Wire puller

Abstract

An apparatus includes a frame having a drive shaft mounting portion and a power tool restraint portion, wherein the power tool restraint portion is adapted to register a portable rotary power tool, such as a power drill, with the frame. A drive shaft is mounted with the frame in the drive shaft mounting portion, wherein the drive shaft may be rotated about its longitudinal axis and a first end of the drive shaft is sized to be coupled with a rotary output of the power tool. A frame switch having an "off" position and an "on" position is also mounted on the frame, the frame switch engaging a power switch on the power tool when the frame switch is moved from the "off"position to the "on" position and when such a tool is mounted in the restraint portion and coupled to the drive shaft.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of the earlier patent application by Brian N. Ray entitled "WIRE PULLER", Ser. No. 09 / 079,541, filed May 15, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference.[0002] 1. Technical Field[0003] This invention relates to the field of an apparatus for applying pulling force. More specifically the invention relates to an apparatus for placement of conductive wire.[0004] 2. Background Art[0005] Supplying buildings with electricity and communications involves threading lines, or cable, through conduit. Typically, the path that cable must travel through conduit includes changes in elevation and turns around corners. Generally, the procedure used to run cable involves first threading lightweight flexible lines through the entire length of conduit. Heavier lines are then pulled through, by attaching them to one end of the lighter line and pulling the lighter line through at the other end of the conduit. This procedure may need to be repeated unti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] Thus, it can be seen from the above discussion that it would be an improvement in the art to provide a line puller which can be driven by a multiple use motor so that the weight and cost of the apparatus is minimized. Also it would be an improvement if the line puller could be positioned such that the operator does not have to exert a stabilizing force while the wire is pulled, and is not limited in line winding capacity.

[0012] According to the present invention, an apparatus for pulling line through conduit is disclosed, to which a power drill or other portable power tool may be attached as the motor force. The apparatus includes a frame having a drive shaft mounting portion and a power tool restraint portion, wherein the power tool restraint portion is adapted to register a portable rotary power tool, such as a power drill, with the frame. A drive shaft is mounted with the frame in the drive shaft mounting portion, wherein the drive shaft may be rotated about its longitudinal axis and a first end of the drive shaft is sized to be coupled with a rotary output of the power tool. A frame switch having an "off" position and an "on" position is also mounted on the frame, the frame switch engaging a power switch on the power tool when the frame switch is moved from the "off" position to the "on" position and when such a tool is mounted in the restraint portion and coupled to the drive shaft. The stand and frame can be disassembled for easy transport.

Problems solved by technology

Each of the named apparatus includes a dedicated motor; however, dedicating a motor in most cases adds bulk, weight, and cost.

Therefore, the need to substitute machine force for human force in pulling wire without significant bulk, weight, and cost is not met by these apparatus.

However, they are often insufficient for use with the various weights and lengths of cable threaded through conduit.

Further, these apparatus share a problem, in that an operator must exert differing degrees of stabilizing force to hold the drill during the winding process.

In summary, the prior art apparatus have proven to be cumbersome, and to be very limited in the capacity of line that may be wound onto their spindles.

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