Impact load deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly for cable and post protection

Abstract

A guard system for protecting cables and posts from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic forces is provided. The guard assembly comprises a first sleeve rotatably positioned about the cable or post and a second sleeve rotatably positioned about the cable or post. A removable collar assembly is positioned between the first sleeve and the second sleeve for maintaining the spacing between the first sleeve and the second sleeve.

1 . A guard system for protecting cables and posts from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic forces, the guard assembly comprising: 
 a first sleeve rotatably positioned about the cable or post;    a second sleeve rotatably positioned about the cable or post; and    a removable collar assembly positioned between the first sleeve and the second sleeve for maintaining the spacing between the first sleeve and the second sleeve.    
   
   
       2 . The guard system of  claim 1  wherein the diameter of the first sleeve is less than the diameter of the second sleeve.  
   
   
       3 . The guard system of  claim 1  and further comprising: 
 a plurality of first sleeves.    
   
   
       4 . The guard system of  claim 4  and further comprising: 
 at least one washer between each adjacent first sleeve.    
   
   
       5 . The guard system of  claim 1  wherein the removable collar assembly includes a first removable collar and a second removable collar releasably secured to the first removable collar.  
   
   
       6 . The guard system of  claim 5  wherein each removable collar has a slot for receiving the cable or post.  
   
   
       7 . The guard system of  claim 6  wherein each the removable collar has a first aperture and a second aperture.  
   
   
       8 . The guard system of  claim 7  wherein the guard assembly further comprises: 
 the first removable collar positioned against the second removable collar such that the slot of the first removable collar is substantially opposite the slot of the second removable collar, the first aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned with the second slot of the second removable collar, and the second aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned with the first aperture of the second removable collar.    
   
   
       9 . The guard system of  claim 8  and further comprising: 
 fastening means inserted through the first and second apertures of the first and second removable collars for releasably securing the first removable collar to the second removable collar.    
   
   
       10 . The guard system of  claim 1  wherein each sleeve is substantially tubular having a diameter greater than the diameter of the cable or post.  
   
   
       11 . A method for protecting cables and posts from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic forces, the guard assembly comprising: 
 providing at least one first sleeve cut to a desired length;    positioning the first sleeve over the cable;    inserting a holding screw through an aperture on each small sleeve contacting the cable;    providing a second sleeve;    positioning the second sleeve over the cable and first sleeve;    tensioning the cable;    looping a portion of the cable back onto itself;    securing the looped end of the cable;    sliding the second sleeve over the looped end;    positioning a removable collar assembly between the first sleeve and the second sleeve; and    removing the holding screws from the second sleeve.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  and further comprising: 
 providing a plurality of first sleeves; and    positioning a washer between each adjacent first sleeve.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are rotatable about the cable or post.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the removable collar assembly includes a first removable collar and a second removable collar releasably secured to the first removable collar.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  and further comprising: 
 forming a slot in each removable collar for receiving the cable or post.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  and further comprising: 
 forming a first aperture and a second aperture in each removable collar.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  and further comprising: 
 positioning the first removable collar against the second removable collar such that the slot of the first removable collar is substantially opposite the slot of the second removable collar, the first aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned with the second slot of the second removable collar, and the second aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned with the first aperture of the second removable collar.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  and further comprising: 
 inserting fastening means through the first and second apertures of the first and second removable collars for releasably securing the first removable collar to the second removable collar.    
   
   
       19 . A guard system for protecting cables from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic forces, the guard assembly comprising: 
 at least one first sleeve rotatably positioned about the cable;    a second sleeve rotatably positioned about the cable;    a first removable collar positioned about the cable between one of the first sleeves and the second sleeve;    a second removable collar releasably secured to the first removable collar;    a slot formed in each removable collar, the slot adapted for receiving the cable;    a first aperture and a second aperture formed in each removable collar on opposite sides of the slot;    fastening means inserted through the first and second apertures of the first and second removable collars for releasably securing the first removable collar to the second removable collar;    wherein the slot of the first removable collar is substantially opposite the slot of the second removable collar, the first aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned with the second slot of the second removable collar, and the second aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned with the first aperture of the second removable collar.    
   
   
       20 . The guard system of  claim 1  wherein the diameter of the first sleeve is less than the diameter of the second sleeve.