Patent Publication Number: US-6908250-B2

Title: Retainer for retaining collapsed poles within another pole

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
   This patent application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/280,196, filed Oct. 25, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,358, and entitled “Wire Twisting Tool”. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a tool for twisting a workpiece, such as wire, about itself to secure the workpiece to an overhead support member from which the workpiece is suspended. The tool can be operated by a user located a distance from the overhead support members, such that the user need not stand on a ladder or scaffolding to twist the workpiece, but may rather stand on the floor to accomplish same. The present invention also relates to a tool having a retainer for retaining collapsed poles within another pole. The retainer can be easily released to allow extension of the poles or locked to retain the poles in a collapsed position. 
   Tools used to perform the task of twisting a workpiece have existed for some time. One such tool is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,869 and is entitled “Tool For Wrapping Drop Wires For Suspended Grid Ceiling”. This tool, however, is expensive to manufacture and can be difficult to use. Tools have also been used which allow a user to stand on the floor or ground to accomplish a task overhead without the use of a ladder or scaffolding. Many of these tools utilize extensible and retractable poles, such as those discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,385,849. 
   Problems with such extensible and retractable poles lie in the retaining of inner poles within the outer poles when the poles are collapsed within themselves. Such poles have the potential of the pole being extended unexpectedly by gravity while being carried, with such extension possibly resulting in a trip hazard or, at a minimum, a nuisance to the user. 
   One way in which this problem has been addressed is to provide a vinyl cap/hood or rubber stopper to address the problem. The cap/stopper approach, though, requires the hook/tool on the pole end, such as a twister hook of the present invention, to be removed before the cap/plug can be installed. If the cap/plug is separate, it can be easy to lose. Further, if the cap/plug is tethered to the poles, it can annoyingly be dangling in the line of sight of the user and/or can get caught on structure resulting in annoyance as well. Such caps/plugs can also be expensive to make as they are often molded. Caps/plugs can also be split, cut or torn in the field. 
   Therefore, a new tool used for twisting workpieces is desirable. A new tool for retaining poles which are collapsed within one another is also desirable. The present invention provides such a tool and the tool overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon a reading of the attached specification, in combination with a study of the drawings. 
   OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A primary object of the invention is to provide a tool having a hook member which can be attached to a pole member which is configured to allow a user to quickly and efficiently twist a first portion of a workpiece around a second portion of a workpiece to secure the portions of the workpiece together and to an overhead support member. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a tool which can be rotated either clockwise or counter-clockwise to twist a first portion of a workpiece around a second portion of a workpiece to secure the portions of the workpiece together and to an overhead support member. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a hook member which is inexpensive to manufacture which can twist a first portion of a workpiece around a second portion of a workpiece to secure the portions of the workpiece together and to an overhead support member. 
   Yet another object of the invention is to provide a tool which is easy for a user to use. 
   Yet another object of the invention is to provide a tool having a pole member which is retractable to allow for easy storage of the tool, and which is extensible to allow the tool to reach heights normally only reached by a user standing on a ladder, scaffolding or the like. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide a retaining member for a pole member which is extensible and retractable which is compact and is out of the line of the user&#39;s line of sight when the pole member is extended. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a retaining member for a pole member which is extensible and retractable which is relatively inexpensive to make and no tooling dollars are required. 
   Yet another object of the invention is to provide a retaining member for a pole member which is extensible and retractable which has no loose pieces which can get lost in the field. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a retaining member for a pole member which is extensible and retractable which is durable such that it will not split, cut or tear. 
   Yet another object of the invention is to provide a retaining member for a pole member which is extensible and retractable which does not require the hook/tool on the end of the pole member to be removed for the retaining member to be used. 
   Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the present invention provides a tool which includes a hook member which is attached to an extendable and retractable pole member, and a retainer which can retain the pole member in a collapsed position. The hook member is used to twist a first portion of a workpiece around a second portion of a workpiece in order to secure the first portion to the second portion when the workpiece is hung from an overhead support member. The retainer retains an inner pole of the pole member within an outer pole of the pole member when the pole member is in a collapsed position. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are described in detail hereinbelow. The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hook member for a tool which incorporates features of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side-elevational view of the hook member shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the hook member shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the hook member shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the hook member shown in  FIG. 1  connected to an extensible and retractable pole member which is formed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of the pole member of  FIG. 5  illustrating the pole member being collapsed within itself; 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of the pole member of  FIG. 5  illustrating the pole member being extended; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the hook member connected to an extensible and retractable pole member which is formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side view of the pole member of  FIG. 8  in a collapsed position and a retainer assembly retaining the pole member in a collapsed position; 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side view of the pole member of  FIG. 8  in an extended position and the retainer assembly allowing the pole member to be in an extended position; 
       FIG. 11  is a side-elevational view of a pin member shown in  FIGS. 8-10 ; 
       FIGS. 12-15  illustrate the method of using the hook member, with a pole member attached thereto, to twist a first portion of a workpiece around a second portion of a workpiece in order to secure the workpiece to an overhead support member; and 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side view of the pole member of  FIG. 8  in an extended position and the retainer assembly allowing the pole member to be in an extended position, with a ring section of the retainer assembly being integrally formed with the pole member. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
   While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein. 
   Attention is directed to  FIGS. 1-4  which illustrate a hook member  20  for use on a tool  24 ,  24   a . The hook member  20  is preferably attached to a pole member  22 ,  22   a  to provide the tool  24 ,  24   a  which is utilized for securing or twisting a workpiece  26 , such as wire or rope, onto an overhead support member  28 . The hook member  20  is preferably stamped from metal and thereafter bent to form such that it is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
   The hook member  20  has a first portion  30  which is preferably cylindrical such that the first portion  30  of the hook member  20  can be positioned around an end portion  32 ,  32   a  of the pole member  22 ,  22   a . The first portion  30  has a centerline Y—Y which is aligned with the centerline of the tool  24 ,  24   a . The first portion  30  may have a slot  34  which extends the length thereof to allow for the ability to position the hook member  20  on pole members  22 ,  22   a  of different diameters. The slot  34  also has an enlarged, generally circular portion  35  thereof which allows for a button  104 ,  104   a  of the pole member  22 ,  22   a  to be positioned therein, as will be discussed further herein. 
   The hook member  20  has a second portion  36  having first and second ends  38 ,  40 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first end  38  of the second portion  36  is connected to a portion of an end  42  of the first portion  30 . From the first end  38  of the second portion  36 , the second portion  36  extends upwardly and to the right of centerline Y—Y at an angle A from a line perpendicular to centerline Y—Y, when viewed as in  FIG. 2 , toward the second end  40  thereof such that the second end  40  of the second portion  36  of the hook member  20  is positioned further to the right of centerline Y—Y than the first portion  30  of the hook member  20  and the pole member  22 ,  22   a . Angle A is preferably 30 degrees. The second portion  36  may extend either straight from the first end  38  to the second end  40 , or may be slightly curved from the first end  38  to the second end  40 . An aperture  43  is provided through the second portion  36  of the hook member  20  such that the aperture  43  is offset from the first portion  30  of the hook member  20  and the pole member  22 ,  22   a.    
   The hook member  20  has a third portion  44  having first and second ends  46 ,  48 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first end  46  of the third portion  44  is connected to the second end  40  of the second portion  36 . From the first end  46  of the third portion  44 , the third portion  44  extends upwardly to the second end  48  thereof such that the third portion  44  is generally parallel to the first portion  32  of the hook member  20  and the pole member  22 ,  22   a.    
   The hook member  20  has a fourth portion  50  having first and second ends  52 ,  54 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first end  52  of the fourth portion  50  is connected to the second end  48  of the third portion  44 . From the first end  52  of the fourth portion  50 , the fourth portion  50  extends angularly upwardly and to the left, beyond centerline Y—Y when viewed as in  FIG. 2 , at an angle B from a line perpendicular to centerline Y—Y toward the second end  54  thereof, which is positioned on the other side of the first portion  30  of the hook member  20  and the pole member  22 ,  22   a  than is the third portion  44 , such that the second end  54  of the fourth portion  50  is positioned further to the left of centerline Y—Y than the first portion  30  of the hook member  20  and the pole member  22 ,  22   a . Angle B is preferably  25  degrees. The fourth portion  50  extends generally straight from the first end  52  to the second end  54 . An aperture  56  is provided through the fourth portion  50  of the hook member  20  such that the aperture  56  is offset from the first portion  30  of the hook member  20  and the pole member  22 ,  22   a  in the same direction in which the aperture  43  is offset from the first portion  30  of the hook member  20  and the pole member  22 ,  22   a . The apertures  43 ,  56  are provided such that they are in alignment with one another and on an axis parallel to the centerline Y—Y. 
   The fourth portion  50  has a pair of notches  58 ,  60  provided along outer edges  62 ,  64  thereof, respectively. The notches  58 ,  60  are provided proximate to, but spaced from, the second end  54  of the fourth portion  50  such that notches  58 ,  60  are positioned further to the left of centerline Y—Y than the first portion  30  of the hook member  20  and the pole member  22 ,  22   a.    
   The hook member  20  has a fifth portion  66  having first and second end  68 ,  70 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first end  68  of the fifth portion  66  is connected to the second end  54  of the fourth portion  50 . From the first end  68  of the fifth portion  66 , the fifth portion  66  extends angularly downwardly and to the left of centerline Y—Y when viewed as in  FIG. 2 , at an angle C relative to outer edge  62  to the second end  70  thereof, which is preferably rounded, such that the second end  70  of the fifth portion  66  is generally positioned further to the left of centerline Y—Y than is the second end  54  of the fourth portion  50 . Angle A is preferably 75 degrees. 
   In a first embodiment of the tool  24 , the hook member  20  is connected to the pole member  22 , as illustrated in FIG.  5 . In a second embodiment of the tool  24   a , the hook member  20  is connected to the pole member  22   a , as illustrated in FIG.  8 . Each of the pole members  22 ,  22   a  are of the extensible and retractable type. Of course it should be noted that the pole member need not be of the extensible and retractable type. 
   Pole member  22  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7  and includes an outer hollow tubular section  72  of substantially uniform outer diameter and an inner hollow tubular section  74  of substantially uniform outer diameter. Pole member  22  is known in the art and is discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,385,849, entitled “Extensible And Retractable Rod”, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
   As best illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the outer tubular section  72  has a first end  76  and a second end  78 . An inner shoulder  80  is provided in the outer tubular section  72  proximate to the second end  78  thereof such that the outer tubular section  72  has a smaller inner diameter proximate to the second end  78  thereof than the inner diameter proximate to the first end  76  thereof. An aperture  82  is provided through the outer tubular section  72  between the inner shoulder  80  and the second end  78  thereof. A plug member  84  is provided at the first end  76  of the outer tubular member  72  to close the first end  76  of the outer tubular member  72 . The second end  78  of the outer tubular section  72  is open to receive and retain the inner tubular section  74 . 
   As best illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the inner tubular section  74  has a first end  86  and a second end  88 . The inner tubular section  74  has an outer diameter which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tubular section  72  at the second end  78  thereof such that the inner tubular section  74  is slidable within the outer tubular section  72 . 
   A plug member  90  is provided at the first end  86  of the inner tubular member  74  to close the first end  86  of the inner tubular member  74 . The plug member  90  has an outer diameter which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tubular section  72  proximate to the second end  76  thereof, but which is larger than the inner diameter of the outer tubular section  72  proximate to the second end thereof  78 . An aperture  92  is provided through the inner tubular section  74  proximate to the first end  86  thereof which allows a button  94  of a button/spring assembly  96  housed in the plug  90  to extend therethrough. The spring  98  of the button/spring assembly  96  allows the button  94  to move laterally to the left and to the right when viewed as in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
   A plug member  100  is provided at the second end  88  of the inner tubular member  74  to close the second end  88  of the inner tubular member  74 . An aperture  102  is provided through the inner tubular section  74  proximate to the second end  88  thereof which allows a button  104  of a button/spring assembly  106  housed in the plug  100  to extend therethrough. The spring  108  of the button/spring assembly  106  allows the button  104  to move laterally to the left and to the right when viewed as in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The button  104  may extend through the enlarged, generally circular portion  35  of the first portion  30  of the hook member  20  to attach the hook member  20  to the pole member  22 , as illustrated in FIG.  5 . If the button  104  is pushed into the plug member  100 , the hook member  20  may be removed from the pole member  22  as desired. 
   The inner tubular section  74  may travel within the outer tubular section  72  to extend or retract the pole member  22 . To keep the pole member  22  in an expanded position, the button  94  of the button/spring assembly  96  is allowed to extend through the aperture  82  of the outer tubular section  72 , such that the inner tubular section  74  is locked into place relative to the outer tubular section  72 . 
   It should be noted that the pole member  22  could have more sections than just the outer and inner tubular sections  72 ,  74  discussed herein should it be desirable to extend the pole member  22  further than the combined length of the outer and inner tubular sections  72 ,  74  when the pole member  22  is in the expanded position. 
   The pole member  22   a  is illustrated in  FIGS. 8-11  and includes an outer hollow tubular section  72   a , an inner hollow tubular section  74   a  and a pole retaining assembly  112 . Pole member  22   a  is known in the art and is discussed generally in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,105,239, 3,993,013, 3,936,206, 3,936,088 and 3,865,498. 
   As best illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the outer tubular section  72   a  has a first end  76   a  and a second end  78   a . The outer tubular section  72   a  is generally tapered such that the outer tubular section  72   a  has a larger diameter proximate to the first end  76   a  thereof than proximate to the second end  78   a  thereof. A plug member  84   a  is provided at the first end  76   a  of the outer tubular member  72   a  to close the first end  76   a  of the outer tubular member  72   a . The second end  78   a  of the outer tubular section  72   a  is open to receive and retain the inner tubular section  74   a.    
   As best illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the inner tubular section  74   a  has a first end  86   a  and a second end  88   a . The inner tubular section  74   a  is generally tapered such that the inner tubular section  74   a  has a larger diameter proximate to the first end  86   a  thereof than proximate to the second end  88   a  thereof. An outer diameter of the inner tubular section  74   a  proximate to the first end  86   a  thereof is slightly larger than an inner diameter of the outer tubular section  72   a  proximate to the second end  78   a  thereof. The inner tubular section  74   a  is slidable within the outer tubular section  72   a.    
   A retractable pin member  114   a  is provided at the second end  88   a  of the inner tubular member  74   a . The retractable pin member  114   a  is preferably U-shaped such that it has a first leg  116   a  and a second leg  118   a  extending from a base  119   a . The first leg  116   a  has a button  120   a  which extends outwardly away from the first and second legs  116   a ,  118   a . The pin member  114   a  is preferably formed of spring steel such that the legs  116   a ,  118   a  can moved toward one another upon an application of force and, upon the removal of the force, spring back to its normal position. An aperture  102   a  is provided through the inner tubular section  74   a  proximate to the second end  88   a  thereof which allows the button  120   a  of the pin member  114   a  to extend therethrough. The legs  116   a ,  118   a  of the pin member  114   a  are positioned against the inner wall  122   a  of the inner tubular section  74   a . The button  120   a  may extend through the enlarged, generally circular portion  35  of the first portion  30  of the hook member  20  to attach the hook member  20  to the pole member  22   a , as illustrated in FIG.  8 . If the button  120   a  is pushed to move the leg  116   a  toward the leg  118   a  within the inner tubular section  74   a , the button  120   a  will be moved out of the enlarged, generally circular portion  35  of the first portion  30  of the hook member  20  such that the hook member  20  may be removed from the pole member  22   a  as desired. 
   It should be noted that the retractable pin member  114   a  could be utilized in connection with the pole member  22  as opposed to the plug  100  and the button/spring assembly  106  housed within the plug  100 . Similarly, it should be noted that the plug  100  and the button/spring assembly  106  housed within the plug  100  could be utilized in connection with the pole member  22   a  as opposed to the retractable pin member  114   a.    
   The inner tubular section  74   a  may travel within the outer tubular section  72   a  to extend or retract the pole member  22   a . To keep the pole member  22   a  in an expanded position, the first end  86   a  of the inner tubular section  74   a  is moved toward the second end  78   a  of the outer tubular section  72   a  to provide a friction fit or slip joint between the inner and outer tubular sections  74   a ,  72   a , as the outer diameter of the inner tubular section  74   a  proximate to the first end  86   a  thereof is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the outer tubular section  72   a  proximate to the second end  78   a  thereof. 
   It should be noted that the pole member  22   a  could have more sections than just the outer and inner tubular sections  72   a ,  74   a  discussed herein should it be desirable to extend the pole member  22   a  further than the combined length of the outer and inner tubular sections  72   a ,  74   a  when the pole member  22   a  is in the expanded position. 
   The pole retaining assembly  112  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10  and includes a ring section  124  and a hook and loop assembly  126 . The pole retaining assembly  112  can be utilized in connection with either the pole member  22  of the first embodiment of the tool  24  or with the pole member  22   a  of the second embodiment of the tool  24   a , or for that matter any other types of extensible and retractable pole members. For illustration purposes, though, the pole retaining assembly  112  is illustrated and described herein only in connection with the pole member  22   a.    
   The ring section  124  of the pole retaining assembly  112  is positioned around the outer tubular section  72   a  of the pole member  22   a  at the second end  78   a  thereof. The ring section  124  is preferably attached to the outer tubular section  72   a  of the pole member  22   a  at the second end  78   a  thereof by appropriate means, such as by adhesive. The ring section  124  could also be integrally formed with the pole member  22   a  as illustrated in FIG.  16 . The ring section  124  has a pair of slots  128 ,  130  provided therethrough which are positioned 180 degrees apart from one another. The ring section  124  is preferably formed of a fiberglass construction or of rubber. 
   The hook and loop assembly  126  includes first, second and third sections  132 ,  134 ,  136  which are at least partially formed of hook and loop fastener material commonly sold under the trademark VELCRO®. The first section  132  of the hook and loop assembly  126  extends through the slot  128  of the ring section  124  such that a first portion  138  thereof is positioned below the ring section  124  and such that an elongated second portion  140  thereof is positioned above the ring section  124 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The second section  134  of the hook and loop assembly  126  extends through the slot  130  of the ring section  124  such that a first portion  142  thereof is positioned below the ring section  124  and such that an elongated second portion  144  thereof is positioned above the ring section  124 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The third section  136  of the hook and loop assembly  126  extends around the outer tubular section  72   a  below the ring section  124 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , such that the third section  136  extends over the first portions  138 ,  142  of the first and second sections  132 ,  134 , respectively, of the hook and loop assembly  126 , thus attaching the third section  136  to the first and second sections  132 ,  134 . 
   When the pole member  22   a  is collapsed within itself, such as in  FIG. 9 , the second portions  140 ,  144  of the first and second sections  132 ,  134 , respectively, of the hook and loop assembly  126  can be folded one over the other to connect them together by fastening the loop portions of one of the portions  140 ,  144  with the hook portions of the other one of the portions  140 ,  144 . When the collapsed pole member  22   a  is tipped down inadvertently, the inner tubular section  74   a  abuts against the connected second portions  140   a ,  144   a  of the first and second sections  132   a ,  134   a  of the pole retaining assembly  112   a  such that the second portions  140 ,  144  of the first and second sections  132 ,  134  prevent the inner tubular section  74   a  from sliding out of the outer tubular section  72   a  unexpectedly, thus retaining the inner tubular section  74   a  within the outer tubular section  72   a . When the pole member  22   a  is to be extended, the second portions  140 ,  144  of the first and second sections  132 ,  134  can be separated by hand and retracted out of the way by moving the third section  136  down the outer tubular section  72   a , away from the ring section  124 , a short distance, for instance a few inches. The ring section  124  serves to guide and retain the hook and loop assembly  126  keeping it close to the outer tubular section  72   a  out of the line-of-sight of the user when working in limited spaces. In addition, the ring section  124  keeps the hook and loop assembly  126  from hanging up on structure as the pole member  22   a  is being used in small spaces. 
   Operation of the tool  24 ,  24   a  will be discussed with relation to  FIGS. 11-14 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 11 , an overhead support member  28  is provided which has a workpiece  26 , such as a wire, hanging thereover such that a first portion  110  of the workpiece  26  hangs from a first side  112  of the overhead support member  28  and a second portion  114  of the workpiece  26  hangs from a second side  116  of the overhead support member  28 . One of the portions  110 ,  114  may be shorter than the other. 
   Once the workpiece  26  is positioned around the overhead support member  28  to provide both a first portion  110  and a second portion  114 , a user uses the tool  24 ,  24   a  to twist the second portion  114  of the workpiece  26  around the first portion  110  of the workpiece  26  to secure the second portion  114  to the first portion  110 , thus securing the workpiece  26  to the overhead support member  28 . 
   The user moves the pole member  22 ,  22   a  to an extended position as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 8 . If the pole retaining assembly  112  is provided on the pole member  22 ,  22   a , the user would first unfasten the second portions  140 ,  144  of the first and second sections  132 ,  134  of the hook and loop assembly  126 . The user could then move the third section  136  of the hook and loop assembly  126  away from the open end  78   a  of the outer tubular section  72   a  in order to move the second portions  140 ,  144  of the first and second sections  132 ,  134  out of the line-of-sight of the user and to prevent same from getting hung-up on other structures. 
   The user moves the tool  24 ,  24   a  upwardly, generally from the ground or floor, toward the first portion  110  of the workpiece  26 . The tool  24 ,  24   a  is then moved such that the first portion  110  of the workpiece  26  extends through the aperture  56  of the fourth portion  50  of the hook member  20 , and is then moved such that the first portion  110  of the workpiece  26  extends through the aperture  43  of the second portion  36  of the hook member  20 , such that the first portion  110  of the workpiece  26  is secured within the apertures  56 ,  43  of the hook member  20 . The apertures  43 ,  56  are sized to accept the first portion  110  of the workpiece  26 . The tool  24 ,  24   a  is then moved such that the second portion  114  of the workpiece  26  is positioned in one of the notches  58 ,  60  provided along the outer edges  62 ,  64  of the fourth portion  50  ( FIG. 12  illustrates the second portion  114  of the workpiece  26  being positioned in notch  60  of outer edge  64 ), such that the second portion  114  of the workpiece  26  is secured by the notches  58 ,  60  of the hook member  20 . The notches  58 ,  60  are sized to accept the second portion  114  of the workpiece  26 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the pole member  22 ,  22   a  is then rotated clockwise such that the first portion  110  of the workpiece  26  stays secure and rotates within the apertures  43 ,  56  of the hook member  20  while the fourth portion  50  of the hook member  20  abuts against the second portion  114  of the workpiece  26  to twist the second portion  114  around the first portion  110  of the workpiece  26 , with the notch  60  keeping the second portion  114  in contact with the hook member  20 , preventing it from slipping. Of course, it should be noted that if the second portion  114  of the workpiece  26  were secured in notch  58  along the outer edge  62  of the fourth portion  50 , the pole member  22 ,  22   a  would be rotated counter-clockwise in order to twist the second portion  114  about the first portion  110 . 
   Continued rotation of the pole member  22 ,  22   a  continues the twisting of the second portion  114  around the first portion  110 . The second portion  114  can be twisted around the first portion  110  as many times as desired. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the second portion  114  can be twisted around the first portion  110  three (3) times. 
   Once the second portion  114  is twisted around the first portion  110  as many times as desired, the user then lowers the tool  24 ,  24   a  such that the first portion  110  of the workpiece  26  is removed from aperture  43  of the second portion  36  and then aperture  56  of the fourth portion  50 , and such that the second portion  114  is no longer in contact with the notch  60  along the outer edge  64  of the fourth portion  50 . As a result, the second portion  114  is twisted around the first portion  110  such that the workpiece  26  is secured to itself, as well as to the overhead support member  28 . 
   It should be noted that the apertures  43 ,  56  through which the first portion  110  of the workpiece  26  is positioned, could instead be formed as notches provided along one of the outer edges of the second and fourth portions  36 ,  50 , respectively, similar to the notches  58 ,  60  provided on the fourth portion  50 . Rotation of the pole member  22 ,  22   a , though, would only be allowed in one direction, depending on which of the outer edges of the second and fourth portions  36 ,  50  the notches were provided on. 
   It should also be noted that the notches  58 ,  60  which the second portion  114  of the workpiece  26  abut against could instead be formed as an aperture through the fourth portion  50 , similar to the apertures  43 ,  56 . 
   While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.