Wireworking – Applying wire – Binder tightening and joining implements
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-19
2001-11-27
Larson, Lowell A. (Department: 3725)
Wireworking
Applying wire
Binder tightening and joining implements
C140S09300R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321797
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bench mount apparatus and, more particularly, to a bench mount apparatus for supporting the tool head of a cable tie installation system in a hands free mode.
As is well-known to those skilled in the art, cable ties are used to bundle or secure a group of articles such as electrical wires or cables. Cable ties of conventional construction include a cable tie head and an elongate tail extending therefrom. The tail is wrapped around a bundle of articles and thereafter inserted through a passage in the head. The head of the cable tie typically supports a locking element which extends into the head passage and engages the body of the tail to secure the tail to the head.
Although cable ties are often installed manually, it is desirable in certain applications to utilize an automatic cable tie installation system wherein cable ties are dispensed from a remote dispenser, and thereafter delivered to a tool head for application about a bundle of wires positioned within the jaws of the tool head. Automatic cable ties installation systems are well-known in the art, and are disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,790,225 and 4,498,506.
The tool heads of such installation systems are configured to be hand held, that is, an installer must use at least one hand to support and operate the tool head. This hand held operation of the tool head is desirable, and even preferred, in many applications.
It will be appreciated, however, that in certain applications the installer will find it beneficial to have both hands available for manipulating the elongate articles to be bundled. In these applications, it is desirable to mount the tool head of the cable tie installation system on a bench mount, and provide an operating switch, such as a foot pedal, to activate the system. Due to the large number of possible applications, together with the physical characteristics of the installer, a bench mount apparatus should provide flexibility with regard to the orientation of the jaw assembly of the tool head.
There is therefore a need in the art for a bench mount apparatus for supporting the tool head of an automatic cable tie installation system in a hands free mode wherein the bench mount apparatus is capable of supporting the tool head in at least two distinct orientations. The bench mount apparatus preferably provides multiple degrees of freedom for locating the jaw assembly with respect to a support surface, thereby facilitating the interaction between the installer and the system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, which addresses the needs of the prior art, relates to a bench mount apparatus for supporting a tool head of an automatic cable tie installation system in a hands free mode. The apparatus includes a base configured for securement to a support surface. The base includes at least one mounting surface. The apparatus further includes a support structure for holding the tool head in a predetermined orientation. The support structure is removably securable to the mounting surface and is adapted for securement to the mounting surface in at least two orientations.
The present invention also relates to a cable tie installation system for installation of a cable tie about a bundle of articles, the cable tie including a head and an elongate tail extending therefrom. The system includes a tool head for receiving and applying the cable tie about the bundle of articles. The tool head includes jaws for surrounding the articles and directing the cable tie thereabout. The system further includes a cable tie bandolier including a plurality of cable ties. The system further includes a remote dispenser configured to sever the leading cable tie from the bandolier and propel the severed cable tie to the tool head. The system further includes a cable tie delivery hose extending between the dispenser and the tool head to provide a cable tie passage therebetween. The system further includes a bench mount for supporting the tool head in a hands free mode. The bench mount includes a power actuated mechanism for operating at least one of the jaws. The system further includes a support structure for holding the tool in a predetermined orientation. The support structure is removably securable to the mounting surface and is adapted for securement to the mounting surface in at least two orientations. The system further includes a control mechanism for operating the system in the hands free mode. The control mechanism includes a foot pedal and an electronic brain for controlling delivery of the tie by the dispenser and tensioning of the cable tie by the tool head. Finally, the tool head includes an air tap fitting whereby compressed air may be fed to the power-actuated mechanism.
As a result, the present invention provides a bench mount apparatus for supporting a tool head of an automatic cable tie installation system in a hands free mode wherein the bench mount apparatus is capable of supporting the tool head in at least two distinct orientations and, more preferably, is capable of providing multiple degrees of freedom for locating the jaw assembly with respect to a support surface thereby facilitating the interaction between the installer and the system.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6112499 (2000-09-01), Lyskawa et al.
Moultrie Lane
Smolinski Gerald J.
Hoffmann & Baron , LLP
Larson Lowell A.
Thomas & Betts International Inc.
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