Abstract:
A cable slicer or sheath cutter is comprised of two components, each component including a main body portion, a two part disconnectable hinge mechanism serving as a coupling device at one end or side of the main body portion and a T-shaped handle disposed at an opposite end of the main body portion. The coupling device rotatably couples the two components together. A channel runs along an interior length of at least one of the main body portions, which provides a path into which the cable to be stripped is inserted. A blade housing on at least one of the components of the main body portion securely holds a blade with a predetermined amount of the tip or edge of the blade protruding into and generally perpendicular to the channel. The exposed portion of the blade slices or shaves the sheath or covering of an interior layer of the cable by a precise, predetermined amount without cutting or shaving the cable in the interior.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/258,388 entitled “MID-SPAN ACCESS TOOL FOR BUFFER TUBES” and was filed on Nov. 5, 2009, incorporated herein by reference. This application is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/477,720 filed on Jun. 3, 2009 entitled “Two-Piece Cable Stripper”, which claims priority to 61/058,424 entitled “Flat Fiber Optic Cable Stripper” filed on Jun. 3, 2008, each fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to cable strippers and more particularly, relates to a two-piece cable stripper designed to shave, score or otherwise expose or penetrate a layer of a cable, such as fiber-optic cables. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0003]    Data conducting wires or elements, such as fiber-optic cables, are typically surrounded by an inner tube, jacket or sheath that is also surrounded by an outer jacket or sheath. The inner jacket or sheath, typically referred to as a buffer tube in a fiber optic cable, lies very close to the optical fibers. The buffer tube or internal jacket or sheath needs to be carefully opened from either the middle or the end of the cables during installation or repair. To accomplish this, a technician generally cuts through the inner jacket or buffer tube using a tool designed for such access. 
         [0004]    This activity, however, can be difficult and generally requires precise skill so that the delicate fiber cables are not severed or damaged. In the case of fiber optic cables, the optical fiber itself can also be damaged by excessive cable twisting, pulling or mishandling. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, what is needed is a cable or buffer tube slicer that allows a user to easily, safely and precisely shave, cut or otherwise access the inner sheath of a cable or buffer tube either at an end of a cable or at any point along the length (middle or mid-span) of a cable. The cable access tool should accommodate different sizes of cable with varying fiber counts. The cable access tool should also be able to accommodate various dimensions of cable or cable components. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present features a device for shaving, slitting, or cutting a layer of a cable, the device comprising a first component and a second component, each of the first and second components having a main body portion having a length, an exterior side and an interior side, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. At least one of the first and second components including at least one channel that runs along the entire length of the interior side of at least one of the first and second components. At least one blade housing, located within the main body portion of the first component, is configured for securely and removably holding at least one blade in a position generally perpendicular to the at least one channel such that at least an edge portion of the at least one blade protrudes into an interior region of the at least one channel. 
         [0007]    The device may further include at least one channel that runs along the entire length of the interior side of both the first and second components and wherein the first component includes a flattened channel and the second component includes a rounded channel. The at least one blade may be an adjustable blade and the adjustable blade may be configured to be disposed and adjusted to variable depths. The blade housing may further include a removable portion, a fixed portion and at least one screw, wherein the at least one screw is configured to hold the at least one blade between the removable portion and the fixed portion of the blade housing. 
         [0008]    The first and second components may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, aluminum and a composite material. The plastic material may include an acetyl polymer. 
         [0009]    The device may further include a two part disconnectable hinge mechanism located proximate a first end of the body portion of the first and second components, a first part of the two part hinge mechanism is located on the first component and a second part of the two part hinge mechanism is located on the second component, wherein the hinge mechanism is configured to attach the first component to the second component and allow the first component and second component to rotatably couple to one another, thereby allowing the device to be positioned around said cable at any point along a length of said cable when the two part disconnectable hinge mechanism of the device is disconnected. 
         [0010]    The device may further include an attachment mechanism located proximate a second end of the body portion of the first and second components, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to fixably hold the first and second components together in a closed position. 
         [0011]    The at least one channel forms a path when the first component and second component are brought into a closed position confronting one another, and wherein in one embodiment, the path that is formed has a generally oval shape designed to accept a flat fiber optic cable. In another embodiment, the path that is formed has a round shape designed to accept a round fiber optic cable. In another embodiment, the at least one channel is configured to accept an insert that includes, on one side of the insert, a channel of a desired shape and size. 
         [0012]    The present invention features to a device for cutting, slicing or shaving an interior tube within a cable, the device comprising a first component and a second component, each of the first and second components having a main body portion having a length, an exterior side, an interior side, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. Each of the first and second components include at least one channel that runs along the entire length of the interior side of the first and/or second components. The first end of the main body portion of each of the first and second components has a generally T-shaped handle. The first and the second components are designed to releasably and rotatably interconnect with one another in a clam-shell arrangement such that the two components open up and away from one another and can be placed around the middle portion of a cable. The components are configured for receiving a cable in the channel in the interior side of the first and second components. 
         [0013]    The invention also includes at least one blade housing, located on the exterior side of at least one of the first and second components within the main body portion, the at least one blade housing configured for securely and removably holding at least one blade in a position such that at least a portion of the at least one blade protrudes into the interior side of the at least one of the first and second components and at least partially into the channel of the at least one of the first and second components on which the blade is located. 
         [0014]    A further aspect of the device allows the first and second components to be configured for being at least partially disconnected from one another. In order to access the interior layer or sheath of the cable, the sheath or tube is inserted into the device (or the device placed around a cable or buffer tube in the case of a mid-span access) and the first and second components are brought into a closed, confronting position whereby the interior portion of the first component confronts or faces the interior portion of the second component. The device is further configured to shave, score, or cut the interior sheath of the cable when the first and second components are in a closed position and the device is advanced along a selected length of the cable. 
         [0015]    The first and second components may be made from a plastic material. The plastic material is preferably an acetyl polymer plastic material that makes it “slippery” against the jacket of the cable to be cut or scored. 
         [0016]    An additional aspect of the present invention is the formation of a path by the upper channel of the first component and the lower channel of the second component when the first and second components are brought into a closed, confronting position against one another, wherein the second component has a lower channel with a rounded shape and the first component has at least a partial upper channel with a flattened shape. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the channel on at least one of the first and second components is configured to accept an insert that includes, on one side of the insert, a channel of a desired shape and size. 
         [0018]    In a further embodiment of the present invention, the at least one blade housing includes a first blade housing located on the exterior side of the first component. 
         [0019]    In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the channel in the second component further includes an opening that allows a portion of the interior sheath of the cable sliced by the at least one blade to exit the device. 
         [0020]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interior portion of the first and second components includes a plurality of differently sized channels that run along the entire length of the first and second components. 
         [0021]    It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the cable sheath cutter according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a close-up of the exterior view of the sheath cutter according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a view of the disassembled blade housing of the sheath cutter according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a view of the disassembled blade housing of the sheath cutter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    The sheath cutter  10 ,  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention includes a hinge portion  12  a body portion  14  and a T-shaped handle portion  16 . The cutter  10  is preferably made from a relatively strong, weatherproof, durable material such as plastic, aluminum or composite material. The plastic material is preferably a smooth, high slip material that is self-lubricating, such as an acetyl polymer, which may be provided by Celanese Corporation, or another suitable plastic material. This type of generally “slippery” plastic material facilitates sliding the sheath cutter along the length of a cable or buffer tube to be slit. The T-shaped handle portion  16  is arranged perpendicular to the body portion  14 . The body portion  14  further includes one or more blade housings  18  that hold and enclose a blade. The blade is used to penetrate the top, side and/or bottom portion(s) of a layer or sheath of a cable  11 . The cable can be a fiber optic cable, a copper cable, or any other type of cable. For example, fiber optic cable often has a tougher outer jacket or sheath and a softer inner jacket or sheath (generally referred to as a buffer tube). Once the outer jacket or sheath has been opened, the inner layer jacket or sheath must be penetrated to gain access to the individual fiber optic cables located inside. The penetration can be in the form of a cut, splice, slice, or any other means of providing access to the interior region of the cable. The interior jacket or sheath is often called the buffer tube and can be made from a low density polyethylene. The hinge portion  12  allows the body portion  14  to come apart into two pieces allowing the cable stripper  10  to be placed at any point along or around a given length of cable. 
         [0028]    The body portion  14 , includes a first component  14 A and a second component  14 B. The second component  14 B includes a lower groove or lower channel  20  and the first component  14 A includes an upper groove or upper channel  21 . The combination of the upper and lower channel  20 / 21  forms a pathway or channel through which the interior sheath will fit. The upper channel  21  located on the first component  14 A may have a generally flattened shape. The lower channel  20  located on the second component  14 B will typically have a rounded shape. The first and second components  14 A/ 14 B may contain one upper and lower channel or they may contain a plurality of upper and lower channels. The plurality of upper and lower channels may vary in their size and shape. At least one of the upper and/or lower channels may also accept an insert (not shown) that is fitted on one side with a channel of a desired size and shape. 
         [0029]    The hinge portion  12  is constructed and arranged such that the first component  14 A is separable from the second component  14 B allowing the cable stripper  10  to be placed over and around the cable  11  at any point along the cable. The first component  14 A and the second component  14 B can rotate from an open position (not shown) to a closed position (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In a closed position, protrusions (not shown) on the T-shaped handle  16  of the first component  14 A, if provided, will insert into the corresponding holes (not shown) on the T-shaped handle  16  of the second component  14 B, if provided, and vice versa. In one embodiment, the first and second components  14 A/ 14 B may be hinged at their extremity as showed in  FIG. 1 , while in the preferred embodiment, they may be hinged along a side region as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 . 
         [0030]    The blade edge  30 ,  FIG. 3 , protrudes a predetermined amount within the upper channel  21  in the body portion  14  of the first component  14 A of the sheath cutter  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The blade edge  30  protruding into the channel only goes a predetermined amount or distance into the channel, but does not protrude beyond the top surface of the channel. As a result, the blade edge  30  is contained completely within the channel and cannot cut someone who runs their fingertip along the top surface of the body portion  14 . In this embodiment of the present invention, the blade is oriented perpendicular to the cable. The blade housing ( 18  from  FIG. 1 ), is constructed of two portions, including a removable portion of blade housing  28 A and a fixed portion of blade housing  28 B (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The blade housing  18  is sized and shaped to accommodate a blade  30 . The blade  30  is preferably a standard and readily available single edge utility blade available at hardware and department stores or a mini blade, or any other suitable blade. In a first embodiment, one or more screws  32 ,  32 A,  32 B, etc. pass through the removable portion of the attached blade housing  28 A and/or the blade itself into a corresponding threaded region in the fixed portion  28 B of the blade housing (this action is shown in  FIG. 4 ). Once the blade  30  is inserted and the removable portion of the blade housing  28 A is attached to the fixed portion of the blade housing  28 B, the blade  30  will be held at an angle such that only a portion of the blade edge  26  will protrude through the channel  20 . The preferred angle of the blade is between approximately 10 to 45 degrees. In this aspect of the invention, the blade housing has a fixed blade. 
         [0031]    In another aspect of the invention, the blade housing allows for an adjustable blade. The adjustable blade can operate on a pivot, with a ratchet, or by any other operable means. The adjustable blade allows the blade tip to operate at variable depths. The adjustable blade may also be a custom adjustable blade. The custom adjustable blade will provide for a plurality of blades that may be color-coded or otherwise marked to allow for easy interchangeability by a user. The custom adjustable blade allows a user to switch the blade easily to allow the user to use the same cable stripper for different cable sizes and shapes. 
         [0032]    The sheath cutter illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  is designed to slit the top (and/or bottom) region of a layer of a cable, such as an interior layer.  FIGS. 2-4  detail a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the present invention, the blade is oriented perpendicular to the cable. The cable stripper  100  includes an end portion  12 , a body portion  14  and a T-shaped handle portion  16 . The cable stripper  100  is preferably made from a relatively strong, weatherproof, durable material such as plastic, aluminum or composite material. The plastic material is preferably an acetyl polymer or other suitable plastic. The T-shaped handle portion  16  is arranged perpendicular to the body portion  14 . 
         [0033]    The body portion  14  further includes one blade housing  18  that holds and encloses a blade  30  and is located on the first component. The blade may be a blade, a utility blade, a mini blade, or any other suitable blade. The blade  30  is used to penetrate the interior layer or sheath of a fiber optic cable (not shown). The penetration can be in the form of a cut, splice, slice, or any other means of penetrating the interior layer of the cable to provide access to the actual cable (fibers) inside. The blade edge  30  protrudes perpendicular to a cable a predetermined amount within an upper channel  21  in the body portion  14  of a first component  14 A of the sheath cutter  100 . The blade housing  18  is constructed of a removable portion of blade housing  28 A, a fixed portion of blade housing  28 B and one or more screws  32 . Preferably the blade is held by a first screw  32 A and a second screw  32 B. The blade housing is sized and shaped to accommodate the blade  30 . One or more screws  32 ,  32 A,  32 B, etc. pass through the removable portion of blade housing  28 A and/or the blade  30  into a corresponding fixed portion of blade housing  28 B that contains a threaded region in the blade housing  18 . Once the blade  30  is secured, the blade  30  will be held at an angle perpendicular to the channel. The preferred angle of the blade is between approximately 10 to 45 degrees. In this aspect of the invention, the blade housing uses a fixed blade. 
         [0034]    In another aspect of the invention, the blade housing allows for an adjustable blade. The adjustable blade can operate on a pivot, with a ratchet, or by any other operable means. The adjustable blade allows the blade edge to operate at variable depths. The adjustable blade may also be a custom adjustable blade. The custom adjustable blade will provide for a plurality of blades that may be color-coded or otherwise marked to allow for easy interchangeability by a user. The custom adjustable blade allows a user to switch the blade easily to allow the user to use the same cable stripper for different cable sizes and shapes. 
         [0035]    The body portion  14 , includes a first component  14 A and a second component  14 B. The first and second components  14 A/ 14 B may each include one or more upper grooves or upper channels  21  and one or more lower grooves or lower channels  20 . The upper channel  21  in combination with a lower channel  20  forms a pathway into which the cable will fit. The upper channel  21  is located on the first component  14 A and will preferably have a flattened shape. The lower channel  20  is located on the second component  14 B and preferably has a rounded shape. The first and second components  14 A/ 14 B may contain one channel or they may contain a plurality of channels (as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). For example, the first component  14 A may have one channel and the second component  14 B may have two or more channels. Alternatively, one of the components may not contain a channel. The plurality of channels may vary in their size and shape. The channels of either one or both of the first and second components can also accept an insert (not shown) that is fitted on one side with a channel of a desired size and shape. Each T-shaped handle portion  16  may also include a protrusion (not shown), which is sized and shaped to fit into a hole (not shown) in the corresponding, opposite position in the other half of the T-shaped handle portion  16 , which helps lock the two handles together. The second component  14 B may be outfitted with one or more openings (not shown) that allow a portion of the interior layer (jacket or sheath) of the cable that has been sliced off by blade  30  to exit the cable stripper  100 . 
         [0036]    In the second embodiment of the present invention, the first component  14 A and the second component  14 B are connected to one another via a hinge mechanism  40  located on the sides of both the first and second components  14 A/ 14 B. The hinge mechanism  40  allows the cable stripper  100  to open within the body portion  14  of the cable stripper  100  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) and allows the first and second components  14 A/ 14 B to be attached and rotatably coupled to one another. A cable or sheath can be inserted at any point into the cable stripper  50  when the stripper is in an open position. The cable stripper can then be closed by bringing the first component  14 A towards the second component  14 B. This allows a user to score the interior layer of a cable at a midpoint section of the cable. The hinge mechanism  40  is located on a first half  44  of the body portion  14  of the first and second components  14 A/ 14 B and a latch or an attachment mechanism  42  is located on a second half  46  of the body portion  14  of the first and second components  14 A/ 14 B. The attachment mechanism  42  is a locking feature that holds the first and second components together. 
         [0037]    Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a plurality of sizing slots or notches  48  which serve to allow the user to determine which channel  20  to use to actually slice or score the table or buffer to. A user will first determine which channel  20  is the appropriate size for the current cable or buffer to be accessed utilizing the sizing notches  48 . The user can be sure that the desired amount of cable or buffer tube is removed to provide access to the inside of the cable or tube without removing too much, which would potentially damage the fiber optic cables or other wires inside the cable or tube. 
         [0038]    Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel cable or buffer tube slicer that allows a user to easily, safely and precisely shave, cut or otherwise access the inner sheath of a cable or buffer tube either at an end of a cable or at any point along the length (middle or mid-span) of a cable while also accommodating different sizes or dimensions of cable or cable components with varying fiber counts. 
         [0039]    The present invention is not to be limited by any preferred or exemplary embodiments or features disclosed herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the allowed claims and their legal equivalents.