Cable tensioning device

Abstract

A cable tensioning device includes a sheave bracket assembly comprising a plurality of sheaves; and an outlet cable guide attached to the sheave bracket assembly, wherein when tension applied to a cable engaging the sheave bracket assembly reaches a first threshold level, the sheave bracket assembly is adapted to move from a wound state to an unwound state to decrease a path length of the cable with respect to the outlet cable guide.

1 . A cable tensioning device comprising:
 a sheave bracket assembly comprising a plurality of sheaves; and   an outlet cable guide attached to the sheave bracket assembly, wherein when tension applied to a cable engaging the sheave bracket assembly reaches a first threshold level, the sheave bracket assembly is adapted to move from a wound state to an unwound state to decrease a path length of the cable with respect to the outlet cable guide.   
     
     
         2 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheave bracket assembly is rotatable about a pivot pin. 
     
     
         3 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheave bracket assembly further comprises a spring that pre-loads the sheave bracket assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 3 , wherein the spring is a torsion spring. 
     
     
         5 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheave bracket assembly is attached to the outlet cable guide by a connecting arm. 
     
     
         6 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein the outlet cable guide is rotatable about a pivot pin. 
     
     
         7 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein the outlet cable guide further comprises a spring that pre-loads the outlet cable guide. 
     
     
         8 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein the outlet cable guide is rotatable with respect to the sheave bracket assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein when tension applied to a cable engaging the sheave bracket assembly decreases below a second threshold level, the sheave bracket assembly is adapted to move from the unwound state to the wound state to increase a path length of the cable with respect to the outlet cable guide. 
     
     
         10 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheave bracket assembly and the outlet cable guide are oriented substantially parallel to each other. 
     
     
         11 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheave bracket assembly and the outlet cable guide are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. 
     
     
         12 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the sheaves is movable with respect to another one of the sheaves such that a distance between the at least one of the sheaves and the another one of the sheaves can be altered. 
     
     
         13 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheave bracket assembly comprises three sheaves. 
     
     
         14 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein the cable tensioning device is configured to alter the path of the cable by between 50 inches and 75 inches. 
     
     
         15 . The cable tensioning device of  claim 1 , wherein the outlet cable guide comprises a housing and a cable guide leader movable with respect to the housing, wherein the cable guide leader is configured to allow an orientation of a cable inserted therethrough to be altered with respect to the outlet cable guide.