Patent Publication Number: US-8122790-B1

Title: Insulated tool for linesmen

Description:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The linesmen tool is well known and is constructed of a handle that has a forked and integral extension at its forward end. The forward end will receive a ratchet mechanism between the two parallel forks and through holes in both of the forks an extending rod has two different sockets attached thereto. The difference in arrangement lies in the fact that in the inventive construction of this tool, the basic handle and integral fork is made of a hardened but electrically insulating material that will protect the linesmen of any harm that may be caused by contact with high powered electricity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the tool completely assembled; 
         FIG. 2  shows the tool in an exploded view illustrating the handle including the integral fork which is the subject of this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the tool including the integral handle  1  which is constructed of the hand held handle  1  and is integral with forked end  2 . Between the forked elements there is located a ratchet mechanism  3 , which is well known. The ratchet mechanism continues to either side of the forked elements and ends on either side into the requisite sockets  4  and  5  which are used on standardized bolts and nuts required in an installation. 
     The inventive concept lies in the insulating and hardened material being used in constructing the handle with the fork at the other end. 
     Various materials are contemplated to achieve the desired results. 
     A.B.S.: is an Acrylonitrile-Butadiene and Styrene combination which is used to form a common plastic often used to make housings or other mechanical parts. It is strong and rigid enough, when used in the above mentioned tool to withstand the rigorous use it is subjected to when the tool is used in its environment. 
     Acetates: have good electrical insulating properties. 
     Acrylics: Lucite, and Plexiglass are trade names for an acrylic which has use where toughness is required. 
     Beryllium Oxide: is a hard white ceramic-like material used as an electric insulator. 
     Ceramic: Ceramics are used to fabricate insulators, and circuit boards. 
     Delrin: This Dupont acetate resin is made from polymerized formaldehyde and finds use similar to Nylon. The material is rigid and has excellent mechanical and electrical properties making its use in appliances and electronics and other applications. 
     Nomex: Nomex is a Dupont aromatic polyamide with an operating temperature of over 200 degrees C. and with superb high voltage breakdown. This material is an excellent choice for standardization since it outperforms many other materials. 
     The above mentioned electrically insulating materials which perform well in tool applications which are subjected to rigorous use are well suited for the construction of the basic handle and fork on the linesmen tool. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Linesmen working on high power electric lines have to be extremely careful not to come in contact with any of the electric wires. Many devices and schemes have been used and are in existence to help the linesmen to avoid any contact with high powered wires. It is known that some type of rubber blankets are hung over the wires in the vicinity where the linesmen are working. However, in come instances, contact must be made with the wires to install connectors that require bolts and nuts. The tool for this operation is known to be a ratchet tool having the requisite sockets on either side. However this tool, when originally manufactured, is not insulated and the linesmen wear either insulating gloves, or they place an insulating tube over the handle or they just wrap electrically insulating tape around the handle. In any event any of the above procedures are apt to malfunction or fail which would endanger the lives of the linesmen.