Abstract:
A wrench used to tighten and loosen mechanicals on electrical jumper cables without damaging the mechanical. The innovative tool includes a head portion having first and second work surfaces for engaging a mechanical&#39;s grip, said first and second work surfaces arranged about an imaginary axis of rotation and substantially parallel to said axis, and a handle secured to the head for allowing manual manipulation of the present invention so as to cause the mechanical grip to rotate. When the innovative wrench head is turned in a predetermined direction, the two work surfaces provide substantial surface-to-surface contact with the mechanical grip being turned, thereby increasing rotational torque while reducing grip deformation and damage.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to hand tools for manipulating electrical connectors and, more particularly, to a wrench for turning a mechanical grip for a jumper clamp. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Background: Electrical Distribution Line Construction Maintenance and Repair 
     Commonly, an electrical distribution system uses three-phase alternating current (AC) electricity to transmit electrical energy from a generating source to a consumer. Each phase is transmitted over a separate distribution line. Each distribution line is electrically isolated from the other two in order to avoid a short circuit, which would create a potentially hazardous over-current condition. 
     During the construction, maintenance or repair of electrical distribution lines, it is often desirable and necessary to provide uninterrupted electrical service to a utility&#39;s customers. In order to provide uninterrupted service, a method of re-routing electricity around breaks in distribution lines must be used. 
     A common method of re-routing practiced by linemen in utility maintenance crews is to use a series of jumper wires to reroute the electricity. Either the lineman will climb a utility pole to get to the distribution lines or a bucket truck will lift the lineman up to the distribution lines. The utility lineman will attach one end of the jumper wire to a distribution line, upstream of a switch. The lineman then connects the other end of the jumper wire to another section of distribution line such that the jumper wire, in conjunction with the downstream switch, will electrically bypass the region of distribution line on which the lineman wishes to work. By using a separate jumper wire for each phase, the lineman can re-route all three phases so that uninterrupted electrical service is provided to the utility&#39;s consumers even while the lineman make repairs of strings new distribution lines. 
     Background: Jumper Wire Mechanicals 
     Linemen use specialized jumper wires for electrical distribution lines. As shown in FIG. 1A, the jumper wires  50  typically consist of heavy gauge wire  60  with one heavy-duty connector  100  at each end. Linemen commonly refer to these connectors  100  as “mechanicals.” A typical mechanical  100  is shown in FIGS.  1 B and  1 B′. The jumper wire  60  is usually encased in an electrically nonconductive rubber or plastic material, for example, but portions of the mechanical  100  are bare metal. 
     Mechanicals  100  for the jumper wire  60  are designed to be tightened by hand, and indeed, that is how linemen presently attach them to distribution lines. As shown in FIG. 1B, the typical mechanical  100  has two main components, a metal hook  110  and a grip  120  made of an electrically non-conductive material, for example, plastic. A tail portion  115  of the hook  110  extends into the grip  120  and is connected to the jumper wire  60 . The tail portion  115  is threaded. The inner surface of the grip  120  is threaded so that the grip  120  will travel along the threads of the tail  115  as grip  120  is turned. Metal washer  130  moves in relation to hook  110  as grip  120  is turned. As the metal washer  130  moves towards the hook  110 , electric distribution line  150  is compressed between washer  130  and hook  110 . Grip  120  has a plurality (usually two diametrically opposed) of raised ridges  140  disposed on its periphery that run the length of the grip. Ridges  140  allow the lineman to grasp the mechanical  100  securely and get leverage to turn the grip  120 . Typically, the grip  120  is threaded on its inner surface so that it will easily travel along the threads of the tail  115 . The hook  110  has matching threads so that the grip  120  will move either closer to, or further from, the hook  110  as the grip is rotated. Although the lineman wears rubber gloves, flange  155  reduces the possibility of contact between the lineman&#39;s hand and the metal hook  110 , distribution line  150 , or washer  130 . Ideally, the lineman causes the hook  110  to firmly hold a distribution line by rotating the grip such that the distribution line  150  is compressed between hook  110  and washer  130 . 
     FIGS.  1 C and  1 C′ show a common variation of the jumper mechanical. In this variation, a plurality of protrusions  160  allow the lineman to graph and rotate the grip. The protrusions  160  are typically block-shaped and arranged longitudinally in parallel rows. 
     Background: Effects of Loose Electrical Connection 
     No matter how tightly a lineman may tighten a jumper mechanical by hand, it will often loosen due to forces beyond the lineman&#39;s control such as wind shaking the distribution lines, or contraction and expansion of the mechanical due to variations in weather. The effects of a loose connection to a distribution line can be catastrophic. Because electrical distribution lines carry high voltages, loose connections to distribution lines can cause dangerous electrical arcing which may bum the lineman or cause interruption of electrical service. High temperatures due to the increased electrical resistance across the loose connection can result in hazardous fires that may end in loss of property or life. Mechanicals and jumpers often are melted completely through by the extreme heat caused by a loose connection. The dangling remnants of the jumper often touch other distribution lines causing a direct short circuit between different phases and a sudden power outage due to the current rush through the short circuit. If the jumper touches television cables or telephone lines, it may also cause damage to many televisions and phones and harm persons using them. 
     Background: Wrenches 
     A wrench is a type of tool commonly used to hold or apply rotational force to nuts, bolts, and pipes. Familiar types of wrenches are the open-ended wrench, the monkey wrench, and the Stillson (pipe) wrench. Hundreds of different wrenches have been awarded United States patents, most of them for tools which are adapted to hold or rotate with work pieces with circular or polygonal cross sections. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 463,137, awarded to Carpenter, discloses an open-end wrench having a jaw with a plurality of transverse notches. The edges of the transverse notches will engage adjacent linear faces of a polygonal nut. The notches allow the wrench to be rotated to obtain a fresh hold on the nut without removing the wrench from the nut. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,624,508, awarded to Reilly, discloses an open-end, fixed jaw wrench which can hold nuts and bolts of various sizes. The wrench of Reilly has one jaw with a smooth face and an opposite jaw with a stepped face. The steps are sized so that the jaws will engage the flat faces of various sizes of polygonal nuts. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,334,069, awarded to Collins, et al., discloses an open end wrench designed to turn coupling nuts for joining hoses such as fire hoses or oil hoses. This wrench is intended to be used with three general types of coupling nut, all of which have diametrically opposed pegs (lugs). The head of the wrench has a cavity that fits over one peg on the coupling nut. In addition to engaging one peg, the wrench has a working face that engages the perimeter of the coupling nut somewhere between the two pegs. 
     Prior inventions appear to have focused almost exclusively on wrenches which can hold or rotate nuts, bolts, or pipes. There has been a conspicuous lack of wrenches created to accommodate work pieces which have protruding features. In particular, there has not been an adequate wrench designed to manipulate jumper mechanicals. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     One or more of the disclosed embodiments provides at least the following advantage: a tool for improved manipulation of jumper mechanicals. 
     One or more of the disclosed embodiments provides at least the following advantage: a tool that will work with many different jumper mechanical grips. 
     One or more of the disclosed embodiments provides at least the following advantage: a tool that may be used easily and safely in the confines of a bucket truck. 
     One or more of the disclosed embodiments provides at least the following advantage: a tool that can apply rotational force to two diametrically opposed features, such as longitudinal ridges, on a mechanical grip. 
     One or more of the disclosed embodiments provides at least the following advantage: a tool that can spread rotational force along a substantial portion of a longitudinal feature that runs parallel to the axis of rotation, such as a ridge, on a mechanical grip. 
     In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, a tool has a cut-out which will engage the grip of a jumper mechanical. The cut-out has a notch that fits over a first ridge on the mechanical grip. A plate engages the first ridge so that rotating the handle of the tool about the longitudinal axis of the mechanical&#39;s grip will cause the grip to travel along the threads of the tail portion of the hooks. The plate spreads the rotational force along the length of the ridge, parallel to the axis of rotation, rather than concentrating it in one area. The plate may be a semicircle, rectangle, or any suitable shape. The increased force provided by the tightening tool creates a more secure jumper connection which may be less susceptible to failure and arcing. 
     If the grip has a second ridge, a knob on the handle may engage the second ridge such that the knob may push against the second ridge as the handle of the tool is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the mechanical&#39;s grip, providing increased leverage for tightening the mechanical. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The disclosed inventions will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show important sample embodiments of the invention and which are incorporated in the specification hereof by reference, wherein: 
     FIG. 1A depicts a prior art jumper, with mechanicals at both ends. 
     FIG. 1B depicts a side view of a first prior art jumper mechanical. 
     FIG.  1 B′ depicts a top view of a first prior art jumper mechanical. 
     FIG. 1C depicts a side view of a second prior art jumper mechanical. 
     FIG.  1 C′depicts a top view of a second prior art jumper mechanical. 
     FIG. 2A depicts a side-view of the presently preferred embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 2B depicts a top view of the presently preferred embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 2C depicts a front-view of the presently preferred embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 2D shows the presently preferred embodiment of the innovative tool engaging a first prior art jumper mechanical. 
     FIG. 3A depicts a side-view of a first alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 3B depicts a top-view of the first alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 3C depicts the first alternative embodiment engaging a first prior art jumper mechanical. 
     FIG. 4A depicts a side-view of a second alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 5A depicts a side-view of the third alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 6A depicts a side-view of a fourth alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 6B depicts a top-view of the fourth alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 7A depicts a side-view of a fifth alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 8A depicts a side-view of a sixth alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 9A depicts a side-view of a seventh alternative (hinged) embodiment of the innovative tool. 
     FIG. 9B depicts a side-view of the seventh (hinged) alternative embodiment of the innovative tool with the handle partially rotated about the pivot point (hinge axis). 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to the presently preferred embodiment. However, it should be understood that this class of embodiments provides only a few examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily delimit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. 
     A tool having an open-end wrench head is described. In some embodiments, the wrench head has two principle internal engaging surfaces arranged about an imaginary central axis of rotation. In the preferred embodiment discussed below, the first internal engaging surface is substantially flat and parallel to the imaginary central axis. In some embodiments, the second internal engaging surface is curved and when engaged with the workpiece is tangent to a ridge on the workpiece. The “principle” internal engaging surfaces are the internal engaging surfaces of the wrench head which are of the greatest importance and which actually engage and interact with the workpiece (for example, the mechanical grip) under torque, during normal operation of the tool. 
     The presently preferred embodiment of the disclosed innovative tool is shown in FIGS. 2A-D. In the preferred embodiment, the tool  200  has a cut-out  210  designed to engage the grip  275  of a jumper mechanical  270 . The cut-out  210  has a notch  220  designed to engage the first ridge  280  on the mechanical&#39;s grip  275 . A plate  230  (first internal engaging surface) completes one side of the notch  220 . At the other side of the cut-out  210 , a knob  240  (second internal engaging surface) can engage a second ridge  285  on the mechanical grip  275 . The lineman uses the tool  200  by engaging it with the grip  275  of the mechanical  270 , grasping the handle  250  and rotating the tool  200  about the central (longitudinal) axis  290  of the jumper mechanical  270 . When the tool  200  is engaged with the mechanical, the axis  290  corresponds with the imaginary axis of rotation  222  of the tool. As the tool  200  is rotated about axis  222 , the plate  230  engages the first ridge  280  of the grip  275 , spreading the rotational force along the ridge  280  and causing the grip  275  to rotate. By spreading the force along the ridge  280 , potential for damage to the ridge  280  by the rotational force and potential for slippage of the tool are reduced. 
     Optionally, the tool  200  may have a hole  260  at the opposite end of the handle  250  from the cut-out  210 . The hole  260  may be used to hang the tool  200  from a hook on a lineman&#39;s belt, or in a utility truck bucket, when the tool  200  is not in use. 
     Alternative Embodiments 
     FIGS. 3A-C show views of a first alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. This embodiment has a plurality of plates and notches. In the first alternative embodiment, the tool  300  has a cut-out  310  that engages the grip  375  of a jumper mechanical  370 . The cut-out  310  has a first notch  320  that fits over the first ridge  380  on the mechanical&#39;s grip  375 . A first plate  330  completes one side of the first notch  320 . At the other side of the cut-out  310 , a second notch  340  fits over a second ridge  385  on the mechanical grip  375 . A second plate  345  completes one side of the second notch  340 . The lineman uses the tool  300  by engaging it with the grip  375  of the mechanical  370 , grasping the handle  350  and rotating the tool  300  about the central (longitudinal) axis  390  of the jumper mechanical  370 . As the tool  300  is rotated about imaginary axis of rotation  322 , a plate ( 330  or  345 ) will engage its corresponding ridge ( 380  or  385 ) and cause the grip  375  to rotate. 
     Due to the second plate  345  that allows rotational force to be exerted against the second ridge  385 , an additional advantage of this first alternative embodiment is that the tool  300  can be used to tighten or loosen the mechanical  370  without removing the tool from the workpiece. However, due to the second plate, this first alternative embodiment may have to be engaged with some mechanical grips by first placing the cut-out over the jumper wire and then sliding the cut-out onto the mechanical grip. 
     Optionally, the tool  300  may have a hole  360  at the opposite end of the handle  350  from the cut-out  310 . The hole  360  is used to hang the tool  300  from a hook on a lineman&#39;s belt, or in a utility truck bucket, when the tool  300  is not in use. Alternatively, a keyring may be used in conjunction with the hole  360 . 
     FIG. 4A shows a second alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. In this second alternative embodiment, the tool  400  has a plurality of notches  410  and plates  420 . The plurality of notches and plates are useful for engaging mechanical grips with a plurality of ridges or rows of protuberances  160 , such as the second prior art grip, as shown in FIG.  1 C. This embodiment also illustrates the principle that placement and shape of the handle can vary in different embodiments of the tool. 
     FIG. 5A shows a third alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. In this third alternative embodiment, the tool  500  has a plurality of notches  510  that are much wider than those shown in the previous embodiments. This embodiment illustrates that the width of the notch can be varied in different embodiments of the tool. 
     FIGS. 6A-B show a fourth alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. In this fourth alternative embodiment, the tool  600  has a notch  610  and a knob  620  but does not have a plate like the embodiments discussed above. This embodiment is easier to manufacture than embodiments that have plates. It works best on grips that have ridges rather than grips that have rows of protrusions. As in the other disclosed embodiments, the imaginary axis of rotation  622  of tool  600  is disposed within the cut-out  630 . Because there is no plate to spread the rotational force along the grip&#39;s ridge as in the other embodiments discussed above, this embodiment may have a higher risk of damaging the ridge when excessive torque is applied. This embodiment illustrates that a plate is not necessary in all embodiments of the invention. 
     FIG. 7A shows a fifth alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. In this fifth alternative embodiment, the tool  700  has a plate  710  but no notch, unlike the embodiments discussed above. The plate  710  protrudes into the cut-out  720 . As the tool  700  is turned, the plate  710  will engage a feature such as a ridge on the grip of the mechanical, causing the grip to rotate. This fifth alternative embodiment illustrates that a notch is not necessary in all embodiments of the invention. 
     FIG. 8A shows a sixth alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. In this sixth alternative embodiment, neither a plate nor a knob are present. The sixth alternative embodiment of the innovative tool  800  has a tooth  810  that protrudes into cut-out  820 . The tooth  810  can be engaged with a feature such as a ridge on a workpiece such as a mechanical grip. By rotating the handle  830  around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece, the tooth  810  will transfer rotational force from the tool  800  to the workpiece. If the workpiece has a second ridge such as the grip shown in FIG. 1B, the intersection point  840  of the cut-out and the handle may engage the second ridge and aid in the transfer of rotational force from the tool  800  to the workpiece. 
     FIGS. 9A and 9B show a seventh alternative embodiment of the innovative tool. The seventh alternative embodiment of the innovative tool  900  has a pivot point  910  in the head, which allows the tool to adjust to a variety of mechanical grips having different diameters. In the preferred embodiment of this alternative, the pivot point is a hinge having an axis of rotation substantially parallel the imaginary axis of rotation  930  of the tool  900 . FIG. 9B discloses the tool  900  with the handle  920  partially rotated around the pivot point 
     According to a disclosed class of alternative embodiments the innovative tool may be applicable for use with work pieces other than mechanical grips. For instance, embodiments of the innovative tool may be applicable for use with certain nuts (such as wing nuts), bolts, connectors, or fasteners. 
     Modifications and Variations 
     As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the innovative concepts described in the present application can be modified and varied over a tremendous range of applications, and accordingly the scope of patented subject matter is not limited by any of the specific exemplary teachings given. 
     For example, the number and width of the notches in the cut-out can be varied. 
     For example, the position, shape, and length of the handle can be varied. 
     For example, although single-headed embodiments of the innovative tool are shown, embodiments with a head at each end of the handle are also possible. 
     For example, the shape and size of the plates for engaging the features on the mechanical grip can be varied. 
     For example, the plates for engaging the features on the mechanical grip can be manufactured integral to the head if the tool is cast from plastic or metal. 
     For example, the shape and size of the notches for engaging the features on the mechanical grip can be varied. 
     For example, some embodiments of the tool do not incorporate a knob in the handle, as shown in FIG.  8 A. As a further example, some less preferred embodiments of the tool do not incorporate a notch in the cut-out, as shown in FIG.  7 A and FIG.  8 A. Some less preferred embodiments of the tool do not incorporate a plate, as shown in FIG.  6 A and FIG.  6 B. 
     Additional general background, which helps to show the knowledge of those skilled in the art regarding the invention&#39;s context, and of variations for mechanical grips, may be found in the following: the Hubbell/Chance Tool Catalog; the Reliable Equipment Power Utility Tool Guide; the W.H. Salisbury Line Equipment Catalog; and the Hastings Hot Line Tools &amp; Equipment Catalog; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.