BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front view of the hand tool in the shape for peg board application.
FIG. 2 is a cross section of the groove in the guide section of the hand tool.
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top view cut away of the pegboard application with the hand tool FIG. 1 inserted through the pegboard holes with the hanger in place and the cable tie inserted through the holes along the length of the hand tool guide.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a completed pegboard application with the hook in place secured with a cable tie.
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cutaway side view of a typical pegboard and hanger in place secured with a cable tie.
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary front view of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cutaway side view of a typical pegboard and non-typical hanger requiring two cable tie fasteners to secure the hanger.
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary front view of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary top view of a hand tool FIG. 1 with a rounded guide being used to secure a bundle of wires together.
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cutaway side view of a hand tool FIG. 1 with an open radius guide being used to secure a cable to a frame structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The tool consists of two components; guide 1 and handle 2 (FIG. 1). The guide 1 is constructed of metal such as brass, aluminum or plastic such as ABS or Styrene. The metal or plastic guide 1 is shaped to fit the specific application such as a pegboard 4, electrical wiring or automotive. Furthermore, the guide 1 is grooved 9 along the length in such a manner to accept a wire 16 or cable tie 5. The shape of the guide 1 is typically a series of arcs or radii which allow the guide 1 to be inserted thru or around an obstruction. In some cases the tool will be provided without shape (i.e. straight) so it can be bent or shaped by the end user to fit the specific application. The length of the guide 1 will be long enough to go around or thru the specific applications. Typically 4″-10″ in length. The groove 9 and guide 1 are sized such that it will be small enough to pass thru any holes that may be required. As an example, in the pegboard 4 application, the overall cross section of the groove must pass thru the pegboard 4 hole and allow enough space for the cable tie 5 to pass thru. The groove 9 in the guide 1 (FIG. 2) is shaped to accept the material being guided. It can be angular or round depending on the material or application. The handle 2 is comprised of wood or plastic and affixed to the end of the guide 1 thru friction and/or adhesive. The handle 2 allows for ease of maneuvering the tool. In addition, a magnet can be attached to the handle 2 to allow it to be placed while freeing the operator's hands to affix a cable tie 5 or guide a wire 16.
The tool will most commonly be used for the placement of “wire ties” or “zip ties” which are conventionally used to secure wire bundles, cables and harnesses. Various standard wire ties are commercially manufactured of plastic materials such as nylon. They are supplied in natural white or colors and may obtain certified load ratings depending on manufacture and application. Standard wire ties are covered under several U.S. patents and no claims about wire ties are made here.
In a typical pegboard 4 application, the pegboard 4 is of the type manufactured by the Masonite Corporation since the early 1960's. It is typically ⅛″-¼″ thick with ¼″ holes drilled both horizontally and vertically every one inch.
Typical hooks are manufactured by various suppliers from wire stock and various diameters from ⅛″- 3/16″ in numerous configurations involving one or more mounting points depending on the function of the hook 3. Hooks can also be made of plastic or other formable or moldable materials. Other devices that are commonly attached to peg boards are store displays such as shelves, book or magazine holders.
Electrical applications involve the guiding of individual wires thru other wires or electrical equipment within electrical enclosures. Often bundles of cables are placed in very tight proximity to the edges of these enclosures. In electrical applications, the guide 1 should be manufactured of non-conductive materials such as plastic. If high strength is required, the guide 1 can be manufactured from glass filled plastics such as polyester thru injection molding.
In automotive applications, devices, wires, tubes and vacuum lines are often secured to structures in the engine compartment under the dash and to the frame of the vehicle. The frame or structure being used to secure these devices is often restricted to push in tight fasteners due to limited access.
Description of Peg Board Operation
In the pegboard 4 application, the peg hook 3 is placed onto the pegboard 4 so that there is an open, accessible hole to the left and right of the hook 3 (FIG. 4). The guide 1 is held by its handle 2 and the end of the guide 1 is placed into either of the open holes in the pegboard 4. Using the handle 2 the guide 1 is fed thru the first hole 11 over to the opposite or second hole 13 where the end of the guide 1 extends back out of the pegboard 4 hole (FIG. 3). A cable tie 5 is then placed into the groove of the guide 1 opposite the handle 2 and slowly inserted into the hole so that it follows the groove in the guide 1 along the length and back out of the hole 13 closest to the handle 2. The cable tie 5 could alternatively be positioned in the groove 9 when the guide 1 is fed through the first hole 11 and second hole 13. The guide 1 is then removed. The large end 15 of the cable tie 5 retains it from pulling thru the hole in the pegboard 4 as the guide 1 is removed. The cable tie 5 can now be connected across the hook 3 and secured (FIG. 6). The hook 3 is now securely in place. Removal of the hook 3 requires severing the cable tie 5.
Some pegboard 4 hooks are not conducive to strapping in the manner described above. In those instances, the straps will be placed diagonally thru open holes adjacent to the hook 3 (FIG. 8). In addition, a second strap can be used depending on the specific application desired for the hook 3.
Description of Use—Electrical Application
In electrical applications (FIG. 9), the guide 1 is used to tie bundles of wire 16 together and to fish individual wires thru wires and electrical equipment. The guide 1 is placed around the bundle of wires 16. The cable tie 5 is then placed into the groove of the guide 1 opposite the handle 2. The cable tie 5 is then inserted following the groove in the guide 1 toward the handle 2 end of the tool. The cable tie 5 can now be secured and the tool removed. The guide 1 can also be used to create a path thru a bundle of wires or equipment. Place the guide 1 at the point of entry for the wire 16 to be inserted. Insert the guide 1 along the desired path using the tip of the guide 1 to move the wires out of the way. When the guide 1 reaches the desired location, feed the wire 16 to be inserted into the groove from the handle 2 end of the groove. Continue inserting the wire 16 so that it follows the groove in the guide 1 along the length. Pull the wire 16 from the guide 1 at the end opposite the handle 2. Secure the wire 16 before removing the guide 1.
Description of Use—Automotive
In Automotive applications (FIG. 10), there are many situations where access to the backside of structural parts is not available. The ability to fish a strap thru holes in the structure will allow items to be secured. Such as wiring harnesses 7 to the frame 19. In this example, the guide 1 is placed into the bottom hole on the frame and inserted holding to the handle 2 out thru the hole in the side of the frame 19. A cable tie 5 is then inserted into the groove at the opposite end of the guide 1 from the handle 2. It is continued to be inserted along the groove until it comes out of the frame 19 closest to the handle 2. The cable tie 5 can now be secured and the tool removed.
Patent Application
20080084076
