Importance

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Abstract

A multi-link boot assembly has a number of separate links which can be connected to form a flexible boot assembly capable of maintaining a predetermined bend radius as off-axial loads are applied, thereby effectively dispersing stresses along a cable as the cable is flexed or bent. Each link of the multi-link boot assembly includes a body portion defining a lengthwise extending bore for receiving the cable. The body portion extends between first and second opposed ends and generally includes a female section at the first end and a male section at the second end. The female section defines an opening for receiving the male section of another link during the assembly of the multi-link boot assembly. In order to connect each link with another link to form the flexible boot assembly, each link includes a connecting element at each of the first and second opposed ends which cooperably engages a corresponding connecting element of an adjacent link. As a result of the mechanical interconnection of the links of the multi-link boot assembly, the multi-link boot assembly will permit the cable to readily bend or flex until the predetermined minimum bend radius of the cable is reached, at which point the boot assembly will prevent further bending of the cable even in instances in which increased off-axial loads are applied to the cable.

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First Claim