Locker and security enclosure for cable-pulling cart

Abstract

A vehicle for the transportation of containers of reeled cable has a frame, and an upstanding security locker with an access panel and holes in one panel. A plurality of support rods have first ends that are received into the holes in the panel. Removable retaining devices are attached to the first ends of the rods so that the support rods cannot be removed from the locker unless the retaining devices are removed. The security locker encloses both the first ends of the rods and the retaining devices and has an access panel such that provides access to the locker. The security locker may be included on a hand truck or a four wheeled cart and include a loop for securing the cart or hand truck to a fixed anchor point.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Wire and cable for installation in residences and buildings typically comes on cable reels. The types of wire and cable so provided are numerous, and include 110V three-conductor wire, “Romex”, and many different kinds of low-voltage, multiconductor insulated communications cable, such as that used for setting up Ethernet networks, intercom systems, entertainment systems and the connection of security sensors and devices. A new building under construction will need many kinds of these cables, and several reels of cable will be used by an installer on-site.[0002]One known technique is to provide coils of such cable in boxes, and to create a hole in a front or top panel of the (typically cardboard) box for pulling out a desired length of cable. This conventional method has a drawback in that the cable may kink inside of the box or otherwise resist being pulled out of the box to such an extent that a cable installer or technician finds that he or she is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]According to another aspect of the invention, a system for dispensing wire or cable from reels and for deterring theft of the reels comprises a vehicle for the transportation of containers of wire or cable and at least one carton. The vehicle comprises a frame having opposed first and second frame ends and an upstanding security locker affixed to the frame. The security locker has an enclosure defined by at least one wall, at least one rod hole formed in said at least one wall, and an access panel of the security locker affording access to the enclosure. Additionally, the vehicle further comprises at least one elongate support rod, a first end of the at least one support rod receivable through respective ones of the rod holes into the security locker. Further, the vehicle comprises at least one removable retaining device for attachment to the first end of a support rod. When the first end is in the enclosure, the retaining device prevents the first end from being withdrawn from the enclosure until the retaining device is removed.

Problems solved by technology

This conventional method has a drawback in that the cable may kink inside of the box or otherwise resist being pulled out of the box to such an extent that a cable installer or technician finds that he or she is pulling the box across the floor.

These boxes of cable are heavy and it takes some effort to move them around.

Unfortunately, this increased portability, combined with the rising cost of building materials, makes these reels of cable an easy target for thieves.

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