Pole assembly

The invention involves a tool, which includes a tool body with first and second flanged portion spaced apart by a first upper cable opening, and a ring positioned proximate thereto. The ring includes a ring opening positioned proximate to the first upper cable opening. The tool body includes a lower cable opening positioned away from the ring.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to hand and hoist-line implements.

Description of the Related Art

It is often necessary for a person, such as an electrician, to hoist an object to a height that the electrician cannot reach. For example, an electrician's pole can be used to hoist a screw to a ceiling, wherein the screw is threaded into the ceiling using the pole. One type of electrician's pole is often referred to as a Lagmaster Pole, and it can be used to hoist many different types of objects, such as a wire, threaded and smooth rods, a jack chain and a J-hook. One problem with the available electrician's poles is that they are expensive and limited in size and strength.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a pole assembly for hoisting an object. The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will be best understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of various embodiments of a pole assembly, denoted as pole assemblies100aand100b. In these embodiments, the pole assemblies100aand100bare operatively coupled to a drill101through a drill chuck102. The pole assemblies100aand100brotate in response to the rotation of the drill chuck102. The pole assemblies100aand100bare used to hoist an eye lag screw107so it can be extending through a surface104and fastened to a ceiling103. In general, the eye lag screw107is driven through a work piece. The eye lag screw107can be of many different types of eye lag screws, one of which is discussed in more detail withFIGS. 2aand 2b. It should be noted that the eye lag screws discussed herein can be left handed or right handed eye lag screws.

In this embodiment, the pole assembly100aincludes a conduit110, and a chuck130and socket piece140coupled to opposed proximal and distal ends110aand110b, respectively, of the conduit110. The proximal end110ais coupled to the drill chuck102through the chuck130, and the distal end110bis positioned away from the drill chuck102.

In general, the pole assembly can include one or more pieces of conduit coupled together. For example, the pole assembly100bincludes two piece of conduit110and115coupled together through a coupler160. The pole assembly100bwill be discussed in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the conduit consists of electrical conduit. In other embodiments, the conduit consists essentially of electrical conduit. Electrical conduit is used by electricians to house an electrical wire, such as ROMEX. Electrical conduit can be of many different types, such as metal conduit and nonmetal conduit. Examples of metal conduit include rigid metal conduit (RMC), galvanized rigid conduit (GRC), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), electrical metallic tubing (EMT), and aluminum conduit, among others. Examples of nonmetal conduit include rigid nonmetallic conduit (RNC), electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduit. It should be noted that electrical conduit is typically readily available on a construction site, so it is convenient to use in accordance with the invention. Then conduit can be of many different sizes, such as one-half inch diameter and three quarter inch diameter conduit.

In operation, the drill chuck102rotates in response to the operation of the drill101, and the pole assemblies100aand100brotate in response to the rotation of the drill chuck102. In particular, the chuck130rotates in response to the rotation of the drill chuck102. It should be noted that, in general, the drill101is a power tool capable of rotating the drill chuck102.

FIGS. 2aand 2bare perspective front and side views of one embodiment of an eye lag screw, respectively, denoted as an eye lag screw108. The eye lag screw108includes a head108awith an opening108bextending therethrough. The eye lag screw108includes an unthreaded shaft108c, which extends from the head108a. The eye lag screw108includes a flange108c, which extends around the unthreaded shaft108c. The eye lag screw108includes a threaded shaft108e, which extends from the flange108d.

The eye lag screw108is designed to be fastened to many different materials, such as wood, and drywall. In some embodiments, the ceiling103(FIG. 1) includes wood and the surface104corresponds to a wood surface.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the conduit110. The conduit110can be of many different types, such as electrical conduit used to protect and route electrical wiring. In this embodiment, the conduit110includes a conduit body111with a conduit body channel113extending therethrough. The conduit body channel113extends between a proximal conduit body opening112aand distal conduit body opening112b. The proximal conduit body opening112aand the distal conduit body opening112bare positioned at the proximal end110aand distal end110b, respectively, of the conduit110. The conduit110can be coupled to the chuck130and socket piece140in many different ways, one of which will be discussed in more detail presently.

As mentioned above, the pole assembly100bofFIG. 1includes the conduit115, which can be the same or similar to conduit110. In some embodiments, the conduits110and115have the same lengths and, in other embodiments, the conduits110and115have different lengths. The conduit115includes a conduit body116with a conduit body channel extending therethrough. The conduit body channel extends between a proximate conduit end115aand distal conduit end115b.

FIG. 4ais a perspective view of one embodiment of the chuck130, which is used to couple the conduit110ofFIG. 3to the drill101, as shown inFIG. 1.FIG. 4bis a cut-away perspective view of the chuck130taken along a cut-line3b-3bofFIG. 4a, andFIG. 4cis a cut away perspective view of the chuck130taken along a cut-line3c-3cofFIG. 4a.

In this embodiment, the chuck130includes a chuck body131, and a distal chuck body opening132bat one end. The distal chuck body opening132bis sized and shaped to receive the proximate conduit end110aof the conduit110. A chuck body channel133extends through the chuck body131and between the distal chuck body opening132band a chuck stop piece134. The chuck130includes a shank136which extends away from the distal chuck body opening132band chuck stop piece134. The shank136is extended through the drill chuck102of drill101, as shown inFIG. 1.

The chuck130includes opposed fastener openings135aand135b, which extend through the chuck body131. The fastener openings135aand135bare positioned opposed to each other, as shown inFIG. 4c, so that an object, such as a fastener, can be extended through them. Further, the fastener openings135aand135bare positioned so that the conduit fastener openings117aand117bare aligned with the fastener openings135aand135b, respectively, when the proximate conduit end110aof the conduit110is extended through the distal chuck body opening132b. In this way, a fastener (not shown) can be extended through the fastener openings135aand135band conduit fastener openings117aand117bso that the chuck130and proximate conduit end110aof the conduit110are coupled together, as shown inFIG. 1.

FIGS. 5aand 5bare front and back perspective views, respectively, of a tool140.FIGS. 5cand 5dare opposed perspective side views of the tool140ofFIGS. 5aand 5b.FIGS. 5eand 5fare opposed end views of the tool140. It should be noted that the tool140is shown inFIG. 1. It should be noted that the tool140can include many different materials, such as metal.

In this embodiment, the tool140includes a tool body141, with a conduit opening148(FIG. 5e) extending therethrough. The tool body141is generally cylindrical in shape. The conduit opening148is sized and shaped to receive a conduit, such as the conduit110ofFIG. 3, as shown inFIG. 1. The tool140includes set screws141aand141b, as shown inFIGS. 5cand 5d, respectively. In this embodiment, the set screws141aand141bare opposed to each other, as shown inFIG. 5e. The set screws141aand141bare threadingly engaged with the tool body141, and are repeatably movable between coupled and uncoupled positions with the conduit110when the conduit110extends through the conduit opening148. In this way, the conduit110is repeatably movable between coupled and uncoupled conditions with the tool140. In the coupled condition, the tool140rotates in response to the rotation of the conduit110.

The tool141includes a lower cable opening142extending through the tool body141. The lower cable opening142is connected to the conduit opening148, as will be discussed in more detail below. It should be noted that the set screws141aand141bare positioned proximate to the conduit opening148and lower cable opening142.

The tool141includes a plurality of flanged portions positioned away from the conduit opening, as shown inFIG. 5f. In general, the tool141includes one or more flanged portions. In this embodiment, the tool141includes flanged portions144,145,146, and147. The flanged portions144and145are spaced apart from each other by an upper cable opening143a, as shown inFIG. 5a. The upper cable opening143ais positioned proximate to the front of the tool body141.

The tool141includes flanged portions146and147, which are spaced apart from each other by an upper cable opening143c, as shown inFIG. 5b. The upper cable opening143cis positioned proximate to the rear of the tool body141. It should be noted that the upper cable openings143aand143care opposed to each other.

The flanged portions147and144, are spaced apart from each other by an upper cable opening143d, as shown inFIG. 5c. The upper cable opening143dis positioned proximate to a first side of the tool body141.

The flanged portions145and146, are spaced apart from each other by an upper cable opening143d, as shown inFIG. 5d. The upper cable opening143bis positioned proximate to a second side of the tool body141. It should be noted that the upper cable openings143band143dare opposed to each other.

The tool140includes a ring150, which is positioned away from the conduit opening. The ring150is shown inFIGS. 5a-5d, andFIG. 5f. Further,FIG. 5gis a top view of the ring150, andFIG. 5his a side view of the ring150. In this embodiment, the ring150includes a ring body151, which is generally circular in shape. The ring150includes a ring opening152, which extends through the ring body151. The ring150is coupled to the tool body141, so it extends around it. In particular, the ring150engages the flanged portions144,145,146, and147. The ring150is positioned so that the ring opening152is proximate to the upper cable opening143b, as shown inFIG. 5d. Further, the ring150is positioned so that the ring opening152is positioned away from the upper cable opening143d.

FIG. 6is a perspective view of the pole assembly100a. In this embodiment, the pole assembly100ais operatively coupled to the drill101through the drill chuck102. The pole assembly100arotates in response to the rotation of the drill chuck102. The pole assembly100aincludes the conduit110, and the chuck130and tool140coupled to opposed proximal and distal ends110aand110b(FIG. 1), respectively, of the conduit110. The proximal end110ais coupled to the drill chuck102through the chuck130, and the distal end110bis positioned away from the drill chuck102.

As discussed in more detail above withFIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the pole assembly100ais used to hoist an eye lag screw (not shown) so it can be extending through a surface and fastened to a ceiling. As will be discussed in more detail presently, the tool140allows the eye lag screw to by fastened to the ceiling, and the tool140allows a wire to be coupled to the eye lag screw.

FIGS. 7aand 7bare side and front views, respectively, of the tool140coupled to the conduit110. It should be noted thatFIG. 7acorresponds to the side view of the tool140ofFIG. 5c, andFIG. 7bcorresponds to the front view of tool140ofFIG. 5a.

In this embodiment, a wire bundle153is extended through the lower cable opening142. In general, the wire bundle153includes one or more wires. The wire can be of many different types. In this embodiment, the wire bundle153includes grid wire. The wires of the wire bundle153are denoted as wires155,156,157, and158(FIG. 7b).

The wire bundle153is extended through the conduit opening148(FIG. 5e). The wire bundle153is extended through the distal conduit body opening112b(FIG. 3). The wire bundle153is extended through the lower cable opening142and conduit opening148. The wire bundle153is extended through the lower cable opening142, conduit opening148, and distal conduit body opening112b.

FIGS. 8aand 8bare side views of the tool140coupled to the conduit110. It should be noted thatFIGS. 8aand 8bcorrespond to the side view of the tool140ofFIG. 7a, wherein the wire bundle153has been positioned as described in more detail above withFIGS. 7aand 7b. InFIGS. 8aand 8b, however, the wire bundle153has been bent downwardly, as shown. InFIG. 8b, the eye lag screw108(FIGS. 2aand 2b) is positioned proximate to the ring150.

FIGS. 9aand 9bare side and front views, respectively, of the tool140coupled to the conduit110. It should be noted thatFIG. 9acorresponds to the side view of the tool140ofFIG. 7a, andFIG. 9bcorresponds to the front view of the tool140ofFIG. 7b. Further, the side view ofFIG. 8acorresponds to the side view of the tool140ofFIGS. 8aand8b.

InFIGS. 9aand 9b, the eye lag screw108is moved so the head108aand unthreaded shaft108care extended through the space between the flanges144and147(FIG. 5f). Further, the eve lag screw108is moved so the head108aand unthreaded shaft108care extended through the space between the flanges145and146(FIG. 5f). The eye lag screw108is positioned so that the opening108bfaces the upper cable opening143a(FIG. 9b). Further, the eye lag screw108is positioned so that the opening108bfaces the upper cable opening143c.

InFIGS. 9aand 9b, the wire155is moved through the upper cable opening143a, as shown. The wire155is moved through the head108a. Further, the wire155is moved through the upper cable opening143c. In this way, the wire155is coupled to the eye lag screw108.

FIGS. 10aand 10bare perspective side views of the tool140positioned away from and towards the ceiling103(FIG. 1), respectively. It should be noted that the side view corresponds to the side view ofFIG. 9a. In this embodiment, the threaded shaft108efaces the surface104. The threaded shaft108ecan be positioned so it faces the surface104in many different ways. In this embodiment, the conduit110is used to move the tool140so that the ring150is proximate to the ceiling103. Further, the conduit110is used to move the tool140so that the lower cable opening142is away from the ceiling103.

As shown inFIG. 10b, the eye lag screw108is moved towards the ceiling103. In particular, the eye lag screw108is moved towards the surface104. The threaded shaft108eis driven through the ceiling103in response to the rotation of the tool140. As discussed in more detail above, the tool140rotates in response to the rotation of the conduit110. As shown inFIG. 6, the conduit110rotates in response to the rotation of the chuck130, and the chuck130rotates in response to the rotation of the drill chuck102. Further, the drill chuck102rotates in response to the operation of the drill101. In this way, the eye lag screw108is coupled to the ceiling103. It should be noted that the flange108dengages the ceiling103in response to the eye lag screw108being coupled to the ceiling103.

In this embodiment, the threaded shaft108eis driven through the surface104in response to the rotation of the tool140. As discussed in more detail above, the tool140rotates in response to the rotation of the conduit110. As shown inFIG. 6, the conduit110rotates in response to the rotation of the chuck130, and the chuck130rotates in response to the rotation of the drill chuck102. Further, the drill chuck102rotates in response to the operation of the drill101. In this way, the eye lag screw108is coupled to the surface104. It should be noted that the flange108dengages the surface104in response to the eye lag screw108being coupled to the surface104.

FIG. 10cis a perspective side view of the tool140positioned away from the ceiling103(FIG. 1), and the eye lag screw108coupled to the ceiling103. It should be noted that the side view corresponds to the side view ofFIG. 9a.

In this embodiment, the wire155is coupled to the eye lag screw108, as discussed in more detail above. In particular, the wire155extends through the opening108bof the head108a. The rotation of the tool140moves a distal portion155aof the wire155so it extends through the upper cable opening143c.

FIG. 10dis a perspective side view of the tool140moving away from the ceiling103(FIG. 1), and the eye lag screw108coupled to the ceiling and the wire155coupled to the eye lag screw108. In this embodiment, the tool140rotates so the wire155forms one or more twists. For example, twists154are formed in response to tool140rotating. The twists154are formed because the wire155extends through the upper cable openings143aand143c, as discussed above, and the tool140is rotated in response to rotating the conduit110. A loop159is formed in response to the twists154forming. The loop159extends through the opening108bof the head108a, and holds the wire155to the eye lag screw108.

FIG. 10eis a perspective side view of the tool140moving away from the twists154. The portion155aof the wire155moves away from the upper cable opening143c, and the tool140is moved so the wire155slides through the upper cable opening143aand lower cable opening142. Further, the portion155aof the wire155moves away front the upper cable opening143c, and the tool140is moved so the wire155slides through the upper cable opening143aand conduit110. The tool140is moved away from the eye lag screw108so the wire108is coupled thereto, as shown inFIG. 10f.

FIGS. 11aand 11bare perspective front views of the tool140positioned away from and towards the ceiling103(FIG. 1), respectively. It should be noted that the front view corresponds to the side view ofFIG. 9b. In this embodiment, the eye lag screw108is coupled to a cable160. The cable160can be of many different types. In this embodiment, the cable160is referred to as air craft cable. In this embodiment, the cable160includes a loop162, which is held by a clamp161. The cable160is coupled to the eye lag screw108by extending the cable160through the opening108bof the head108a. The clamp161holds the loop162to the eye lag screw108.

In this embodiment, the cable160is coupled to the tool140. The cable160can be coupled to the tool140in many different ways. In this embodiment, the cable160is coupled to the tool140by positioning the eye lag screw108proximate to the ring150. In particular, the eye lag screw108is moved so the head108aand unthreaded shaft108care extended through the space between the flanges144and147(FIG. 5f). Further, the eye lag screw108is moved so the head108aand unthreaded shaft108care extended through the space between the flanges145and146(FIG. 5f). The eye lag screw108is positioned so that the opening108bfaces the upper cable opening143b(FIG. 5d). Further, the eye lag screw108is positioned so that the opening108bfaces the upper cable opening143d. The loop162extends through the upper cable opening143b. The clamp161is positioned proximate to the upper cable opening143b, and the claim161is positioned away from the upper cable opening143d.

In this embodiment, a distal end of the cable160extends through the conduit opening148(FIG. 5e). The distal end of the cable160is extended through the distal conduit body opening112b(FIG. 3). The distal end of the cable160is extended through the lower cable opening142and conduit opening148. The distal end of the cable160is extended through the lower cable opening142, conduit opening148, and distal conduit body opening112b.

In this embodiment, the threaded shaft108efaces the surface104. The threaded shaft108ecan be positioned so it faces the surface104in many different ways. In this embodiment, the conduit110is used to move the tool140so that the ring150is proximate to the ceiling103. Further, the conduit110is used to move the tool140so that the lower cable opening142is away from the ceiling103.

As shown inFIG. 11b, the eye lag screw108is moved towards the ceiling103. In particular, the eye lag screw108is moved towards the surface104. The threaded shaft108eis driven through the ceiling103in response to the rotation of the tool140. As discussed in more detail above, the tool140rotates in response to the rotation of the conduit110. As shown inFIG. 6, the conduit110rotates in response to the rotation of the chuck130, and the chuck130rotates in response to the rotation of the drill chuck102. Further, the drill chuck102rotates in response to the operation of the drill101. In this way, the eye lag screw108is coupled to the ceiling103. It should be noted that the flange108dengages the ceiling103in response to the eye lag screw108being coupled to the ceiling103.

In this embodiment, the threaded shall108eis driven through the surface104in response to the rotation of the tool140. As discussed in more detail above, the tool140rotates in response to the rotation of the conduit110. As shown inFIG. 6, the conduit110rotates in response to the rotation of the chuck130, and the chuck130rotates in response to the rotation of the drill chuck102. Further, the drill chuck102rotates in response to the operation of the drill101. In this way, the eye lag screw108is coupled to the surface104. It should be noted that the flange108dengages the surface104in response to the eye lag screw108being coupled to the surface104.

FIG. 11cis a perspective side view of the tool140positioned away from the ceiling103(FIG. 1), and the eye lag screw108coupled to the ceiling103. It should be noted that the side view corresponds to the side view ofFIG. 9b. In this embodiment, the cable160is coupled to the eye lag screw108, as discussed in more detail above. In particular, the cable160extends through the opening108bof the head108a. The tool140is moved away from the ceiling103so the cable160slides through the upper cable opening143bin response. Further, the tool140is moved away from the ceiling103so the clamp11slides through the upper cable opening143bin response.

FIG. 11dis a perspective side view of the tool140moving away from the ceiling103(FIG. 1), and the eye lag screw108coupled to the ceiling and the cable160coupled to the eye lag screw108.