Abstract:
A device adapted to support a jumper wire during maintenance or repairs to various elements associated with the suspension and switching of electrical power conductors on both transmission and distribution power grids. The device comprises two members of various shapes, pinned together in opposition with a pivot, to allow the opening and closing of said clamping system. The device can be manufactured of many materials in order to meet specific strength or dielectric requirements. Additionally, the shape of the device can be optimized to support a variety of objects.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/099,782, filed 24 Sep. 2008, the entire contents and substance of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to hanging a variety of items using a clamping device, and more specifically, to a clamping device for safely retaining a jumper during the repair and/or maintenance of electrical transmission and distribution lines. 
         [0003]    Electrical power distribution and transmission grids (the “grid”) contain myriad components, including but not limited to wires (i.e., conductors), insulators, switches, and transformers. Most of these components must be serviced on a regular basis, and replaced when necessary, preferably without interrupting the flow of electricity. Working on live electrical wires requires extreme care and specialized tools to prevent, for example, electrocution of the lineman, shorting of the wire, or damage to grid components and surrounding property. 
         [0004]    Repairs are often carried out using a length of wire, or conductor, to bypass an area of the grid that needs to be repaired or maintained (the “repair area”). Installation of this wire, or “jumper,” enables electricity flowing through the grid to flow around the repair area, which, in turn, enables the conductor or other components in the repair area to be removed from the circuit for repair or replacement. The jumper can comprise a length of wire sufficiently long to span the repair area and of sufficient gauge to carry the voltage and current present on that portion of the grid. Due to the voltage and current present on the grid, however, the jumper generally comprises a very heavy gauge wire, which represents significant weight that must be supported during repairs. 
         [0005]    Conventionally, the jumper is supported using a length of rope, which the lineman simply ties around the jumper and then ties to a nearby conductor, or power line, for support. Unfortunately, ropes are difficult to tie given the heavy gloves worn by linemen and can be tied improperly, both of which can cause the jumper to fall possibly causing personal injury or property damage. If the jumper falls, it can, among other things, electrocute the lineman, damage his truck and equipment, or damage property in the vicinity of the repair area. 
         [0006]    In addition, ropes are often not electrically rated (i.e., rated for their resistance to the flow of electricity), which means linemen have no information on which to base their choice of rope. Ropes that are electrically rated typically rated only for their initial use, with their electrical rating decreasing with subsequent each use. This means that rated ropes must be replaced after each use, or represent a similar unknown to unrated ropes after their initial use. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device for suspending one object from another. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device, or jumper aid, for hanging a jumper from a power line during repair or maintenance of components associated with the transmission and distribution of power. In some embodiments, the device can be dielectrically rated, rated for its load carrying capacity, or both. 
         [0008]    Embodiments of the present invention can also be directed to a method comprising: coupling an electrical jumper to a first conductor and a second conductor such that the first conductor and the second conductor are electrically continuous; supporting the electrical jumper from one of the first conductor and the second conductor with a pivotable device; where the pivotable device can comprise a first C-shaped element comprising a first upright portion and a second C-shaped element comprising a second upright portion; where the first C-shaped element can be disposed in a substantially opposing manner to the second C-shaped element; and where the first C-shaped element can be pivotally coupled to the second C-shaped element. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the method can further comprise encircling the electrical jumper with a dielectric blanket prior to placing the electrical jumper in the pivotable device. In some embodiments, the method can also comprise encircling one of the first conductor and the second conductor with a dielectric blanket prior to placing one of the first conductor or the second conductor in the pivotable device. In some embodiments, the first and second upright portions can be disposed at an angle of between approximately 60 degrees and 120 degrees to a lower portion of the first and second C-shaped elements. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the pivotable device can comprise a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the upright portions can contact one or more of the electrical jumper, the first conductor, the second conductor, or the dielectric blanket and can prevent the pivotable device from opening when loaded. In some embodiments, the upright portions can contact one or more of the electrical jumper, the first conductor, the second conductor, or the dielectric blanket and can prevent the pivotable device from opening when loaded. In some embodiments, the pivotable device can have a known weight carrying capacity. In some embodiments, an upper portion of the C-shaped elements can be shorter than a lower portion of the C-shaped elements. 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the present invention can also comprise: an electrical jumper connected to a first conductor and a second conductor for bypassing current flow around a work area; and a pivotable device that can support the electrical jumper from one of the first conductor and the second conductor in the work area; where the pivotable device can comprise: a first C-shaped element comprising a first upright portion, and a second C-shaped element comprising a second upright portion; where the first C-shaped element can be disposed in a substantially opposing manner to the second C-shaped element; and where the first C-shaped element can be pivotally coupled to the second C-shaped element. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the system can further comprise a dielectric blanket for preventing arcing between the electrical jumper, the first conductor, and the second conductor; and the dielectric blanket can be wrapped around one of the electrical jumper, the first conductor, and the second conductor. In some embodiments, the pivotable device can be substantially trapezoidal. In some embodiments, the pivotable device can be substantially rectangular. In some embodiments, the first and second upright portions can be disposed at an angle of between approximately 60 degrees and 120 degrees to a lower portion of the first and second C-shaped elements. 
         [0013]    Embodiments of the present invention can also comprise a device for supporting the weight of an object from a support, and can comprise: a first substantially C-shaped element comprising a first end and a second end and can further comprise a first upright portion; and a second substantially C-shaped element comprising a first end and a second end and can further comprise a second upright portion; where the first end of the first substantially C-shaped element can be pivotally coupled to the first end of the second substantially C-shaped element and can enable the pivotable device to move between an open position and a closed position, the second substantially C-shaped element can be disposed in an opposing manner to the first substantially C-shaped element such that the first substantially C-shaped element and the second substantially C-shaped element can define a space therebetween, and the first and second upright portions can prevent the pivotable device from moving to the open position when a weight is supported by the pivotable device. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the upright portions can contact one of the object or the support and can prevent the pivotable device from moving to the open position until the weight of the object is removed from the pivotable device. In some embodiments, the object can be an electrical jumper and the support can be a power line. In some embodiments, the first substantially C-shaped element and the second substantially C-shaped element can comprise a dielectrically rated material. In some embodiments, the pivotable device can have a rated load carrying capacity. In some embodiments, the first ends of the substantially C-shaped elements can be shorter than the second ends of the substantially C-shaped elements. 
         [0015]    These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a jumper installed on a power pole and supported using a conventional rope method. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a power line wrapped in a dielectric blanket and supporting the jumper using a jumper aid, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3   a  depicts a perspective view of a trapezoidal embodiment of the jumper aid in a closed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3   b  depicts a perspective view of a trapezoidal embodiment of the jumper aid in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4   a  depicts a perspective view of a rectangular embodiment of the jumper aid in a closed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4   b  depicts a perspective view of a rectangular embodiment of the jumper aid in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  depicts another perspective view of a power line wrapped in a dielectric blanket and supporting the jumper using the jumper aid, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of the jumper wrapped in a dielectric blanket supported by a power line the jumper aid, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of the jumper aid hanging on a cross arm on a power pole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart depicting a method of using the jumper aid, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Embodiments of the present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description and the examples included herein. Before the embodiments of the devices and methods according to the present invention are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the embodiments described within this disclosure. Numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art remain within the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. 
         [0027]    Unless otherwise noted, the terms used herein are to be understood according to conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. In addition to the definitions of terms provided below, it is to be understood that as used in the specification and in the claims, “a” or “an” can mean one or more, depending upon the context in which it is used. 
         [0028]    Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a device for supporting a number of items upon a support structure. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device for supporting a jumper wire during repairs performed on and around a power pole. 
         [0029]    To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the invention, it is explained hereinafter with reference to its implementation in an illustrative embodiment. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of being a support system for supporting jumper wires, or a “jumper aid,” for repairs associated with electrical distribution and transmission grids (the “grid”). In some embodiments, the jumper aid can provide a compact, easy to deploy device for supporting jumpers, or other conductors, during routine maintenance and repair of grid components. 
         [0030]    Embodiments of the invention, however, are not limited to use with power grid maintenance and repair. Rather, embodiments of the invention can be used any time a strong hanger is needed to securely suspend an object from a supporting structure. Thus, the jumper aid described herein after can also find utility, for example and not limitation, hanging a bicycle from an overhead hook. 
         [0031]    The materials described hereinafter as making up the various elements of the jumper aid of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the invention, for example. 
         [0032]    Referring now to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates a work area  100 , which implements one of many possible combinations of elements on a conventional power pole  105 . The power pole  105  can be constructed of a variety of materials such as wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and so on. The pole  105  is generally anchored to the ground sufficiently to support the weight of various elements and a conductor  110 . The pole  105  may be driven into the ground, set in concrete, stabilized with guy-wires, and so on, depending on soil conditions, the number, and weight of elements to be supported, and so forth. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates one possible configuration of a power pole  105 , in this case supporting multiple wires  110  (or “conductors”). The conductors  110   a  can be supported by the pole  105  from below, and can be mounted on pass-through insulators  115 . Pass through insulators  115  can enable the wires  110   a  to be supported by the pole  105  from below, yet insulate the pole  105  from the current traveling therein. In other words, the pass-through insulator  115  can enable the conductor  110   a  to continue on, while preventing current from the conductor  110   a  from flowing, or grounding, through the pole  105 . This can prevent damage to the pole  105 , loss of electrical energy, and possible injury to people or animals, due to electrical shock, should they happen to touch the pole  105 . 
         [0034]    Another possible configuration is for the conductor  110   b  to dead end at the pole  105  using a dead end insulator  120 . This can be useful, for example, at the end of a street, or simply the end of a particular circuit in the grid. In this case, however, the conductor  110   b  can terminate at the pole  105 , and the end of the conductor  110   b  can be supported by the insulator  120 . Again, the insulator  120  can prevent current flow through the pole  105  to ground. 
         [0035]    The conductor  110  can be a stranded or solid wire made of a conductive material (i.e., a material that has minimal resistance to the flow of electricity), often composed of copper, aluminum, or a combination thereof. In order to prevent unwanted discharge of electrical energy, the conductor  110  can be covered in a dielectric or insulating sheath, which can be made of plastic, cloth, or other materials with dielectric properties (i.e., those materials that have a very high resistance to the flow of electricity). Additionally, the conductor  110  can be sized to meet the voltage and current requirements of a particular electrical load (i.e. the voltage and current that must be carried). 
         [0036]    One skilled in the art will recognize that this is but one of many possible combinations of components that can be present on a particular power pole  105 . For instance, a pole  105  can include more or less conductors  110 , a transformer to reduce the voltage (not shown), and/or a switch (also not shown) to enable interruption or routing of power. Regardless, the components are subject to wear and tear from, among other things, weather, wildlife, heat, and electrical fields. The components in the grid, therefore, must be maintained and/or replaced from time to time (the “repair area”). 
         [0037]    In order to prevent interruption of power on the grid, however, this maintenance is preferably performed without interrupting the flow of electricity to and from the repair area  100 . This can be achieved by introducing an additional conductor  125 , or “jumper,” into the circuit at the power pole  105 . The jumper  125  can provide a path for electricity, or “load,” to flow around the repair area  100 , and can enable components in the repair area  100  to be removed from the circuit for repair or replacement. 
         [0038]    In order to carry the load across the repair area  100 , the jumper  125  is preferably sized to carry the load. Generally, the jumper  125  must be at least as large as the conductors  110  in the repair area  100  and long enough to span from one conductor  110  to another (i.e., 12-15 feet). For example and not limitation, the jumper  125  can be 2/0 or 4/0 AWG wire or larger depending on the voltage and current in the repair area  100 . 4/0 AWG wire, for example, weighs approximately 660 lbs/1000 ft. 
         [0039]    The jumper  125  can be attached to the conductors  110  using couplers  125   a , which clamps the jumper  125  to the conductor  110  and are conductive. It can be necessary, however, to support the jumper  125  to prevent, among other things, premature failure of the couplers  125   a  or loss of control of the jumper  125 . The length of the jumper  125  can also create a situation where the jumper  125  is hanging in the way of the lineman while he affects repairs. This creates at least two problems: 1) the jumper  125  can cause a tripping or entanglement danger for the lineman and 2) the jumper  125  can come loose from one or both ends. 
         [0040]    As mentioned above, the jumper  125  can be quite heavy. If the jumper  125  comes loose from both ends, therefore, it can drop, for example, on the lineman, on his equipment, or on nearby property causing damage. If, on the other hand, the jumper  125  comes loose from only one end, this creates a situation in which the heavy jumper  125  is not only a dropping or swinging hazard, but now is electrically hot. In this case, the jumper  125  is much more dangerous because it also represents an electrocution hazard. For at least the foregoing reasons, control of the jumper  125  at all times in the repair area  100  is essential. 
         [0041]    Conventionally, linemen have secured the jumper  125  using a rope  130 . The lineman simply uses the rope  130  to tie the jumper  125  to a nearby conductor  110 . If the conductor  110  and the jumper  125  are in phase, this is accomplished by simply wrapping the rope  130  around the conductor  110  and the jumper  125  and tying a knot in one or both ends. This can be challenging, however, given the large dielectric gloves linemen are required to wear to protect them from the load. 
         [0042]    If the conductors  110  are out of phase, on the other hand, the lineman must first wrap either the jumper  125  or the conductor  110  with a dielectric blanket (not shown) to prevent arcing and then wrap the all three with the rope  130  for support. This makes the job even more difficult for the gloved lineman, as he is now required to manage four items (the conductor  110 , the jumper  125 , the rope  130 , and the dielectric blanket), at least three of which (the jumper  125 , the rope  130 , and the dielectric blanket) are unsupported and flexible. 
         [0043]    Loss of control of both ends of the jumper  125  (i.e. dropping the jumper  125 ) in the repair area  100  can result in extensive damage caused by the jumper  125  falling onto the service vehicle, surrounding vehicles, or surrounding property. Due to its weight, a single incident involving dropping a jumper  125  onto a car below the repair area  100  can result in thousands of dollars of damage. The jumper  125  can also cause damage to the service vehicle, surrounding buildings, and even landscaping near the repair area  100 . 
         [0044]    More dangerous, however, is losing control of one end of the jumper  125  in the repair area  100 . This can create a situation in which the jumper  125  is “hot,” i.e., is electrically connected to the conductor  110 . This can result in burns and electrocution to anyone in the vicinity of the repair area  100  including, of course, the lineman. The monetary and emotional costs resulting from a single such incident are incalculable. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing a device  205 , or “jumper aid,” that enables linemen to quickly and securely support a jumper  125  during repairs. Embodiments of the present invention provide a solution that can be rated for both the necessary electrical and physical properties. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tool that can be appropriately rated dielectrically to prevent errant electrical discharges. They can also allow linemen to select the appropriate jumper aid  205 —or the appropriate number of jumper aids  205 —to support the weight of the jumper  125  being used. 
         [0046]      FIG. 2  depicts a repair area  200  similar to that in  FIG. 1 . As mentioned above, however, the conductor  110  and the jumper  125  can be out of phase. As mentioned above, this can require the use of a dielectric blanket  210 , i.e., a blanket that is rated to have a high resistance to the flow of electricity. In some embodiments, the dielectric blanket  210  can be wrapped around the conductor  110  and secured with one or more spring clamps  215 , a shown in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, the dielectric blanket  210  can be wrapped around the jumper  125  and similarly secured. In still other embodiments, the dielectric blanket  210  can be secured to the conductor  110  or jumper  125  using other suitable means such as, for example and not limitation, rope, rubber bands, or cable ties. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, after wrapping and securing the dielectric blanket  210  around the conductor  110  or the jumper  125 , the lineman can then place the jumper  125  in the open portion  205   a  of the jumper aid  205 . The lineman can then place the jumper aid  205  over the conductor  110  and close the jumper aid  205 . Due to the design of embodiments of the jumper aid  205 , discussed below, the jumper aid  205  can be easily manipulated by the lineman, despite his heavy work gloves, and can securely support the jumper  125  while repairs or maintenance are carried out. 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, for example, as shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the jumper aid  205  can have a generally trapezoidal shape. In other words, the jumper aid  205  can have a large end  305  and a small end  310 . This can be useful, for example, when the object being supported is smaller than the supporting structure, or vice-versa. For example, in  FIG. 2 , the jumper aid  205  is shown in use with the large end  305  around the larger combination of the conductor  110  and the dielectric blanket  210 , and the small end  310  around the jumper  125 . In other embodiments, however, it can be convenient, or necessary, to wrap the jumper  125  with the dielectric blanket  210 , which can make it convenient to use the jumper aid  205  in the opposite orientation, i.e., with the large end  305  supporting the jumper  125  and the small end  310  around the conductor  110 . 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, shown in  FIG. 3   b , the jumper aid  205  can comprise a first portion  315  and a second portion  320 . In some embodiments, the first portion  315  and the second portion  320  can be pivotally coupled in proximity to their small ends  310  using a pivot  325 . In some embodiments, the pivot  325  can comprise a nut and bolt. In other embodiments, the pivot  325  can comprise many suitable devices including, for example and not limitation, a screw, a rivet, or a roll pin. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, the pivot  325  can enable the first portion  315  and a second portion  320  to pivot with respect to each other and to move between a first state, or closed position,  FIG. 3   a , and a second state, or open position,  FIG. 3   b . In some embodiments, in the open position, the jumper aid  205  can be placed around objects and can have objects placed in the open area  305   a  defined by the interior of the first portion  315  and a second portion  320 . This can enable, for example, the jumper aid  205  to be placed over a conductor  110  or a jumper  125 . 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the jumper aid  205  can have upright portions  335   a ,  335   b  extending upwardly from the large end  305  of the first and second portions  315 ,  320 . The upright portions  335  can enable the jumper aid  205  to remain in the closed position once placed around the object to be supported and the support structure. In other words, when a weight, such as the weight of the jumper  125  is placed in the jumper aid  205  and the jumper aid is hung on the conductor  110 , for example, the natural tendency of the jumper aid  205  would be to open and drop the jumper  125 . When the jumper aid  205  begins to open, however, the uprights  335  contact the object occupying the large end  305  of the jumper aid  205  and prevent it from opening. 
         [0052]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 , for example, the jumper aid  205  can be placed in the open position and the jumper  125  can be placed inside the jumper aid  205 . The jumper aid  205  can then be placed around the conductor  110  and, if applicable, around the dielectric blanket  210  and moved to the closed position. When released, the weight of the jumper  125  would tend to force the jumper aid open  205 . As the jumper aid  205  moves towards the open position, however, the uprights  335  can contact the dielectric blanket  210  and the conductor  110 , and the jumper aid  205  is prevented from opening. 
         [0053]    In other embodiments, shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , the jumper aid  400  can have a generally rectangular shape. In other words, both ends  405 ,  410  of the jumper aid  400  can have substantially the same dimensions. This can be useful, for example, when the object being supported is relatively the same size as the supporting structure. For example, the jumper aid  400  could be used to replace the rope  130 , shown in  FIG. 1 ; because the dielectric blanket  210  may not be required (i.e. the conductors  110  in the repair area  100  are in phase). Because both the jumper  125  and the conductor  110  can be similar in size, it can be convenient to use the rectangular jumper aid  400  to prevent slipping and cocking of the jumper aid  205  on the jumper  125  or conductor  110 . 
         [0054]    In some embodiments, shown in  FIG. 4   b , the jumper aid  400  can comprise a first portion  415  and a second portion  420 . In some embodiments, the jumper aid  400  can have a first end  410  and a second end  405 . In some embodiments, the first end  410  and the second end  405  can be substantially equal in length. In some embodiments, the first portion  415  and the second portion  420  can be pivotally coupled in proximity to the first end  410  using a pivot  425 . In some embodiments, the pivot  425  can comprise a nut and bolt  425 . In other embodiments, the pivot  425  can comprise many suitable devices including, for example and not limitation, a screw, a rivet, or a roll pin. 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, the pivot  425  can enable the first portion  415  and a second portion  420  to pivot with respect to each other and move between a first and second state, e.g., a closed position ( FIG. 4   a ) and an open position ( FIG. 4   b ). In some embodiments, in the open position, the jumper aid  400  can be placed around objects and can have objects placed in the open area  430  defined by the interior of the first portion  415  and a second portion  420 . This can enable, for example and not limitation, the jumper aid  400  to be placed over a conductor  110  or a jumper  125 . 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, the jumper aid  400  can have upright portions  435   a ,  435   b  extending upwardly from the non-pivoting end  405 . The upright portions  435  can enable the jumper aid  400  to remain in the closed position when placed around the object to be supported and the support structure. In other words, when a weight, such as the weight of the jumper  125  is placed in the jumper aid  400  and the jumper aid is hung on the conductor  110 , for example, the natural tendency of the jumper aid  400  would be to open and drop the jumper  125 . When the jumper aid  400  begins to open, however, the uprights  435  contact the object occupying the large end  405  of the jumper aid  400  and prevent it from opening. 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, therefore, the jumper aid  205 ,  400  provides a tool that can be used to support a variety of heavy objects from a supporting structure and can remain closed by design rather than through the use of friction, fasteners, or additional means. This design can prevent wear and tear, because the surfaces of the jumper aid  205 ,  400  and/or pivot  325 ,  425  are not used to frictionally retain the jumper aid  205 ,  400  in the closed position. The jumper aid  205 ,  400  also obviates the need to have additional pins or fasteners to pin closed, or otherwise fix, the non-pivoting end  305 ,  405  of the jumper aid  205 ,  400 . This can eliminate small parts, such as pins or bolts, used to keep the jumper aid  205 ,  400  closed, which can be lost or dropped during use. 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, the first portion  315 ,  415  and the second portion  320 ,  420  of the jumper aid  205 ,  400  can comprise a dielectric material. This can enable the jumper aid  205 ,  400  to be used without fear that the load carried by the jumper  125  or the conductor  110  will be transmitted through the jumper to the lineman or to ground. In some embodiments, the jumper aid  205 ,  400  can have a dielectric rating. In other embodiments, the opening  330 ,  430  in the jumper aid  205 ,  400  can be sized to provide a large enough air gap to preclude the use of a dielectric blanket  210 , regardless of phase or voltage concerns. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the first portion  315 ,  415  and the second portion  320 ,  420  of the jumper aid  205 ,  400  can comprise a material rated for strength. In other embodiments, the jumper aid  205 ,  400  can be rated for strength as a unit, i.e., the jumper aid  205 ,  400  can have a maximum load rating. In other embodiments the pivot  325 ,  425  can determine the maximum load rating of the jumper aid  205 ,  400 , and can provide a sacrificial failure point for the jumper aid  205 ,  400 . This can enable the pivot  325 , 425  to break when the jumper aid  205 ,  400  is overloaded. This can enable the jumper aid  205 ,  400  to be repaired by replacing the pivot  325 ,  425  and prevent additional damage to the jumper aid  205 ,  400 , namely the first portion  315 ,  415  and the second portion  320 ,  420 . 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5 , the jumper aid  205  can be used to suspend a jumper  125  from a conductor  510   b  in the work area  500 . In this instance, the jumper  125  can be used to connect one conductor  510   a  to another conductor (not shown) to prevent the interruption of power through the grid. In some embodiments, the conductor  510   b  can be wrapped in a dielectric blanket  210 . In some embodiments, the dielectric blanket  210  can be held in place with clamps  215  to prevent it from unfurling or dropping off the conductor  510   b . In this configuration, it can be convenient to place the large end  305  of the jumper aid  205  over the conductor  510   b  and blanket  210 . In this configuration, the smaller jumper  125  can be securely retained in the small end  310  of the jumper aid  205 , which minimizes movement and twisting of the jumper. 
         [0061]    In other embodiments, shown in  FIG. 6 , it can be necessary or convenient to wrap the jumper  125  in the dielectric blanket  215 . This can be due to, for example and not limitation, components installed in the work area  600  or the layout of the various conductors  610 . In this configuration, it can be convenient to install the jumper aid  205  in the opposite direction. In other words, the jumper aid can be installed with the jumper  125  and the dielectric blanket  210  in the large end  305  and the conductor  610  in the small end  310 . Again, this minimizes the slipping and/or twisting of the smaller, bare conductor  610  inside the jumper aid  205 . 
         [0062]    In other embodiments, the configuration of the jumper aid  205  can enable the jumper aid  205  to be supported by, and to support, many objects present in the work area. In some embodiments, for example and not limitation, the jumper aid  205  can be placed over the cross bar  750  of the power pole  705 . See,  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, the trapezoidal shape of the jumper aid  205 ,  400  can enable the lineman to determine which end better fits the object to be supported, or the object from which the jumper aid  205  is supported. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , on some power poles  705  the cross bar  750  can be wide and prevent hanging the jumper aid  205  using the small end  310 . In other embodiments, however, the cross bar  150  can be a smaller, which can make use of the small end  310  of the jumper aid  205  more desirable. See,  FIG. 1  (showing a smaller, round cross bar in use). 
         [0063]    Embodiments of the present invention also relate to a system and method for installing a jumper in a work area  800 , the features of which are outlined below and shown in  FIG. 8 . As mentioned above, it can be necessary from time to time to repair and/or replace certain components in a given work area. It is generally desirable, however, to facilitate repairs without interrupting power to the grid. This can be accomplished by placing a jumper into the circuit  805  to bypass the work area. Use of a dielectric blanket, as mentioned above, can be helpful if the jumper and the conductor from which it will be supported are at a different phases and/or voltages  810 . 
         [0064]    In some embodiments, if the jumper and conductor are at different phases or voltages, the jumper can be wrapped in a dielectric blanket  815 , which can prevent arcing, i.e., the errant discharge of electricity, between the jumper and the conductor. The lineman can then place the jumper and dielectric blanket into the jumper aid  820  and hang the jumper aid over the conductor  825 . This method can ease the task of handling the bulky jumper and dielectric blanket, which can then be hung over the conductor as a unit  825 . With the jumper wrapped in the dielectric blanket and securely hung from the conductor, the lineman can safely begin work  850  with the jumper safely suspended, retained, and out of his work space. 
         [0065]    In other embodiments, it can be desirable to wrap the conductor with the dielectric blanket as opposed to the jumper. This can be desirable, for example, if the work area is particularly tight in the vicinity of the conductor. In this case, the conductor can be wrapped in the dielectric blanket  830  and the jumper aid can then be hung over the conductor and the dielectric blanket  835 . In this configuration, the bare jumper is less cumbersome and can easily be placed in the jumper aid  840 . With the conductor wrapped in the dielectric blanket and the jumper securely hung from the conductor, the lineman can safely begin work  850  with the jumper safely suspended, retained, and out of his work space. 
         [0066]    In still other embodiments, the jumper and the conductor can be at the same phase and voltage  810 . This configuration can obviate the need to use a dielectric blanket because, for example, there is no voltage potential between the jumper and the conductor. In some embodiments, therefore, the jumper can be placed in the jumper aid  840  and the jumper aid can be hung over the conductor  825 . With the jumper securely hung from the conductor, the lineman can safely begin work  850  with the jumper safely suspended, retained, and out of his work space. 
         [0067]    While several possible methods are disclosed above, embodiments of the present invention are not so limited. For instance, the jumper aid can be hung from the conductor  825  and then the jumper could be placed in the jumper aid  840  without departing from the spirit of embodiments of the invention. The order used for various features of the method can be varied according to a particular work area that requires a slight variation in the method due to, for example, space constraints. Such changes are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. 
         [0068]    From the forgoing, it can be seen that embodiments of the present invention provide a device  205 ,  400 , system and method  800  for safely installing a jumper  125  in a work area  500 , 600 . In some embodiments, the present invention is a jumper aid  205 ,  400  capable of safely supporting a jumper  125  from a conductor  110  in the work area  500 ,  600 . In some embodiments, the jumper aid  205 , 400  can comprise uprights  335 ,  435  that prevent the jumper aid  205 ,  400  from opening inadvertently. In some embodiments, the jumper aid  205 ,  400  can comprise a strong, dielectric material to safely suspend a jumper  125  and prevent the jumper  125  from obstructing the work area  500 ,  600 . 
         [0069]    From the foregoing, it can also be seen that embodiments of the invention provide a number of different systems and methods  800 , which can be used to safely control a jumper  125  within a work area  500 , 600 . The system can be easily installed, and provides a safe solution to this ubiquitous problem. The various embodiments of the invention described above provide methods of installing the system when compared with prior approaches. 
         [0070]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, embodiments of the invention have been described with respect to a method of installing the jumper aid  205 ,  400 ; however, the method  800  could be installed using a different sequence of steps, or omitting certain steps, without deviating from the spirit of the invention. In addition, while the invention has been described in the context of device for suspending a jumper  125  from a conductor  110 , the concepts described herein need not be limited to these illustrative embodiments. For example, embodiments of the present invention could be used to hang a variety of items from a variety of support structures. Embodiments of the present invention could be used, for example and not limitation, to hang a bicycle from a garage support. 
         [0071]    The specific configurations, choice of materials, and the size and shape of various elements could be varied according to particular design specifications or constraints requiring a device, system, or method constructed according to the principles of the invention. Such changes are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments, therefore, are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.