2
`
`1.
`CABLE GLAND ASSEMBLY FOR
`TERMINATING CABLE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. S 119 to
`U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/531,169,
`titled “Cable Gland Assembly for Terminating Cable' and
`filed on Sep. 6, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application
`Ser. No. 61/639,409, titled “Cable Gland Assembly for Ter
`minating Cable' and filed on Apr. 27, 2012. The entire con
`tents of each of the foregoing applications are hereby incor
`porated herein by reference.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present disclosure relates generally to cable gland
`connectors, and more particularly to systems, methods, and
`devices for cable gland assemblies for terminating cable.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`2
`the intermediate body and the body at the second intermediate
`body end. The intermediate body nut may have a second
`sealing feature corresponding to the first sealing feature of the
`intermediate body, in which the first and second sealing fea
`tures can join to provide a seal. The cable gland assembly can
`also include a compound chamber positioned within an inte
`rior of the body, in which the compound chamber has an
`opening for receiving a sealing compound and at least one
`conductor of said cable therein.
`In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a
`gland assembly for a cable gland. The gland assembly may
`include a gland nut, a top skid washer, and a gland. The gland
`nut may include a washer retaining feature for semi-perma
`nently coupling to the top skid washer. The top skid washer
`may include a gland retaining feature for semi-permanently
`coupling to the gland and a nut retaining feature for semi
`permanently coupling to the gland nut. The gland includes a
`washer retaining feature for semi-permanently coupling to
`the top skid washer.
`In yet another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to
`a cable gland assembly for terminating cable. The cable gland
`assembly may include a gland nut having an exterior wall and
`an interior wall. The interior wall of the gland nut may define
`a gland nut opening. The cable gland assembly may include a
`gland positioned within the gland nut opening, in which the
`gland defines a gland opening for receiving a cable therein.
`The cable gland assembly can also include an intermediate
`body having a first intermediate body end and a second inter
`mediate body end. The first intermediate body end may be
`coupled to the gland nut, and the intermediate body may have
`a first sealing feature proximate the second intermediate body
`end. The cable gland assembly may further include a body
`coupled to the intermediate body at the second intermediate
`body end, and an intermediate body nut coupled to the inter
`mediate body and the body at the second intermediate body
`end. The intermediate body nut may have a second sealing
`feature corresponding to the first sealing feature of the inter
`mediate body, in which the first and second sealing features
`join to provide a seal.
`These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodi
`ments will be apparent from the following description and the
`appended claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and
`are therefore not to be considered limiting in Scope, as the
`exemplary embodiments may admit to other equally effective
`embodiments. The elements and features shown in the draw
`ings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
`placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the exem
`plary embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or posi
`tionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey Such
`principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like
`or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cable
`gland assembly, in accordance with exemplary embodiments
`of this disclosure;
`FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a
`cable gland assembly, in accordance with exemplary embodi
`ments of this disclosure;
`FIG.3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a skid
`washer, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of this
`disclosure;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a gland, in accordance with
`exemplary embodiments of this disclosure;
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`Cable gland assemblies are used for terminating cable in
`hazardous and nonhazardous environments. Specifically,
`cable gland assemblies generally provides a means for termi
`nating cables, such as armored cables, at junctions boxes,
`control centers, panel boards, enclosures, and the like. Typi
`cal cable gland assemblies provide a seal around the conduc
`tors of the cable, mechanical retention of the cable therein,
`electrical continuity via the termination of the cable, and aim
`to protect the cable. Additionally, typical cable gland assem
`blies may be assembled from several components. At various
`times, the cable assembly may need to be disassembled and/
`or reassembled. During disassembly, the numerous compo
`nents of a conventional cable gland may come apart, includ
`ing those that do not need to separate for purposes of the
`disassembly. This makes disassembly and reassembly of the
`cable gland assembly more complex, time consuming, and
`error-prone. Additionally, environmental debris may enter the
`cable gland from mating points of certain components as
`conventional cable gland assemblies may not provide a robust
`enough seal between certain components. This may lead to
`degradation of the cable and/or conductor, and reduce the
`quality of the cable gland.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a cable
`gland assembly for terminating cable. The cable gland assem
`bly may include a gland nut having an exterior wall and an
`interior wall. The interior wall of the cable gland assembly
`may define a gland nut opening. The cable gland assembly
`may also include a gland positioned within the gland nut
`opening. The gland may define a gland opening for receiving
`a cable therein. The cable gland assembly can further include
`a first skid washer disposed above the gland within the gland
`nut. The first skid washer is generally configured to be
`retained by the gland nut and retain the gland. The cable gland
`assembly further includes an intermediate body. The interme
`diate body may include a first intermediate body end and a
`second intermediate body end. The first intermediate body
`end may be coupled to the gland nut. The intermediate body
`may also have a first sealing feature proximate the second
`intermediate body end. The cable gland assembly can include
`a body coupled to the intermediate body at the second inter
`mediate body end, and an intermediate body nut coupled to
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2004; page CMP0700
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`US 8,692,139 B2
`
`3
`FIGS. 5a-5b are perspective views of a second embodi
`ment of a skid washer, in accordance with exemplary embodi
`ments of this disclosure;
`FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
`a cable gland assembly, in accordance with exemplary
`embodiments of this disclosure; and
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a skid
`washer, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of this
`disclosure;
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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`intermediate body 106 is disposed within the gland nut 104.
`As the gland nut 104 is tightened and/or pushed downward
`onto to the intermediate body 106, the top portion 232 of the
`intermediate body 106 becomes increasingly disposed within
`the gland nut 104. In a tightened State (not shown), the gland
`nut 104 may be more fully disposed around the intermediate
`body 106. As such, the gland nut 104 and the top portion 232
`of the intermediate body 106 may include a first and second
`mating feature 234.
`In certain embodiments, the first and second mating feature
`234 may allow a semi-permanent and/or various levels of
`mating between the gland nut 104 and the top portion 232 of
`the intermediate body 106. For example, the first and second
`mating feature 234 may be threads that allow the gland nut
`104 to be twisted further onto the top portion 232 of the
`intermediate body 106. In some embodiments, the first and
`second mating feature 234 may include sliders, tabs, clamps,
`Snaps, and other Suitable mating features.
`In certain embodiments, the gland 212 is generally dis
`posed within the gland nut 104, and the one or more skid
`washers 210 are disposed generally above and/or below the
`gland 212. Specifically, in certain embodiments, a top skid
`washer 210a may be disposed above the gland 212, between
`the gland nut 104 and the gland 212, and a bottom skid washer
`210b may be disposed below the gland 212, mirroring the top
`skid washer 210a. In the illustrated embodiment, the gland
`nut 104 includes a washer retainer 220 on an inner surface of
`the gland nut 104. The washer retainer 220 may include a
`groove or ledge encircling the inner Surface of the gland nut
`near the top where the top skid washer 210a is disposed for
`retaining the top skid washer 210a. Likewise, the top portion
`232 of the intermediate body 106 may also include a washer
`stopper 228 for stopping the bottom skid washer 210b from
`traveling past the washer stopper 228 during regular use. The
`washer stopper 228 of the intermediate body 106 may include
`a ledge, hook, or other appropriate inward protrusion.
`The skid washer 210 is illustrated individually in FIG. 3.
`The skid washer 210 is generally circularly-shaped, and
`defined between an outer surface 310 and an inner surface
`312, and between a top surface 314 and a bottom surface 316.
`The top surface 314 of the skid washer 210 may be curved. In
`certain embodiments, the top Surface 314 may be straight. In
`this embodiment, the skid washer 210 includes a top ledge
`318 extending outward from and encircling the outer surface
`310 adjacent to the top surface 314. When the top skid washer
`210a is disposed in the gland nut 104, the top ledge 318 may
`beforcefully disposed past, and thus engaged with the washer
`retainer 220 of in the gland nut 104. Thus, the top skid washer
`210a may remain generally coupled to the gland nut 104
`unless purposefully and/or forcefully taken apart. The skid
`washer 210 further includes a gland retainer 320 for retaining
`a portion of the gland 212 therein. The gland retainer 320 may
`include a groove, ledge, or other appropriate retaining feature
`encircling the inner surface 312 of the skid washer 210 near
`the bottom surface 316. The gland retainer 320 further
`includes a receiving edge 322 through which the gland 212 is
`to be disposed. In certain embodiments, the skid washer may
`be made of nylon.
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gland 212, in accordance
`with aspects of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.
`The gland 212 may be defined between an outer surface 410
`and an inner Surface 412, and between a top Surface 414 and
`a bottom surface 416. The inner surface 412 further defines
`the central opening in the gland 212 where the cable is dis
`posed. In certain embodiments, the gland 212 also includes
`one or more ridges 418 extending from and encircling the
`outer surface 410 of the gland 212 adjacent to the top surface
`
`In general, exemplary embodiments provide systems,
`methods, and devices for a cable gland assembly. The cable
`gland assembly described herein is easier to assemble and/or
`disassemble and provides robust sealing of the cable gland
`against environmental debris. Specifically, the cable gland
`assembly may be disassembled while allowing certain com
`ponents inside the cable gland to remain intact with respect to
`each other, decreasing the number of loose parts.
`Many components of the cable gland assembly may be
`referred to as having generally cylindrically, circular, or coni
`cal features, and as having cylindrical or circular holes, cavi
`ties, and openings. Such features may be referred to or defined
`by a circumference, radius, external Surface, internal Surface,
`and/or other terms appropriate for defining such features. It
`should be noted that such features may alternatively be ellip
`tical, polygonal, and the like in certain embodiments. In Such
`embodiments, the features may be defined in corresponding
`terms appropriate for that shape (e.g., perimeter, edge, area,
`surface). FIGS. 2 and 6 show cross-sectional views of two
`exemplary cable gland assemblies 100 according to certain
`exemplary embodiments. In one or more embodiments, one
`or more of the components or elements shown in FIGS. 2 and
`6 may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly,
`embodiments of the cable gland assembly should not be con
`sidered limited to the specific configurations shown in FIGS.
`1 and 6.
`Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the cable
`gland assembly 100, as seen externally, includes a gland nut
`104, an intermediate body 106, a body 108, and an interme
`diate body nut 107 disposed around portions of the interme
`diate body 106 and body 108. Each of the gland nut 104,
`intermediate body 106, and body 108 include a central open
`ing and are coupled together concentrically such that a cable
`path 102 traverses the cable gland 100. A cable (not pictured)
`may be disposed and/or terminated inside the cable path 102.
`In certain embodiments, the cable may be retained by tight
`ening the gland nut 104 about the intermediate body.
`FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first embodi
`ment of the cable gland assembly 100 of FIG.1. In addition to
`the gland nut 104, intermediate body 106, and body 108, the
`cable gland assembly 100 may also include one or more skid
`washers 210, a gland 212, a grounding spring 214, an armor
`stop 216 (also known as a damming device), and a compound
`chamber 218. Likewise, each of the skid washers 210, the
`gland 212, the grounding spring 214, the armor stop 216, and
`the compound chamber 218 have a central opening and are
`concentrically disposed about each other in the manner illus
`trated such that the cable path 102 traverses the cable gland
`1OO.
`In certain embodiments, the gland nut 104 may be disposed
`around a top portion 232 of the intermediate body 106. The
`gland nut 104 may be disposed around the top portion 232 of
`the intermediate body 106 at various amounts. For example,
`FIG. 2 illustrates the gland nut 104 in a loosened state, in
`which a relatively small amount of the top portion 232 of the
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`US 8,692,139 B2
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`5
`414 and/or bottom surface 416. Specifically, in the illustrated
`embodiment, the gland 212 includes atop ridge 418a adjacent
`to the top surface 414 and a bottom ridge 418b adjacent to the
`bottom surface 416.
`In certain embodiments, the gland 212 and the top skid
`washer 210a are configured to couple to each other via the
`gland retainer 320 in the top skid washer 210a and the top
`ridge 418a of the gland 212. Specifically, the largest circum
`ference of the top ridge 418a is generally larger than the
`receiving edge 322 of the gland retainer 320 in a neutral
`position and generally similar to the largest circumference of
`the gland retainer 320. As such, the top ridge 418a of the
`gland 212 is configured to be forced past the receiving edge
`322 and snapped into the gland retainer 320. Thus, the top
`ridge 418a is generally retained by the top skid washer 210a
`unless pulled apart by a sufficient force, the sufficient force
`generally being greater than the force of gravity. Likewise, in
`certain embodiments, the bottom ridge 418b of the gland 212
`is similarly disposed in and retained by a similar gland
`retainer of the bottom skid washer 210b. Thus, in such
`embodiments, the gland 212 generally remains coupled to the
`bottom skid washer 210b unless pulled apart by a sufficient
`force, the Sufficient force generally being greater than the
`force of gravity.
`The gland 212 may also include a bevel in and encircling
`the outer surface 410 of the gland 212. Generally, the bevel is
`located around the middle of the gland, approximately half
`way between the top surface 414 and the bottom surface 416.
`Generally, when the gland nut 104 is in the loosened position
`shown in FIG. 2, the gland is in a neutral position, as shown.
`Thus, the gland 212 and skid washers 210 generally fill up the
`space between the gland nut 104 and the intermediate body
`106. As the gland nut 104 is tightened or forced further onto
`the intermediate body 106, the gland 212 becomes increas
`ingly vertically compressed. As the bevel 420 provides a
`thinner portion of the gland, the compression may be focused
`at the bevel 420. Thus, the bevel 420 provides a consistent and
`predictable point of compression for the gland 212. In alter
`nate embodiments, the bevel may have contours different
`than those shown in FIG. 4 and may be positioned at different
`locations along the gland than that shown in FIG. 4. The gland
`may be made of an elastomer material. Such as, but not limited
`to, neoprene.
`Referring again to FIG. 2, the gland nut 104 may semi
`permanently couple to the top skid washer 210a via the retain
`ing feature provided by the washer retainer 220 and the top
`ledge 318 of the top skid washer 210a. It should be noted that
`semi-permanently coupled to generally refers to two object
`that are generally inseparable without a Sufficient amount
`separation force, in which the separation force is generally
`greater than the force of gravity. For example, when elements
`are described herein as semi-permanently coupled, the ele
`ments remain together when the gland nut 104 is removed
`from the gland and the elements generally will not separate
`until a separation force greater than gravity is applied to pull
`the elements apart.
`Accordingly, the gland 212 is semi-permanently coupled
`to the top skid washer 210a via the gland retainer 320 in the
`top skid washer 210a and the top ridge 418a of the gland 212.
`Likewise, the gland 212 is also semi-permanently coupled the
`bottom skid washer 210b via the bottom ridge 418b of the
`gland 212 and the gland retainer 320 of the bottom skid
`washer 210b. Furthermore, the bottom skid washer 210b may
`also be semi-permanently coupled to the intermediate body
`106 via the top ledge 318 of the bottom skid washer 210b and
`the washer stopper 228 of the intermediate body 106, as
`discussed above. Consequently, the gland nut 104, the skid
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`washers 210, and the gland 212, the intermediate body 106, or
`a Subset thereof, may remained intact with respect to each
`other when the cable gland assembly 100 is disassembled.
`As mentioned, a cable (not shown) is to be disposed in the
`cable path 102 of the cable gland assembly 100. The cable
`may include an outer layer, an armor layer, and a at least one
`conductor. Generally, when the cable is fully disposed in the
`cable gland assembly, the cable is configured such that the
`outer layer passes through the gland nut 104 and the gland
`212, but stops before the grounding spring 214. Thus, the
`armor layer is exposed and disposed through the grounding
`spring 214, but stops at the armor stop 216. Generally, when
`the gland nut 104 is tightened and the gland 212 is com
`pressed, the bottom skid washer 210b or the gland 212 com
`presses the grounding spring towards the cable, in which the
`armor layer is exposed. Thus, compression of the grounding
`spring 214 ensures that the grounding spring 214 establishes
`conductive contact with the armor layer, providing a ground
`ing path for the armor layer. Additionally, compression of the
`grounding spring 214 towards the armor layer provides an
`inward radial compression of the grounding spring 214
`around the armor layer. Thus, the cable and armor layer may
`be further retained in the grounding spring 214 and the cable
`gland assembly 100. As the armor layer stops at the armor
`stop 216, only the conductor or conductors of the cable pass
`through the armor stop 216 and into the compound chamber
`218. The compound chamber 218 is generally disposed
`within the body 108. The compound chamber may be filled
`with a sealing compound Surrounding the conductor(s). Thus,
`a substantially air tight bond may be formed between the
`conductor(s) and the compound chamber 218. Additionally,
`the compound chamber 218 provides a flame path along the
`exterior of the compound chamber 218 between the com
`pound chamber 218 and the body 108. In certain embodi
`ments, the compound chamber 190 may encompass the armor
`stop 216.
`In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the intermediate
`body 106 further includes a bottom portion 240 mated to a top
`portion 242 of the body 108. The mating portions of the
`bottom portion 240 of the intermediate body 106 and the top
`portion 242 of the body may include an anti-rotation feature
`Such as a gripping Surface Such that the intermediate body 106
`and the body 108 do not rotate with respect to each other when
`coupled. The bottom portion 240 of the intermediate body
`106 includes a first sealing feature 244. The intermediate
`body nut 107 is generally disposed around the bottom portion
`240 of the intermediate body 106 and the top portion 242 of
`the body 108. Thus, the coupling regions of the intermediate
`body 106 with the body 108 are disposed within the interme
`diate body nut 106. The intermediate body nut 106 may
`include a second sealing feature 246 Such that when the
`intermediate body nut 106 is fully disposed around the bot
`tom portion 240 of the intermediate body 106 and the top
`portion 242 of the body 106, the first sealing feature 244 and
`the second sealing feature 246 join to create a seal around an
`entire edge of the intermediate body nut 107. The first sealing
`feature 244 may include a lip having a curved Surface dis
`posed on and encircling the bottom portion 240 of the inter
`mediate body 106. The second sealing feature 246 may
`include an incline plane encircling the entire edge of the
`intermediate body nut 107. When the first and second sealing
`features 244, 246 join, the curved surface of the first sealing
`feature 244 and the incline plane of the second sealing feature
`246 create robust contact around the cable gland assembly
`100, preventing environmental debris, water, and the like
`from penetrating the cable gland 100. In certain embodi
`ments, the first sealing feature 244 may include an incline
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`7
`plane and the second sealing feature 246 may include a
`curved surface, or the first and second sealing features 244.
`246 may both include curved surfaces or both include corre
`sponding incline planes. In the exemplary embodiment, the
`sealing features 244 and 246 are made of metallic material
`and form a metal-on-metal seal.
`FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate another embodiment of the skid
`washer 210. FIG. 5a illustrates a top perspective view of the
`skid washer 210, and FIG. 5b illustrates a bottom perspective
`view. In this embodiments, the skid washer includes a plural
`ity of nodes 510 disposed on the outer surface 310 adjacent to
`the upper surface 314. These nodes 510 generally have the
`same function as the top ledge 318 in the embodiment illus
`trated in FIG.3. Accordingly, the nodes 510 may be disposed
`in and retained by the washer retainer 220 of the gland nut
`104. In some embodiments, the washer retainer 220 may
`include a plurality of node cavities rather than a groove for
`retaining the nodes 510 of the skid washer 210. In some
`embodiments, the skid washer 210 may include various other
`features such as tabs, clips, hooks, receptacles, magnets, for
`semi-permanently coupling to the gland nut 104. Accord
`ingly, the gland nut 104 may includes various other features
`for retaining the skid washer 210. It should be noted that the
`top skid washer 210a and the bottom skid washer 210b may
`be identical in certain embodiments and non-identical in
`Some embodiments.
`FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
`the cable gland assembly 100. In this embodiment, the gland
`nut 104 is disposed inside the top portion 232 of the interme
`diate body 106. Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows the cable gland
`assembly 100 having a cable 610 disposed therein. As previ
`ously discussed, the cable 610 includes an outer layer 612, an
`armor layer 614, and at least one conductor 616. The outer
`layer 612 of the cable 610 is disposed up to the grounding
`spring 214, leaving the armor layer 614 exposed Such that the
`grounding spring 214 is able to make contact with the armor
`layer 614. The armor layer is disposed up to the armor stop
`216, and the conductor 616 is disposed through to the com
`pound chamber 218.
`The skid washer 210 of this embodiment is illustrated in
`FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the skid washer 210 may be
`defined by a top surface 710, a bottom surface 716, an outer
`surface 712, and an inner surface 714. The skid washer 210
`may also be disposed above and/or below the gland 212
`within the gland nut 104. The skid washer 210 allows the
`gland nut to rotate freely with respect to the gland 212. It
`should be noted that the exemplary embodiments of the skid
`washer 210 discussed in this disclosure are not exhaustive,
`and the cable gland 100 may include any combination of
`embodiments of the skid washer 210.
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`The cable gland assembly 100 may be configured differ
`ently than exemplified in the above embodiments. For
`example, the described grooves, lips, threads, anti-rotation
`features, etc., may be replaced with other appropriate mating
`features that allow the respective components to be appropri
`ately coupled. Such as, but not limited to threadably, remov
`ably, clampably, slidably coupled, or a combination thereof.
`Generally, the gland nut 104, gland 212, skid washer 210,
`intermediate body 106, grounding spring 214, armor stop
`216, body 108, compound chamber 218, and intermediate
`body nut 107 may be made of materials such as, but not
`limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, nylon, or a combi
`nation thereof.
`Although the embodiments herein are described with ref
`erence to preferred and/or exemplary embodiments, it should
`be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifi
`cations are well within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.
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`US 8,692,139 B2
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`From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that embodiments
`herein overcome the limitations of the prior art. Those skilled
`in the art will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments are
`not limited to any specifically discussed application and that
`the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not
`restrictive. From the description of the exemplary embodi
`ments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest
`themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of construct
`ing other embodiments will suggest themselves to practitio
`ners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the exemplary embodi
`ments is not limited herein.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A gland assembly for a cable gland, comprising:
`a gland nut,
`a top skid washer; and
`a gland,
`wherein the gland nut comprises:
`a first washer retaining feature for semi-permanently
`coupling to the top skid washer;
`wherein the top skid washer comprises:
`a first gland retaining feature for semi-permanently cou
`pling to the gland; and
`a top surface comprising at least one protruding feature
`for semi-permanently coupling to the gland nut,
`wherein the gland comprises:
`a top ridge for semi-permanently coupling to the first
`gland retaining feature of the top skid washer.
`2. The gland assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
`a bottom skid washer, wherein the bottom skid washer
`comprises a second gland retaining feature for semi
`permanently coupling to the gland.
`3. The gland assembly of claim 2, further comprising:
`an intermediate body comprising a top end, the top end
`having a second washer retaining feature for semi-per
`manently coupling to the bottom skid washer.
`4. The gland assembly of claim3, wherein the intermediate
`body further comprises a bottom end, the bottom end coupled
`to a body, the body having a compound chamber disposed
`therein.
`5. The gland assembly of claim 3, further comprising:
`a spring disposed within the intermediate body, the spring
`configured to ground, retain, or ground and retain a cable
`disposed therein.
`6. A cable gland assembly for terminating cable, compris
`1ng:
`a gland nut having an exterior wall and an interior wall, the
`interior wall defining a gland nut opening;
`a gland positioned within the gland nut opening, the gland
`defining a gland opening for receiving a cable therein;
`an intermediate body having a top end and a bottom end,
`the top end coupled to the gland nut, the intermediate
`body having a first sealing feature proximate the bottom
`end;
`a body coupled to the bottom end of the intermediate body;
`and
`an intermediate body nut coupled to the body and the
`bottom end of the intermediate body, the intermediate
`body nut having a second sealing feature corresponding
`to the first sealing feature of the intermediate body,
`wherein the first and second sealing featu