Patent Publication Number: US-7213490-B2

Title: Wildlife guard placement tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/059,816, entitled Wildlife Guard Placement Tool, filed Jan. 28, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,400 naming Steven G. Weaver and Ronald B. Stidham as inventors, the entire contents of the above-referenced application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to the field of tools utilized for maintenance of electrical distribution systems and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a wildlife guard placement tool for positioning wildlife guards on insulator bushings on electrical transformers. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Electrical power outages occur for a number of reasons including severe weather causing damage to the electrical distribution system, mechanical failures or wildlife interfering with system components. Most of these causes cannot be prevented and may only be repaired after the outage occurs. Some wildlife associated problems, however, may be prevented. 
   Squirrels, for example, frequently traverse the elevated electrical lines and utility poles and may climb onto the transformers elevated on the utility poles. An insulated bushing sits atop the transformer where the electrical line connects to the transformer. Unfortunately, a potential electrical difference exits between the electrical line and the transformer that may electrocute the squirrel if the squirrel simultaneously contacts the transformer and the electrical line. 
   Several devices have been utilized to eliminate this problem. A wildlife protection guard, known as the Electrostatic Animal Guard manufactured by 3M, is an example of a device that has been successfully employed for this purpose. The wildlife protection guard is not widely used because installation on the insulated bushing atop an elevated transformer requires that the worker be positioned at a height level with the transformer. A worker is forced to climb the utility pole or be raised by an aerial lift to install each wildlife protection guard. 
   Once at the proper elevation, the worker loads the wildlife protection guard into a straight tool known as a “shotgun-stick.” Using the shotgun-stick, the worker stabs the wildlife protection guard onto the insulated bushing and activates a triggering mechanism on the shotgun-stick to release wildlife protection guard. 
   The shotgun-stick is, by design, incapable of being used with extendable poles, or “extendo-sticks,” that extend up to 30 feet and are commonly employed by line-workers to reach from the ground up to the transformers and electrical lines overhead. Attempts have been made to fashion tools for attachment to the extendable pole for placing the wildlife protection guard. 
   One such attempt included cutting a notch into one end of a block of wood. The block was then taped to a hammer head. A hammer head may be connected to extendable poles and is ordinarily used for replacing blown fuses. The notch in the block of wood would pinch a portion of the wildlife protection guard while the wildlife guard was raised and placed on the insulated bushing on the transformer. 
   Another such device, the Animal Guard Applicator, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,495 to Anderson. The device disclosed in the Anderson reference proposes to balance the wildlife protection guard on a rake-like structure stabilized with tines. 
   To this end, a need exists for a device to more safely and effectively place wildlife protection guards on the insulated bushing on transformers elevated on utility poles. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a tool for placement of a wildlife protection guard on an insulated bushing portion of a transformer. The tool includes a body, a hook portion, a connector portion and a tensioning mechanism. The body has a first end, a second end operable to receive the wildlife protection guard, an upper side and lower side. The hook portion is adjacent the first end of the body. 
   The connector portion extends from the lower side of the body, the connector is pivotably attachable to an end of an extendable pole and is operable to position the tool in a first position substantially perpendicular relative to the extendable pole and further operable to position the tool in a second position substantially non-perpendicular relative to the extendable pole. The connector portion is further operable to position the tool in a third position wherein the tool is substantially angularly offset the end of the extendable pole when the tool is in the first and second positions. 
   A first tension member defines a portion of the second end of the body adjacent the upper side of the body. The first tension member has an upper side and a lower side. A second tension member defines a portion of the second end of the body adjacent the lower side of the body. The second tension member has an upper side and a lower side. A portion of the upper side of the second tension member and a portion of the lower side of the first tension member define a slot operable to receive a portion of the wildlife protection guard. 
   A tensioning mechanism engages with the first and second tension members, the tensioning mechanism is operable to adjust a distance between the lower side of the first tension member and the upper side of the second tension member to adjust the tension on the wildlife protection guard receivable in the slot. 
   One advantage provided by the present invention is that the wildlife protection guard is quickly and easily received in the slot and first and second tension members provide significant stability when the wildlife guard is moved into position on the insulated bushing on the transformer. Another advantage of the present invention is that the configuration is robust and will withstand considerable impact and wear and continue to function and operate for the purposes for which it is intended. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is the wildlife protection guard is simply and easily received into the slot. Also, the slot defined by the first and second tension members provides significant stability for raising and placing the wildlife guard on the insulator bushing on the transformer. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is that the connector allows the tool to be easily positioned at the correct angle for placement of the wildlife guard when insulator bushing is angularly disposed on the transformer. Positioning the tool, and the wildlife protection guard retained by the tool, at the proper angle ensures correct placement of the wildlife protection guard on the insulator bushing regardless of the orientation of the insulator bushing. 
   In one aspect, the tensioning mechanism is a connector extending through a portion of the first and second tension members. In another aspect, the tensioning mechanism is defined as at least a first fastener operable to engage using tension the first and second tension members. In yet another aspect, the tensioning mechanism is a tensioning band extending about at least a portion of an outer surface of the first and second tension members. 
   Another advantage provided by the present invention is that the tensioning mechanism allows for adjustment of the slot for proper tensioning when receiving wildlife protection guards of various sizes. In addition, the tensioning mechanism is advantageous for adapting to wear and tear of the tool causing the slot to be wider than originally designed by providing the capability to adjust to provide sufficient tension for placement of the wildlife protection guard. 
   In one aspect, the lower side of the first tension member is provided with a frictional surface to frictionally engage the wildlife protection guard. In another aspect, the upper side of the second tension member is provided with a frictional surface to frictionally engage the wildlife protection guard. While in yet another aspect, the lower side of the first tension member and the upper side of the second tension member are provided with a frictional surface to frictionally engage the wildlife protection guard. 
   One advantage of the present invention is that providing the frictional surface allows for improved tensioning and stability when positioning the wildlife guard and improved overall wear of the tool. 
   In one aspect, the hook portion arcuately extends upwardly from the first end of the body. In another aspect, the hook portion is defined as a notch in the upper side of the body. In another aspect, the third position of the tool by the connector portion is defined as slanted relative to the extendable pole in a side-to-side manner such that the upper side of the body is angulated in a direction away from the extendable pole. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is that the upwardly extending hook promotes easy removal of wildlife protection guards that require removal for various reasons such as wildlife protection guards that are improperly installed or is inoperable. The upwardly extending hook retains the wildlife protection guard after removal instead of merely dislodging the wildlife guard and allowing the wildlife protection guard to fall to the ground from the transformer. 
   In one aspect, the first tension member is further provided with a first end and a beveled portion adjacent the first end of the first tension member. The beveled portion formed adjacent the lower side of the first tension member. The second tension member is further provided with a first end and a beveled portion adjacent the first end of the second tension member, the beveled portion communicating with the uppers side of the second tension member. One advantage to the beveled portions of the first and second tension members is that the portion of the wildlife protection guard is more easily received in the slot. 
   In one aspect, the body, the hook portion, the first and second tension members and the connector portion are unitarily constructed. While in other aspects, the hook portion, the first and second tension members and the connector are constructed of a substantially rigid polymeric material. One advantage of the configuration of the present invention is that it provides for simple and inexpensive construction in that the body, the hook, the first and second tensioning member and the connector portion may be readily molded unitarily from polymeric material, such as by injection molding. 
   In one aspect, the connector portion adjacent the lower side of the body is operable to attach the tool to a hammer head connectable to an extendable pole. This provides yet another advantage of the present invention in that the tool may be connectable in one aspect to an end of an extendable pole and in another aspect to a hammer head connectable to an extendable pole. 
   In yet another aspect, the present invention provides to a tool for placement of a wildlife protection guard on an insulated bushing portion of a transformer. The tool includes a body having a first end, a second end, an upper side and lower side. A portion of the body adjacent the second end defining an opening extending a distance from the second end of the body toward the first end of the body, the opening operable to receive a portion of the wildlife protection guard. In one aspect, the tool further includes an extendable pole, while in other aspects the tool may be connectable to an end of an extendable pole or, in other aspects, to a hammer head connectable to an extendable pole. 
   In one aspect the tool is further provided with a tensioning mechanism disposed adjacent the opening to facilitate tensioning the portion of the wildlife protection guard disposable in the opening of the body. In other aspects the tool has a hook portion adjacent the first end of the body, the hook extending generally upwardly. 
   In yet other aspects, the tool also includes a connector portion extending from the lower side of the body. The connector portion pivotably attachable in some aspects to an end of an extendable pole and in other aspects to a hammer head. The connector portion operable to position the tool in a first position substantially perpendicular relative to the extendable pole and further operable to position the tool in a second position substantially non-perpendicular relative to the extendable pole. The connector portion further operable to position the tool in a third position wherein the tool is substantially angularly offset the end of the extendable pole when the tool is in the first and second positions. 
   In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for placement of a wildlife protection guard on an insulated bushing portion of a transformer, the method includes providing a tool for placement of a wildlife protection guard on the insulated bushing portion of the transformer. The tool includes a body having a first end, a second end, an upper side and lower side. A portion of the body adjacent the second end defining an opening extending a distance from the second end of the body toward the first end of the body. The opening is operable to receive a portion of the wildlife protection guard. 
   The tool further includes a hook portion and a tensioning mechanism. The hook portion is adjacent the first end of the body and extends generally upwardly. The tensioning mechanism is disposed adjacent the opening to facilitate tensioning the portion of the wildlife protection guard disposable in the opening of the body. 
   This method includes providing an elongated pole connected to the tool. The tool connected to the elongated pole at one end of the elongated pole. The method further provides for adjusting the tension mechanism of the tool to tensioningly receive the wildlife protection guard in a releasable manner. 
   The method includes inserting a portion of the wildlife protection guard in the opening in the body of the tool such that the wildlife protection guard is retained by the tool and manipulating the elongated pole such that the wildlife protection guard is substantially adjacent the insulated bushing on the transformer. The method also provides for manipulating the elongated pole to attach the wildlife protection guard on the insulated bushing on the transformer and manipulating the elongated pole such that the tool is extended away from the insulated bushing on the transformer to withdraw the wildlife protection guard from the opening in the body of the tool. 
   Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wildlife protection guard; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the wildlife protection guard shown installed on an insulated bushing on a transformer; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of one aspect of a tool constructed in accordance with the present invention for placement of the wildlife protection guard on the insulated bushing of the transformer; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the tool retaining the wildlife protection guard according to one aspect of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of one aspect of the tool according to the present invention having a tensioning mechanism on one end of the tool; 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of another aspect of the tool according to the present invention shown with another aspect of the tensioning mechanism; 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the tool according to the present invention shown with yet another aspect of the tensioning mechanism; 
       FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of the tool in  FIG. 3  taken along  8 — 8  thereof illustrating another aspect of the tensioning mechanism constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the tool constructed according to one aspect of the present invention having frictional surfaces for engaging a portion of the wildlife protection guard; 
       FIG. 10  is a partial side view of the tool of the present invention illustrating yet another aspect of the hook portion; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of one aspect of the tool constructed in accordance with the present invention shown attached to a hammer head; 
       FIG. 12  is an end view of the tool according to another aspect for connection to the hammer head; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of one aspect of the tool shown pivotably connected to an extendable pole; 
       FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of another aspect of the tool shown pivotably connected to the elongated pole for side-to-side angulation of the tool relative to the elongated pole; 
       FIG. 15  is a partial elevation view of one aspect of the tool shown angularly positioned relative to the elongated pole for positioning the wildlife guard on the insulated bushing angularly disposed on the transformer; 
       FIG. 16  is a partial elevational view of one aspect of the tool of the present invention illustrating placement of the wildlife protection guard on the insulated bushing on the transformer; 
       FIG. 17  is a partial elevational view of one aspect of the tool of the present invention illustrating use of the hook portion for removal of the wildlife protection guard from the insulated bushing; 
       FIG. 18  is a side view of another aspect of the present invention shown with a geared connector portion; 
       FIG. 19  illustrates another aspect of the present invention for angularly positioning of a portion of the tool engagable to the wildlife protection guard; and 
       FIG. 20  is a side view of the tool constructed in accordance with one aspect for coupling to a hammer head. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   It should be understood at the outset that although an exemplary implementation of the present invention is illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present invention should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein. 
     FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  illustrate a wildlife protection guard  10  which, as previously discussed, is manufactured by 3M under the name Electrostatic Animal Guard, and may be installed on an insulated bushing  12  provided on a transformer  14 . The wildlife protection guard  10  prevents an animal, such as a squirrel, from simultaneously contacting a top  16  of the transformer  14  and a wire  17  connected to the electrical line (not shown) extending from the insulated bushing  12 . The wildlife protection guard  10  is useful in both preventing the animals from being harmed, as well as preventing damage to the electrical distribution system caused by such a short circuit. 
   The wildlife protection guard  10  is provided with a plurality of wires  18  extending from a pair of semi-circular insulated members  20   a  and  20   b . The insulated members  20   a  and  20   b  are connected to one another by a connecting wire  22 . A spring  24  is connected near the ends of the connecting wire  22  where the connecting wire  22  is attached to the insulated members  20   a  and  20   b . The spring  24  connected to the connecting wire  22  in this manner causes the insulated members  20   a  and  20   b  to be biased toward one another in a clamping manner. 
   The wildlife protection guard  10  is forced about the insulated bushing  12  near a connection point  26   a  and  26   b  of the insulated members  20   a  and  20   b , respectively. The insulated members  20   a  and  20   b  expand to receive the insulated bushing  12  within the opening  28  defined by the insulated members  20   a  and  20   b . The insulated bushing  12  is received in the opening  28  of the wildlife protection guard  10  and the overall configuration of the wildlife protection guard  10  promotes a resilient clamping engagement of the insulated members  20   a  and  20   b  about the insulated bushing  12 . 
   When the wildlife protection guard  10  is placed about the insulated bushing  12 , the plurality of wires  18  of the wildlife protection guard  10  become electrostatically charged. An animal, such as a squirrel, attempting to move from the top  16  of the transformer  14  to the wire  17  connected to the insulated bushing  12  will likely contact the plurality of wires  18  of the wildlife protection guard  10  and receive a mild deterring electrical shock preventing the animal from simultaneously contacting the wire  18  and the top  16  of the transformer  14 . It can be seen that this configuration of wildlife protection guard is useful to prevent harm to animals, such as squirrels, and prevent damage to the transformer  14  from such short circuits. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a tool  40  constructed in accordance with the present invention for placement of the wildlife protection guard  10 . The tool  40  includes a body  42  that has a first end  44  and a second end  46  operable to receive the wildlife protection guard  10 . The body  42  further includes an upper side  48  and a lower side  50  and may be constructed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, metallic and polymeric materials. 
   The tool includes a hook portion  52  adjacent the first end  44  of the body  42 . The hook portion  52 , in the present aspect, is a generally upwardly arching member useful for removing the wildlife protection guard  10  from the insulted bushing  12 . A connector portion  54  extends from the lower side  50  of the body  42  for pivotal attachment to an end  60  of an extendable pole  62 . 
   The extendable pole  62  is commonly referred to as an extendo-stick or hot-stick and is used by electrical line workers. The extendable pole  62  is a well-known tool capable of extending from 6 to 30 feet to allow the worker to reach from the ground up to the transformer  14  or electrical lines and is constructed of a nonconductive material. The end  60  of the extendable pole  62  is provided having a variety of configurations of connections  64 , such as, but not limited to, a standard nut and bolt configuration as shown. 
   The connector portion  54  is shown in the present aspect as provided with a flange portion  66  defining an opening  68  for receiving the connections  64  on the extendable pole  62 . The coupling of the connector portion  54  of the tool  40  to the extendable pole  62  will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
   The tool  40  further includes a first tension member  70  defining a portion of the second end  46  of the body  42  adjacent the upper side  48  of the body  42 . The first tension member  70  has an upper side  72  and a lower side  74 . The tool is further provided with a second tension member  76  defining a portion of the second end  46  adjacent the lower side  50  of the body  42 . The second tension member  76  has an upper side  78  and a lower side  80 . A portion of the upper side  78  of the second tension member  76  and a portion of the lower side  74  of the first tension member  70  defining a slot  82  operable to receive a portion of the wildlife protection guard  10 . 
   The tool  40  further includes a tensioning mechanism  90  which communicates with the first and second tension members  70  and  76 , respectively. The tensioning mechanism  90  is operable to adjust a distance  92  between the lower side  74  of the first tension member  70  and the upper side  78  of the second tension member  76  to adjust the tension on the wildlife protection guard  10  receivable in the slot  82 . It can be seen that the slot  82  is an opening between the first and second tension members  70  and  76  wherein a portion of the wildlife protection guard  10 , such as the connecting wire  22 , may be received into the slot  82  for tensioning engagement of the wildlife protection guard  10 . 
   Based on the configuration of the wildlife protection guard  10 , in that it clamps into position on the insulated bushing  12  in a resilient springing or clamping fashion, the tool  40 , and more specifically, the first and second tension members  70  and  76 , must be operable to provide sufficient tension to retain the wildlife protection guard  10  for placement on the insulated bushing  12  while being operable to release the wildlife protection guard  10  once it is clamped into position about the insulated bushing  12 . Thus, it will be appreciated that the tensioning mechanism  90  provides the user with significant functional advantages, in that, the user may adjust the tension on the wildlife protection guard  10  disposed in the slot  82  by adjusting the tensioning mechanism  90 . 
   In the present aspect, this may be accomplished where the tensioning mechanism  90  is a bolt  94  and wing-nut  96  configuration. In the present aspect, the first and second tension members  70  and  76 , or the entire tool  40  for that matter, may be constructed of a substantially rigid polymeric material such as fiberglass or injection-molded plastic, so that the tool  40  is rugged and robust while, at the same time, providing the first and second tension members  70  and  76  with sufficient flexibility to move slightly when the wing-nut  96  is tightened in its engagement to the bolt  94 . 
   So long as the tensioning mechanism  90  engages the first and second tension members  70  and  76  to adjust the opening in the slot  82 , the physical placement on the tool  40  of the tensioning mechanism  90  is not a limiting factor. 
   Adjustment of the tensioning mechanism  90  results in the expansion or constriction of the slot  82  and the resulting distance  92  wherein a portion of the wildlife protection guard  10  is received. The user may, therefore, fine tune the tension to optimize the amount of tension necessary to retain the wildlife protection guard  10  for placement on the insulated bushing  12  while ensuring that the tool  40  will release the wildlife protection guard  10  once it is clamped into position about the insulated bushing  12 . In other aspects (not shown), the tensioning mechanism  90  may be a spring connected to the first and second tension members  70  and  76  to produce substantially clothespin-like configuration. In this aspect, it may be useful for either the first or second tension members  70  and  76  to be free-floating to effect the resulting tension. 
     FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the tool  40  constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present invention shown retaining the wildlife protection guard  10 , a portion of which is shown in phantom disposed in the slot  82 . In this view, it is readily apparent that the tool  40  is well adapted to engage the wildlife protection guard  10  in a stable and controllable manner for placement on the insulated bushing  12 . 
   It will be appreciated that when the tool  40  is connected to the extendable pole  62  and raised to a significant height, it is necessary that the tool  40  be capable of withstanding the shock of being knocked against portions of utility poles, as well as the transformer  14  and insulated bushing  12 , without disengaging the wildlife protection guard  10 . The engagement of the wildlife protection guard  10 , as shown in the present view engaging a portion of the connecting wire  22 , provides sufficient stability to ensure that the wildlife protection guard  10  does not easily become dislodged from the slot  82  of the tool  40  while the user attempts to install the wildlife protection guard  10  on the insulated bushing  12 . 
   Frequently workers are required to navigate bushes, trees and other foliage and may have to reach over fences and other obstacles to reach the transformers  14  for placement of the wildlife protection guards  10 . For this reason, it is necessary that the tool  40  be sufficiently robust for navigating these obstacles while securely retaining the wildlife protection guard  10 . 
   Furthermore, it is problematic in these instances if the wildlife protection guard  10  becomes dislodged from the tool  40  since the wildlife protection guard  10  may become stuck in a tree or other foliage or on the other side of a fence or other barriers inaccessible to the worker. The tool  40  of the present invention is provided as a useful solution to overcome these challenges. 
   It will be appreciated that in other aspects (not shown), the opening of the slot  82  may be generally “V” shaped wherein the slot  82  is wider near the second end  46  of the tool  40 . In this manner, as the connecting wire  22  of the wildlife protection guard  10  is inserted into the opening of the slot  82 , the connecting wire  22  with become partially lodged and retained where the opening in slot  82  is constricted sufficient to contact and engage the connecting wire  22 . 
     FIG. 5  illustrates another aspect of the present invention wherein the second end  46  of the tool  40  is shown as substantially cylindrically shaped and the first tensioning mechanism  90 , according to anther aspect, is shown disposed about the first and second tension members  70  and  76 . In this aspect, the tool  40  is constructed so as to be proportionately smaller as it extends toward the second end  46  of the tool  40 . The tensioning mechanism  90  is shown (in this aspect) as a ring or band disposed about the second end  46  to engage the first and second tension members  70  and  76  to adjust the tension on the wildlife protection guard  10 . 
   As the tension mechanism  90 , according to the present aspect, is slid by the user from the second end  46  in a direction  91  toward the first end  44  of the tool  40 , the tensioning mechanism  90  will engage the first and second tension members  70  and  76 . Thus, the tensioning mechanism  90  will slidingly engage the first and second tension members  70  and  76  resulting in expansion and constriction of the opening of the slot  82  to adjust the tension on the wildlife protection guard  10 . 
   Although the tensioning mechanism  90  is illustrated as band or ring extending substantially about the first and second tension members  70  and  76 , in other aspects the tensioning mechanism  90  may be substantially “C” shaped such that the tensioning mechanism  90  does not extend completely around the first and second tension members  70  and  76 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates another aspect of the present invention wherein the first tension member  70  is provided with lateral flanges  100   a  and  100   b  corresponding to lateral flanges  102   a  and  102   b  of the second tension member  76 . The tension mechanism  90 , according to the present aspect, is shown as a plurality of couplings  104   a  and  104   b , such as a standard nut and bolt coupling. In the present aspect, the coupling  104   a  engages the lateral flange  100   a  of the first tension member  70  and the lateral flange  102   a  of the second tension member  76  to adjust the slot  82  to obtain the desired tension on the wildlife protection guard  10 . Thus, the present aspect illustrates another useful tensioning mechanism  90  operable for these purposes. 
     FIG. 7  is a front view of the tool  40  illustrating another aspect of the tensioning mechanism  90 . In this aspect, the tensioning mechanism  90  includes a first bracket  110 , such as a standard plate, positioned adjacent the upper side  72  of the first tension member  70  and a second bracket  112  positioned adjacent the lower side  80  of the second tension member  76 . The tensioning mechanism  90  is further provided with the pair of couplings  114 , such as a standard nut and bolt configuration, engaging the first and second brackets  110  and  112 . 
   As the couplings  114  are tightened or loosened, the first and second brackets  110  and  112  cause the first and second tension members  70  and  76 , respectively, to expand and compress. Thus, adjusting the tension on the wildlife protection guard  10  disposed in the slot  82  may be accomplished by adjusting the tensioning member, via the couplings  114 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a cut-a-way partial side view according to another aspect of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3  taken along  8 — 8 . This view illustrates the tool  40  having another aspect of the tensioning mechanism  90  for adjusting the tension on the wildlife protection guard  10  receivable in the slot  82 . In this aspect, the second tension member  76  is provided with a recess  120  wherein a tension plate  122  is disposed. 
   A plurality of springs  124  are positioned between the recess  120  in the second tension member  76  and the tension plate  122  forcing the tension plate  122  in a direction  123  toward the first tension member  70 . The springs  124  may be standard coil springs or other devices well known and capable of providing such springing force. The second tension member  76  is provided with a first and second lip  126  and  128  defining the recess  120 . The lips  126  and  128  define the upward boundary of the motion of the tension plate  122  toward the first member  70 . 
   When a portion of the wildlife protection guard  10  is disposed in the slot  82  the wildlife protection guard  10  may engage the lower side  74  of the first tension member  70  and an upper side  130  of the tension plate  122 . The tension plate  122  will cause the springs  124  to compress somewhat while the springs maintain pressure on the tension plate  122  and the portion of the wildlife protection guard  10  disposed therein the slot  82 . 
   Thus, the tensioning mechanism  90  according to the present aspect, illustrates another means of adjusting the tension on the wildlife protection guard  10  receivable in the slot  82  to retain the wildlife protection guard  10  for these purposes. It should be appreciated, however, that the tensioning mechanism  90 , in the presently illustrated aspect, may also be employed on the lower side  74  of the first tension member  70  as well, or utilized in conjunction on both the first and second tension members  70  and  76 . 
     FIG. 9  is a side view illustrating another aspect of the tool  40  of the present invention. In this aspect the first tension member  70  is shown with a beveled side  140  near the second end  46  of the body  42  adjacent the slot  82 . The second tension member  76  is also provided with a beveled side  142  adjacent the beveled side  140  of the first tension member  70 . The beveled sides  140  and  142  of the first and second tension members  70  and  76 , respectively, provide a widened opening of the slot  82  near the second end  46  of the body  42  for receiving a portion of the wildlife protection guard  10 . The beveled sides  140  and  142  of the first and second tension members  70  and  76  are provided to allow for easy insertion of a portion of the wildlife protection guard  10  within the slot  82 . 
   The first tension member  70  is further provided with a frictional surface  144  disposed on the lower side  74  of the first tension member  70 . Similarly, the second tension member  76  is provided with a frictional surface  146  disposed on the upper side  78  of the second tension member  76 . The frictional surfaces  144  and  146  may be a layer of rubber or other frictional material whether rigid or non-rigid suitable for frictionally engaging a portion of the wildlife protection guard  10  inserted in the slot  82 . 
   The frictional material may be bondingly connected to the first and second tension members  70  and  76  or may be otherwise attached or formed with the first and second tension members  70  and  76 . The frictional surfaces  144  and  146  are useful for frictionally engaging the wildlife protection guard  10  and may eliminate, according to some aspects, the necessity for the tensioning mechanism  90  or may be used in conjunction with the tensioning mechanism  90  to provide additional tensioning engagement and control of the wildlife protection guard  10  when disposed within the slot  82 . Although according to the present aspect both frictional surfaces  144  and  146  are shown, in other aspects (not shown) only one of the frictional surfaces  144  or  146  may be utilized. 
     FIG. 10  illustrates a partial side view of another aspect of the present invention showing the hook portion  52  formed from a portion of the body  42  near the first end  44  of the body  42 . It will be appreciated that the tool  40  of the present invention may be constructed of a variety of inexpensive materials, such as but not limited to, injection-molded plastic, and it may be beneficial for the tool  40  to be unitarily constructed or formed during such manufacture. In this manner, the hook portion  52  may be easily formed by providing a notched opening about the upper side  48  near the second end  46  of the body  42 . 
   As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the hook portion  52  is useful for removal of the wildlife protection guard  10  from a clamped position about the insulated bushing  12 . 
     FIG. 11  illustrates another aspect of the tool  40  shown attached to a hammer head  160 . The hammer head  160  is a tool commonly used by electric line workers for refusing blown fuses and is attachable to the extendable pole  62 . The hammer head  160  is typically provided as a simple metallic implement having a generally T-shaped configuration. In this aspect, the tool  40  is shown having a substantially rectangular configuration wherein a portion of the lower side  50  is adapted to mate with the hammer head  160 . 
   The tool  40  may be connected to the hammer head  160  utilizing a coupling  162  which may be a band or a strap engaging the tool  40  and the hammer head  160  to achieve a stable engagement of the tool  40  to the hammer head  160 . Although the coupling  162  may be illustrated as a band or a strap, it will be appreciated that a number of couplings  162  may be utilized for these purposes such as, but not limited to, bolting, bonding or other couplings suitable for connecting the tool  40  to the hammer head  160  which will readily suggest themselves to one of ordinary skill in the art and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates a rear view of another aspect of the first end  44  tool  40  of the present invention for connection to the hammer head  160 . In this aspect, the tool  40  may be provided with an opening  164  near the first end  44  of the body  42 . In this manner, a portion of the hammer head  160  may be inserted into the opening  164  in the body  42  of the tool  40  for connection of the tool  40  to the hammer head  160 . Although the opening  164  may be illustrated as substantially circular, it will be appreciated that hammer heads  160  may be provided in a variety of configurations and the opening  164  may be of various shapes and sizes to accommodate the various configurations of the hammer head  160  to accomplish the mating connection of the tool  40  with the hammer head  160  for these purposes. 
     FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the tool  40  of the present invention shown connected to the extendable pole  62  via the connector portion  54 . As previously discussed, the connector portion  54  may be connected to an end  60  of the extendable pole  62  adapted to receive the connector portion  54 . This connection may be accomplished in a variety of manners including a standard nut and bolt coupling wherein the connector portion  54  and the end  60  of the extendable pole  62  may have a geared configuration for a ratcheting coupling to allow the tool  40  to be pivotably attachable to the end  60  of the extendable pole  62 . 
   The pivoting attachment of the tool  40  to the extendable pole  62  in this manner allows the tool to pivot along an angle of motion  170  from a first position (illustrated in the present view) wherein the tool  40  is substantially perpendicularly disposed relative to the extendable pole  62  to a second position (not shown) wherein the tool is positioned in a substantially non-perpendicular relationship relative to the extendable pole  62 . It is readily apparent that as the user rotates the extendable pole  62 , the tool  40  will correspondingly rotate along an arc  176 . Manipulation of the tool  40  along arc  176  and the angle of motion  170  is useful for proper positioning of the tool  40 . 
     FIG. 14  illustrates another aspect of the tool  40  of the present invention shown pivotably coupled to the extendable pole  62 . In this aspect, the connector portion  54  is shown connected to the extendable pole  62  in a ball and socket fashion wherein the connector portion  54  is operable to position the tool  40  in a third position (shown in the present view) wherein the tool  40  is substantially angularly offset the extendable pole  62 . The third position allows the tool  40  to be slanted relative to the extendable pole  62  in a side-to-side manner such that the upper side  48  of the body is angled in a direction away from the extendable pole  62 . 
   The ball and socket configuration of the connector portion  54  of the tool is illustrated according to one aspect, however, it will be appreciated that any number of configurations of the connector portion  54  to the extendable pole  62  may be utilized to accomplish the angular disposition of the tool  40  relative to the extendable pole in a side-to-side manner for these purposes. Such as, but not limited to, hinging or bearing configurations. Furthermore, the tool  40  may have such side-to-side angular disposition capabilities when the tool  40  is connected to the hammer head  160  utilizing various configurations which will readily suggest themselves to one of ordinary skill in the art and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed herein. 
     FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the tool  40  according to one aspect of the present invention shown retaining the wildlife protection guard  10  for placement on the insulated bushing  12  on the transformer  14 . In the present view, the insulated bushing  12  is angularly disposed relative to the top  16  of the transformer  14  at an angle  180 . The insulated bushing  12  is provided with multiple skirts  182  circumferentially disposed about the insulated bushing  12  between which the wildlife protection guard  10  is attached. When the insulated bushing  12  is angled relative to the transformer  14 , placement of the wildlife protection guard  10  becomes difficult unless the wildlife protection guard  10  can be similarly angularly positioned prior to placement. Otherwise, the insulated members  20   a  and  20   b  of the wildlife protection guard  10  are unable to clamp about the insulated bushing  12  because they are impeded by the skirts  182  extending from the insulated bushing  12 . 
   By providing the tool in the third position (shown in  FIG. 14  and illustrated in the current view) wherein the tool  40  is substantially angularly offset the end of the extendable pole  62 , the wildlife protection guard  10  retained within the slot  82  of the tool  40  may be positioned at an angle  184  similar to the angle  180  of disposition of the insulated bushing  12  relative to the transformer  14 . In this manner, the wildlife protection guard  10  may be placed on the insulated bushing  12  in a manner that will not be impeded by the skirts  182  on the insulated bushing  12 . The functionality provided by the connector portion  54  which enables the tool  40  to be angled relative to the extendable pole  62  provides considerable advantage to ensure successful and accurate placement. Since transformers  14  are frequently provided with insulated bushings  12  that are angularly disposed relative to the tops  16  of the transformer  14 . 
     FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating the wildlife protection guard  10  retained in the slot  82  of the tool  40  for placement on the insulated bushing  12  on the transformer  14 . The method of utilizing the tool includes inserting a portion of the wildlife protection guard  10  into the slot  82  of the tool  40 . Thereafter, the tool which may be connected to the extendable pole  62  or may be attachable to an end  60  of the extendable pole  62  or in other aspects may be attachable to the hammer head  160  is then raised by the worker on the ground to a height substantially equivalent to the height of the insulated bushing  12  on the transformer  14 . 
   The extendable pole  62  is manipulated to bring the wildlife protection guard  10  into contact with the insulated bushing  12  such that the wildlife protection guard  10  is clamped into position about the insulated bushing  12 . The worker may then manipulate the extendable pole to withdraw the tool  40  from about the insulated bushing  12  whereby the portion of the wildlife protection guard  10  disposed within the slot  82  of the tool  40  is withdrawn and removed from the slot  82  so that the wildlife protection guard  10  remains clamped about the insulated bushing  12 . 
     FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustrating use of the tool according to one aspect of the present invention for removal of the wildlife protection guard  10 . From time-to-time it may become necessary to remove the wildlife protection guards  10 , such as when the wildlife protection guards  10  are incorrectly placed about the insulated bushing  12  particularly when the insulated bushing  12  is angularly disposed on the transformer  14 . The hook portion  52  of the tool  40  is useful for dislodging and removing the wildlife protection guard  10  from the insulated bushing  12  for these purposes, as well as when the wildlife protection guard  10  becomes damaged or ineffective. 
   It will be appreciated, as previously mentioned, that frequently foliage and barriers interfere with the placement and removal of the wildlife protection guard  10 . Thus, it is necessary to be able to remove the wildlife protection guard  10  in a manner that allows the worker to maintain control of the wildlife protection guard  10  until it reaches the ground. Otherwise, the wildlife protection guard  10  may become dislodged and become stuck in a tree or other foliage or may land on the other side of a barrier, such as a fence, where it may not be retrievable by the worker. 
   The hook portion  52  is useful in that the upwardly angular disposition, according to one aspect of the hook portion  52 , allows the hook portion  52  to be utilized by the worker to hook a portion of the wildlife protection guard  10 , such as the connecting wire  22  which has a loop-like configuration. Thus, the worker is able to manipulate the extendable pole  62  to bring the hook portion  52  into hooking engagement with, for example, the looping portion of the connecting wire  22  and disengage the wildlife protection guard  10  from the insulated bushing  12  while maintaining control of the wildlife protection guard  10  about the hook portion  52  of the tool  40 . The worker may then retrieve the wildlife protection guard  10  from the hook portion  52 , such as by lowering the extendable pole  62  in a telescoping manner, or otherwise, depending on the configuration of the extendable pole  62 . 
   The present invention provides additional advantages as well. The telescoping nature of the extendable pole  62  causes the extendable pole  62  to bow or curve somewhat when extended to significant heights. Accurately manipulating the tool  40  is difficult when the extendable pole  62  is so curved. Also, this curvature of the extendable pole  62  may cause the tool  40  to be at an undesired attitude relative to the insulated bushing  12 . The combination of difficulty manipulating the extendable pole  62  and the improper angle of the tool  40  makes it problematic for the user to accurately move the tool  40  directly into and then away from the insulated bushing  12 . 
   The present invention overcomes this difficulty by providing the slot  82  extending a distance from the second end  46  of the tool  40 . Once the wildlife protection guard  10  is installed about the insulated busing  12 , the user merely rotates the extendable pole  62 . As the tool  40  rotates, a portion of the connecting wire  22  of the wildlife protection guard  10  is allowed to extend through the slot  82  along the side of the tool  40  for easy disengagement of the wildlife protection guard  10 . 
     FIG. 18  illustrates another aspect of the tool  40  shown as a generally rectangular member. In this illustration, the connector portion  54  is shown adjacent the first end  44  of the body  42 . As previously discussed, the connector portion  54  may be provided with a plurality of gears  200  and be configured for connection to a universal head or universal attachment typically provided adjacent the end  60  of the extendable pole  62  (see  FIG. 13 ). It will be appreciated that any number of connections for coupling to a variety of different extendable poles  62  is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In this aspect, the hook portion  52  is shown extending adjacent the upper side  48  of the body  42 . The present embodiment illustrates a configuration which may lend itself toward inexpensive construction, such as by injection molding or otherwise. 
     FIG. 19  illustrates another aspect of the present invention wherein the connector portion  54  is shown connected adjacent the lower side  50  of the body  42 . In this aspect, the tool  40  is provided with the body  42  having a first body portion  210  and a second body portion  212 . The first body portion  210  is provided with a threaded member  214  adapted to be received by a first end  216  of the second body portion  212 . The tool  40  of the present invention further includes a tightening member  218  which may be a nut operative to be threaded on the threaded member  214  to engage the first end  216  of the second body portion  212 . 
   It is apparent that this configuration provides a simple design useful for angularly positioning the second body portion  212  relative to the first body portion  210  when it is necessary to achieve an angle  184  (see  FIG. 15 ) of the second body portion  212  relative to the extendable pole  62 . A variety of additional configurations may be employed to provide the advantages of the tool  40  illustrated in  FIG. 19  and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed herein. 
     FIG. 20  illustrates another aspect of the tool  40  for connection to the hammer head  160  which is frequently employed as previously discussed. Although the present embodiment illustrates connection of the tool  40  to the hammer head  160 , it should be appreciated that a number of tools are utilized by line workers that are connectable to the extendable pole  62  and, although only coupling the tool to the hammer head  160  is shown, it is within the scope of the present invention that the tool  40  may be adapted with only minor modification to couple to a variety of tools utilized by line workers and connectable to the extendable pole  62 . 
   In this illustration, the first end  44  of the body  42  is provided with a cavity  220  within the body  42  sufficient to receive a portion of the universal head  160 . The present aspect further includes a coupling  222  which may be a standard nut, or split-ring type adapter or other configuration well known for engaging a threaded portion  224  near the first end  44  of the tool  40 . It can be seen that the body  42  is slightly wider or greater in circumference near the first end  44  of the tool  40 . 
   Once the portion of the hammer head  160  has been inserted within the cavity  220 , the coupling  222  may then threadingly engage the threaded portion  224  causing the tool  40  to be sufficiently coupled to the hammer head  160 . It will be appreciated that another advantage of the present embodiment is that it allows for easy rotation of the tool  40  relative to the hammer head  160  to achieve the angled disposition of the tool  40  relative to the extendable pole  62  for the purposes previously discussed above. 
   Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a wildlife guard placement tool that satisfies one or more of the advantages set forth above. Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention, even if all of the advantages identified above are not present. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may not be implemented. 
   Also, the techniques, systems, sub-systems, and methods described and illustrated in the preferred embodiment as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other items shown as directly coupled to each other may be coupled through some other interface or device, such that the items may no longer be considered directly coupled to each other but may still be in communication with one another. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are readily ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.