Abstract:
A system and method for use in the installation of cable between support poles and other structures is provided including brackets, support rollers, clamps, pins, and pulleys that are used to support, guide, and pull such cables during the installation process. The installation tools also allow for the securement of the communication cables to messenger cables which support the communication cables during mid-span runs. The system also utilizes a series of modular pulleys that allow for installation of the cable along pole lines including inside and outside corners. A rope is simply threaded through the various components and the cable is then pulled in using a standard winch, without the necessity of a lift truck that requires a worker to work for extended periods of time at an elevated height. Such installation practices as performed by the present invention allow copper and fiber-based communication cables to be installed safely to reference to the cable integrity as well as to the worker.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND DISCLOSURES 
     The present invention was first disclosed in the Disclosure Document 465,792 filed on Nov. 11, 1999. There have been no previously filed, nor any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to cable installation tools, and, more particularly, to an installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Recent advances in communication technology such as cable television, the Internet, videophony, and the like has led to massive upgrade in the cable infrastructure mounted on outdoor poles necessary to support such devices. What was just a few years ago limited to just a few telephone lines has now been replaced with many telephone lines, cable televison coaxial cable, broadband communication cabling, fiber optic links, and high speed data access lines just to name a few. While each new method of cabling that comes along is generally smaller and more efficient than the one it replaces, it does not mean that it is easier to install. In fact, with the smaller cable, factors such as pulling tension, bend radiuses, susceptibility to damage and others, actually make the cable more difficult to install on outdoor poles. In fact, should some cables be accidentally kinked during installation, they become damaged so severely that they will not function and must be replaced. With this in mind, old technology tools that have been used to install conventional copper cabling in the past is no longer effective to perform the task of installing these new generation of communication cables. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which newer types of communication cables can be installed on outdoor mounted poles in a manner which is quick, easy and efficient without risk of damaging such cables. 
     In the related art, several devices are disclosed that describe devices and systems for the installation of electrical cables. U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,507 issued in the name of Page discloses a cable installation guide. U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,777 issued in the name of Chikiri et al. discloses a spiral hangar for a cable and method of installing cable and using the same. U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,771 issued in the name of Spell discloses an overlash jig. U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,444 issued in the name of Eitel discloses a method of installing cable on an existing messenger. U.S. Pat. No. 3,162,992 issued in the name of Davis discloses a cable installing and wrapping apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 2,858,106 issued in the name of Anton discloses a guide for flexible lines. U.S. Pat. No. 2,202,184 issued in the name of Berger discloses a pulley block. U.S. Pat. No. 1,878,859 issued in the name of Knabenshue discloses an electric wire stretcher. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that anticipate directly many features of the instant invention. Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a new system of installation tools for the installation of newer generation communication cables on outdoor poles and other structures that allow such cables to be supported in mid air. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables that provides a functional method for the installation of copper-based and fiber-optic type communication cables. 
     Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for use in the installation of cable between support poles and other structures is disclosed. The invention consists of many different tools such as brackets, support rollers, clamps, pins, and pulleys that are used to support, guide, and pull such cables during the installation process. The installation tools also allow for the securement of the communication cables to messenger cables which support the communication cables during mid-span runs. The system also utilizes a series of modular pulleys that allow for installation of the cable along pole lines including inside and outside corners. A rope is simply threaded through the various invention components and the cable is then pulled in using a standard winch, without the necessity of a lift truck or other means that requires a worker to work for extended periods of time at an elevated height. Such installation practices as performed by the present invention allow copper and fiber-based communication cables to be installed safely in reference to the cable integrity as well as to the worker. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables that can easily be transported, set-up and utilized at any job site in a quick, easy and effective manner. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables that works with all types of copper and fiber-based communication cables including telephone cable, data cable, coaxial cable, shielded cable, multiconductor twisted pair cable, single strand fiber optic cable, multi-strand fiber optic cable and the like. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables that is easy to use and operate in a manner which is intuitively obvious to all that may use it. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables that does not subject installed cables to over tension, kinking, excessive bend radiuses and the like during the installation process. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables that is modular in nature and may be adapted in the field to suit the particular installation conditions. 
     It is a feature of the present invention to provide an installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables that is inherently more cost-effective and safer than traditional methods of cable installation at elevated heights. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a messenger clamp  10  as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of hanger bracket  24  as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 a  and FIG. 3 b  are perspective views of a hanger bracket  24  affixed to a messenger clamp  10  as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a double roller system  40  for attachment to a hanger bracket  24  as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a single bracket  70  as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables of the present invention 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a double bracket  80  as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a perspective view of a single bracket  70  shown attached to a two modular roller assemblies  100  in the vertical position as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a double bracket  80  shown attached to two modular roller assemblies  100  in the horizontal position as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a temporary pole mount bracket  235  as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pole mounted corner roller system  185  as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables; 
     FIG.  11 A through FIG. 11C are perspective views of connector bars  300 ,  310  and  320  shown in a 1:1, 2:1, and 2:2 configuration, respectively; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a modular bolt connector  150  for use therewith; 
     FIG.  13 A and FIG. 13B are perspective views of a double roller assembly  600  for mounting to a messenger cable as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables; 
     FIG.  14 A and FIG. 14B are perspective views of a single mid-span roller  400  for guiding a single communication cable; and 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a single overlash roller  500 . 
     FIG. 16 is an overall perspective view showing use of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In order to describe the complete relationship of the invention, it is essential that some description be given to the manner and practice of current installation of cable. As such, utility poles are commonly used to carry communication lines of any type used for the purpose of carrying communication signals (telephone, television, etc.). An entire run of communication cable comprises the overall distance over which the communication lines are to be installed at one time, with individual spans being the distance from one utility pole to the next. A messenger is put in position between spans, and comprises a ¼ inch or {fraction (5/16)} inch steel cable used to support the communication line, which is lashed thereto for support. As such, the communication line itself is not self-supporting. 
     In view of this manner and practice current in the art, the best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiments for use at span-end locations, as well as mid-span locations. Herein depicted within the FIGS. 1 through 12, which depict the various components adaptable to span-end elements, with FIG.  13  through FIG. 15 depicting the various components adaptable to mid-span elements comprising the overall system disclosed herein. 
     1. Detailed Description of the FIGS. 1-12, Span-End Elements 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a messenger clamp  10  for use in affixing a conventional messenger cable  12  to a conventional utility pole  14 . The clamp  10  forms a horizontally elongated messenger clamp housing  16  forming a messenger receiving conduit  18  for allowing passage of the messenger  12  laterally therethrough. A pole support bolt  19  affixes the clamp housing  16  to the pole  14 , and in its preferred embodiment consists of a ⅝ inch bolt penetrating the horizontal center of the housing  16 . An impingement blade  20  mates to the outer surface of the housing  16  and forms a physical retention means to prevent the messenger  12  from releasing from the conduit  18 . A first messenger retaining bolt  22   a  and second messenger retaining bolt  22   b  penetrate both the housing  16  and blade  20  to provide a physical impingement therebetween. In their preferred embodiment, both the first messenger retaining bolt  22   a  and second messenger retaining bolt  22   b  consist of a ½ inch bolt. Because of this differential in size, accidental confusion during installation or removal of the supporting means for the clamp  10  and impingement means for the messenger  12  can be limited. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a hanger bracket  24  is shown, anticipated as being attached directly to a messenger clamp  10  for providing structural attachment a conventional utility pole  14 . A horizontally elongated bracket body  26  is shown formed of square tube stock supporting a first support channel  28   a  on an upper surface aligned perpendicularly to the lateral centerline of the body  26 . A second support channel  28   b  is supported by the body  26  on a lower surface, similarly aligned perpendicularly to the lateral centerline of the body  26 . Attached at one lateral end of the body  26  is a first attachment means  30 , and attached at the opposite lateral end of the body  26  is a second attachment means  32 . It is envisioned that the first attachment means  30  comprises a conventional threaded nut capable of engaging a ½ inch bolt. Similarly, the second attachment means  32  comprises a conventional threaded nut capable of engaging a ⅝ inch bolt. 
     In conjunction with FIG. 3 a  and FIG. 3 b,  attachment and support of a hanger bracket  24  to a messenger clamp  10  is shown in a bi-directional configuration, respectively. As indicated, it is envisioned that the first attachment means  30  would be capable of engagement with and attachment to either the first messenger retaining bolt  22   a  or second messenger retaining bolt  22   b . Similarly, the second attachment means  32  would be capable of engagement with and attachment to the pole support bolt  19 . In this manner, adaptive and bi-directional support can be easily obtained at any utility pole  14  to which a messenger clamp  10  is affixed. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a double side-by-side roller assembly  40  as mounted and secured by the hanger bracket  24  as disclosed. The hanger bracket  24  is shown being attached to a messenger clamp  10  affixed to a pole  14 , similar to that shown in FIG.  3 A and FIG.  3 B. The support channel  28   a  (or, alternately,  28   b ), receives and retains an attachment pin  44  is shown protruding from the square attachment connectors  21  and secured by the use of a first key pin  44  and a first locking pin  46 . The first key pin  44  and the first locking pin  46  are shown here as the type well known and readily available, but those familiar with the existing art can readily see that other forms of locking and securing methods can also be used and thus should not be seen as a limiting factor. 
     This attachment pin  42  in combination with the first key pin  44  affixes the roller assembly  40  removably to a hanger bracket  24 . 
     Extending downward from the attachment pin  42  is a double side-by-side frame  52 . This frame  52  is designed to allow for passage and pulling of communication cable an/or an associated pulling rope, as will be described in greater detail herein. 
     As shown, the frame  52  comprises a lower roller assembly  54  engaging with an upper clamping assembly  56 . The lower roller assembly  54  comprises a lower frame member  56  supporting a trio of parallelly spaced, upwardly projecting roller supports  58  that support a pair of rotatable rollers  60  secured thereto in a conventional manner, herein shown as by a roller retaining bolt. The upper clamping assembly  56  comprises an upper frame member  62  supporting a pair of parallelly spaced, downwardly projecting roller closures  64 . Each roller closure  64  engages with an aligned roller support  58 . In greater detail, the outermost roller supports  58  extend upward with an insertion tab  66  that extends into a hollow chamber within the roller closures  64 . A guide means, such as a fitted shoulder, can result in positive engagement and closure of the lower roller assembly  54 , thereby preventing any lateral slippage during the physical act of stringing communication cable. A center guide support  70  allows for the lower roller assembly  54  to slidably engage with the upper clamping assembly  56 . A second key pin  48  and a second locking pin  50 , identical in features and function to the first key pin  44  and the first locking pin  46 , provide a fastening means to secure the lower roller assembly  54  to the upper clamping assembly  56 . 
     This physical relationship produces a pair of cable openings through which communication cables (not shown in this FIG.) are routed and pulled through while it is being installed. The cylindrical nature of the roller  60  produces little friction between itself and the cable, thus allowing for ease of installation and reduced risk of damage to the cable. 
     The double side-by-side roller assembly  40  as mounted and secured by the hanger bracket  24  is used when pairs of communication line are to be installed. When only one communication line is to be installed, a single bracket  70 , as shown in FIG. 5, can be used in conjunction with a modular roller assembly as will be described in greater detail below. The single bracket assembly  70  attaches to a support channel  28   a  (or, alternately,  28   b ), which receives and retains an attachment pin  42 , shown protruding from a bracket channel  72 , and secured by the use of a locking toggle means  74 . The locking pin means  74  is shown here as the type well known and readily available, but those familiar with the existing art can readily see that other forms of locking and securing methods can also be used and thus should not be seen as a limiting factor. The bracket channel  72  supports a horizontal support bar  76 . The support bar  76  forms and supports a pair of attachment orifices  78  at each lateral end and spaced apart a standard distance to receive a modular roller of the type to be described herein below. 
     Similarly, FIG. 6 depicts a double bracket  80  that can be used in conjunction with a plurality of modular roller assemblies as will be described in greater detail below. The double bracket assembly  80  attaches to a support channel  28   a  (or, alternately,  28   b ) in a similar manner; however, the support bar  76  supports a number of pairs of attachment orifices  78 , each pair spaced apart a standard distance to receive a modular roller of the type to be described herein below. 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, a perspective view of a single bracket  70  shown attached to two modular roller assemblies  100 . Similarly, and in conjunction with FIG. 8, a double bracket  80  shown attached to two modular roller assemblies  100 . In each of these Figures, a series of modular rollers  100  are attached to the attachment orifices  78  by use of a modular, interchangeable attachment bolt connector  150 . Each modular roller assembly  100  consists of a first side piece  130  and a second side piece  135  connected together by a bottom assembly  140 . In each corner or end of the first side piece  130  and the second side piece  135  is a bolt retaining collar  145  to allow all components to be secured via a modular bolt connector  150 . The bottom of the modular roller  100  is thereby capable of having attached a connector element  300 ,  310 , or  320  as shown in FIGS. 11 a,    11   b,  and  11   c,  respectively, so that other modular rollers  100  can be attached there beneath. 
     Referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective view of a temporary pole mount bracket  235  as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables is depicted. The pole mount bracket  235  is used to attach other components of the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables to round poles, preferably wooden telephone poles. The main attachment is made via a chain  240 , which wraps around the wooden pole, (not shown in this view) as will be shown herein below. The chain  240  secures onto itself and is tightened via the use of a securing mechanism  245 . The securing mechanism  245  also holds an “U”-shaped bracket  250 , to which two square attachment support channel  220  (similar to support channel  28 A and  28 B) are provided on the upper structure. Also located on the securing mechanism is a bolt stud  255  and a nut  260 , which are used to secure other components of the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables which will be disclosed herein below. 
     Referring next to FIG. 10, a perspective view of a pole mounted corner roller system  185  as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables is depicted. The pole mounted corner roller system  185  is mounted on a wooden pole  14  as shown, though any type of circular pole would work equally well. The pole mounted corner roller system  185  is fastened to the pole with the use of the pole mount bracket  235  as shown. The bolt stud (⅝″ USS)  55  is shown attached to a roller plate  195  of the pole mounted corner roller system  185  and secured with a nut  60  as shown. Attached to the roller plate  195  are a total of nine (9) rollers  110 , each secured by a roller plate mounting bolt  200 . The rollers  110  are allowed to turn freely on the roller plate  195 , thus allowing any communication cable that is being installed along or around the wooden pole  14 , to do so in a manner which does not damage it. Such an arrangement could be used at any outside corner, such as the exterior corner of a building, house or structure as well. It may also be rotated 180° for inside corners. 
     Finally, referring to FIG.  11 A through FIG.  11 C and FIG. 12, miscellaneous connector elements are depicted that allow the above described span-end elements to be used interchangeably, modularly, and adaptable. In FIG. 11A, a 1:1 modular roller assembly connector  300  is shown having a lateral support bar  302 . The lateral support bar  302  separates an upper surface from a lower surface, and at each end thereof are a pair of series attachment orifices  78 . Along both the upper surface and lower surface each respective pair of attachment orifices  78  are separated by a fixed distance corresponding to the overall width of the modular rollers  100 , which can be thereby attached by the use of a modular, interchangeable attachment bolt connector  150  of FIG.  12 . In this particular configuration, a single modular roller  100  can be attached to and extended from another single modular roller  100 . In FIG. 11B, a 2:1 modular roller assembly connector  310  is shown having a lateral support bar  312 . The lateral support bar  312  separates an upper surface from a lower surface, and a series of attachment orifices  78  are affixed along both the upper surface, and separated by a fixed distance so as to allow for attachment of a pair of modular roller assemblies  100 , and along the lower surface is a single such pair of attachment orifices  78  that are separated by a fixed distance corresponding to the overall width of the modular rollers  100 . In such a configuration, a pair of single modular rollers  100  can be attached beneath a single such roller, or a single such roller  100  can be attached beneath a pair of such rollers  100 . Similarly, in FIG. 11C a 2:2 modular roller assembly connector  320  is shown with connections for a pair of modular rollers  100  at the top and a pair of modular rollers  100  at the bottom. Although many cables can be supported through a single roller assembly  100 , the use of these variously shaped connectors allows the user the adaptability of pulling a plurality of cable configurations in a manner that keeps the cables individually, relatively aligned by using an individual roller for each cable. 
     Finally, FIG. 12 depicts one typical example of an anticipated modular bolt connector  150 . Although any similar configurations to perform the necessary function can be adapted, for purposes of disclosure shown herein is a handle  350  terminating one end of a shaft  354  with a release spring  352  attached thereto along the shaft  354 . The shaft is envisioned as having at least two inches of useable space, with the spring  352  used to bias the handle  350  outward when installed. A locking means, shown herein as a pivoting toggle  356 , is affixed at the end of the shaft  354  opposite the handle  350  for selectable locking or releasing the pin  150  from within an attachment orifice  78 . 
     2. Detailed Description of the FIGS. 13-15 . Mid-Span Elements 
     Although many of the above elements can be adapted for mid-span use, i.e. pulling of communication cable along a messenger  12  when routing between poles  14 , a of series specifically adapted mid-span elements are also provided. Particularly, FIGS. 13 a  and  13   b  indicate a double roller assembly for mounting to a messenger cable as used with the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables. The double roller cable support assembly  600  provides for the installation of cables as described by the double side-by-side roller assembly in a closed type arrangement. However, a spring assembly  655  allows for the opening and closing of the two cable openings  620  by the use of a closing fork assembly  660 . The closing fork assembly  660  thus provides the security of cable entrapment and mounts on the messenger with ease. The installer simply has to raise or lower the single module cap piece  675  to add or remove cables or remove from the strand. An upper support roller  665  allows the double roller cable support assembly  650  to be installed along a messenger wire. 
     Referring now to FIG.  14 A and FIG. 14B, a single mid-span roller  400  for guiding a single communication cable is shown. As shown, an upper roller  402  and lower roller  404  are rotatably mounted to a first frame element  406  in a secure manner. Separating the upper roller  402  and lower roller  404  is a center pivoting mounting  408 . A second frame element  410  is pivotally affixed to the first frame element  406  at the center pivoting mounting  408 , and is locked in place by a locking spring  412  that provides a compressive urging force. 
     Finally, FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a single overlash roller assembly  500 . Similar to the single mid-span roller  400 , the overlash roller  500  has a unitary “C” shaped frame member  502  rotatably supporting an upper roller  504  for accepting an existing communication cable rather than a messenger (although the assembly  500  may be adapted for use on a messenger as well). A lower roller  506  allows a communication cable to be slidably pulled therethrough. A pivoting locking bar  570  is affixed to the frame  502  in a manner to provide a physical barrier to the open end, and a spring urged locking means  512  allows for secure closure of the locking bar  570 . Finally, a pulling eyelet  514  affixed to the lowermost portion of the frame  502  allows attachment of a rope or guide to pull the roller assembly  500  into position mid-span. 
     3. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     The present invention and system is designed with ease of operation features in mind that allow it to be setup and utilized by a common individual with little or no training, and operated in a transparent and intuitive manner with respect to other cable installing devices. 
     To use the present invention as shown in FIG. 16, the user would first survey the installation site in person, or with the aid of engineered installation drawings, to determine the type, quantity and proper location of installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables to be installed. It is envisioned that the primary components of the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables to be installed would vary widely from job situation to job situation, but would include both bolt mount bracket  24  and pole mount bracket  235  as the primary means of support. Next, various components would be attached to the bolt mount bracket  24  and the pole mount bracket  235 . If these main components should not suffice for the particular installation, the installer may elect to construct a specialized pulling module based upon the descriptions provided for above. At this point, the installer is ready to install the actual communication cable. 
     The rope would be threaded though the various cable openings of the various components starting with the first, and moving along in a consecutive manner until the last point is reached. Then the cable is pulled in using a winch. At this point, a slight amount of tension is left on the cable spool. The cable is then lashed to the messenger and cut. The cable is then terminated, the various components of the installation tool system for pole-mounted communication cables removed, and the installation of the communication cable is completed with no damage to the cable, or risk to the installer, and at decreased overall costs compared to conventional installation methods. 
     The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.