Helical tensioner for tension members

摘要

A tensioner structured to shorten the effective length of a tension member is provided. The tensioner has a body with an outer surface and a generally helical path on the outer surface. The tension member is wrapped around the tensioner body and retained in the path. In this configuration, the tensioner acts to retain a first length of the tension member within a second, shorter length corresponding to the length of the tensioner body. When the effective length of a tension member is reduced, the amount of sag in the tension member is reduced.

主权项

1. A tensioner for an elongated tension member suspended between two points, said tension member having a sag and a cross-sectional shape, said tensioner comprising:
an elongated body having an outer surface, a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis: a generally helical path disposed on said body outer surface, said helical path sized to accommodate at least a portion of said tension member; at least one localized clamping device, said localized clamping device structured to retain said tension member in said helical path; wherein a portion of said tension member is disposed along said helical path, said tension member cross-sectional shape being at least partially disposed within said helical path; wherein the sag of said tension member is reduced; said at least one localized clamping device includes a first localized clamping device and a second localized clamping device; said first localized clamping device disposed at said body first end; and said second localized clamping device disposed at said body second end.