Implements or apparatus for applying pushing or pulling force – Method or apparatus for placement of conductive wire – Conduit snakes
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-12
2001-05-01
Watson, Robert C. (Department: 3723)
Implements or apparatus for applying pushing or pulling force
Method or apparatus for placement of conductive wire
Conduit snakes
Reexamination Certificate
active
06224038
ABSTRACT:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fish tapes of the type used by electricians to pull wire through conduit or other spaces, and more particularly to the fish tape reel assembly and end assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A fish tape is an elongated wire or nonconductive flexible rod or flat tape typically used to install wire in conduit, through existing walls, or between surfaces. Because typical electrical wire is very flexible, pushing it through long lengths of conduit is virtually impossible. Pulling wire along the desired path is much more effective.
In order to pull the wire, a fish tape, being more rigid than electrical wire, is pushed along the desired path. Once an end of the fish tape reaches the end of the desired path, the electrical wire is attached to an end assembly mounted to the fish tape end, and the fish tape is retrieved pulling the wire with it.
The fish tape is typically stored in a reel assembly, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,780 which stores the fish tape in a coil. The reel assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,780 includes a generally annular tape receiving chamber peripherally bound by a pair of axially opposed lips. The lips separate to permit winding and unwinding of the fish tape in the chamber. A handle having a tape passage is mounted between the lips which provides passage of the tape out of and in to the receiving chamber.
Another reel assembly known in the art includes a generally annular tape receiving chamber with inner and outer periphery walls. A tape passage formed on the inner periphery walls provides passage of the tape out of and in to the receiving chamber.
When loading tape into the above reel assemblies, the receiving chamber is disassembled in order to anchor one end of the tape to a chamber wall. The tape is then coiled in the chamber prior to reassembly, or the tape is wound into the chamber after assembly through the tape passage. In any event, this is a time consuming process.
In operation, when retrieving the fish tape with wires attached, the end assembly can become snagged. The user must grasp the fish tape to pull the tape with sufficient force to dislodge the tape. A significant force may be needed, exacerbated by the fact that the tape is typically stiff and of small cross-section, making it difficult to grasp.
Finally, the fish tape ends typically have a cylindrical end piece or are formed into a coil to which wire can be attached. These shapes are acceptable when the fish tape is fed through an unobstructed path, such as a conduit. However, when the path is between surfaces which may require separation, such as between a carpet and floor, the fish tape often encounters insurmountable obstacles. Thus multiple attempts to traverse the desired area are required prior to finding a path with sufficiently separated surfaces that will allow passage of the tape.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a fish tape reel assembly which includes a housing having a peripheral wall defining an outer wall of a cavity having a center. A handle is attached to the peripheral wall, and a fish tape cassette is rotatably mounted in the cavity. The cassette rotates in the cavity to wind and unwind fish tape thereon.
A general objective of the present invention is to provide a fish tape reel assembly which is easily loadable with fish tape. This objective is accomplished by providing a fish tape reel assembly that is loaded with fish tape by inserting a cassette containing fish tape into the housing.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a fish tape reel assembly that aids in pulling a deployed fish tape. This objective is accomplished by providing a housing handle substantially perpendicular to the feed direction of the fish tape, and a locking mechanism for locking the fish tape from movement out of the housing. Pulling on the housing handle, when the fish tape reel assembly is in a locked position exerts a tensile force in the proper direction to pull the fish tape with a user's hand and wrist aligned and generally parallel to the feed direction of the tape.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a fish tape end piece which will easily pass between two surfaces requiring separation. This objective is accomplished by providing a wedge shaped end piece having a leading edge thinner than a trailing edge.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof when taken with the accompanying drawings of which:
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 341329 (1993-11-01), Morris
patent: D. 351561 (1994-10-01), Moffatt et al.
patent: D. 408749 (1999-04-01), Walsten
patent: 1592030 (1926-07-01), Langsner
patent: 2743884 (1956-05-01), Briggs
patent: 3528644 (1970-09-01), Scott
patent: 4056859 (1977-11-01), Pace
patent: 4092780 (1978-06-01), Trethewey et al.
patent: 4164334 (1979-08-01), Rathbun et al.
patent: 4215828 (1980-08-01), Rathbun et al.
patent: 4251038 (1981-02-01), Gename
patent: 5377626 (1995-01-01), Kilsby et al.
patent: 6016609 (2000-01-01), Donovan et al.
Applicant's Exhibit A—Two-page photocopy of Sears 100 Ft.939005 tape measure, admitted prior art.
Applicant's Exhibit B—Two-page photocopy of Vitakraft flexi 2-5 Automatic Retractable Dog Leash, admitted prior art.
Applicant's Exhibit C—Two-page photocopy of Plumb 100′ tape measure, PL1706, admitted prior art.
O'Connell Timothy E.
Skeels Stephen J.
Walsten Dean R.
Wiesemann David L.
Actuant Corporation
Quarles & Brady LLP
Watson Robert C.
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