TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally relates to a modular retainer assembly configured to retain an elongate article, such as an electrical cable.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one implementation of the invention, a modular retainer assembly is provided. The modular retainer assembly includes a first retainer module defining a flexible first retaining finger and a second retainer module that is distinct from and joined to the first retaining module. The second retainer module defines a flexible second retaining finger. When the first and second retainer modules are mated together, the first retaining finger is arranged opposite the second retaining finger. The first and second retaining fingers are configured to receive and retain an elongate article between them.

An example implementation having one or more features of the modular retainer assembly of the previous paragraph further includes a fastening device configured to secure the first retainer module to the second retainer module.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the modular retainer assembly of the previous paragraph, the fastening device is further configured to release the first retainer module from to the second retainer module.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the modular retainer assembly of the previous paragraph, the first retainer module is substantially dimensionally indistinguishable from the second retainer module.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the modular retainer assembly of the previous paragraph, the first retainer module is dimensionally identical to the second retainer module.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the modular retainer assembly of the previous paragraph, the first and second retainer modules are formed of a polymeric material using a molding process and the first retainer module may be formed form the same mold cavity as the second retainer module.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the modular retainer assembly of the previous paragraph, the elongate article is a wire cable.

According to another implementation of the invention, a retainer module is provided. The retainer module includes a base portion and a flexible finger portion extending from the base portion having a first arcuate section located proximate the base portion and a second arcuate section curving in a direction opposite the first arcuate section. The second arcuate section is located proximate a tip of the finger portion. The retainer module also includes an attachment portion extending from the base portion in a direction opposite the finger portion. The attachment portion has an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A thickness of the attachment portion is less than a thickness of the base portion.

An example implementation having one or more features of the retainer module of the previous paragraph further includes a plurality of the base portions and a plurality of the finger portions.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the retainer module of the previous paragraph, the thickness of the attachment portion is about half of the thickness of the base portion.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the retainer module of the previous paragraph, the retainer module is formed of a polymeric material.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the retainer module of the previous paragraph, a radius of curvature of the first arcuate section is greater than a radius of curvature of the second arcuate section.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the retainer module of the previous paragraph, the base portion overhangs the inner surface of the attachment portion.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the retainer module of the previous paragraph, the attachment portion defines a first aperture and a second aperture, each extending therethrough from the inner surface to the outer surface. The first aperture and the second aperture are equidistant from a centerline of the attachment portion.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the retainer module of the previous paragraph, the inner surface defines a first alignment feature protruding from the inner surface and a second alignment feature indented into the inner surface. The first alignment feature and the second alignment feature are equidistant from the centerline of the attachment portion.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the retainer module of the previous paragraph, the first alignment feature has a different cross-sectional shape than the second alignment feature.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the retainer module of the previous paragraph, the outer surface defines a first countersunk area surrounding the first aperture and a second countersunk area surrounding the second aperture.

According to yet another implementation of the invention, a modular retainer assembly is provided. The modular retainer assembly includes a first retainer module having one or more features of the retainer module of the previous paragraph and a second retainer module having one or more features of the retainer module of the previous paragraph. The first alignment feature of the first retainer module is received within the second alignment feature of the second retainer module and the first alignment feature of the second retainer module is received within the second alignment feature of the first retainer module.

An example implementation having one or more features of the modular retainer assembly of the previous paragraph further includes a first fastening device disposed in the first aperture and a second fastening device disposed in the second aperture, each in compressive contact with the outer surfaces of the first and second retainer modules, thereby securing the first retainer module to the second retainer module.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the modular retainer assembly of the previous paragraph, the first and second fastening devices are treaded fasteners having a screw with a head and a nut. The heads and the nuts are contained within the first or second countersunk areas.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the modular retainer assembly of the previous paragraph, the first retainer module is substantially dimensionally indistinguishable the second retainer module.

According to one more implementation of the invention, a method of retaining an elongate article is provided. The method includes the step of providing a first retainer module and a second retainer module, the first and second retainer modules each having a base portion, a flexible finger portion extending from the base portion having a first arcuate section proximate the base portion and a second arcuate section curving in a direction opposite the first arcuate section proximate a tip of the finger portion, and an attachment portion extending from the base portion in a direction opposite the finger portion, wherein the attachment portion has an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface and wherein a thickness of the attachment portion is less than a thickness of the base portion. The method further includes the step of securing the first retainer module to the second retainer module such that the inner surface of the first retainer module is in contact with the inner surface of the second retainer module.

An example implementation having one or more features of the method of the previous paragraph further includes the step of disposing the elongate article between the finger portions of the first and second retainer modules.

In an example implementation having one or more features of the method of the previous paragraph, the elongate article is a wire cable.

