Patent Abstract:
The current disclosure describes and teaches a wire pulling device having a base member. A vertical post and a horizontal post are attached to the base member, serving as anchoring posts for a clevis that may be opened and closed. The device may be attached to installation sites for wires and cables. Using an attachment mechanism, the base member may be affixed to a joist, a rafter, or an angle iron. Wires or cables may be threaded or disposed into the clevis and suspended to the installation sites. An installer may pull the wire or cable to proper positions before permanent affixations such as wire ties may be applied. The current device and its associated method facilitate the wire installation process.

Full Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority of the U.S. provisional application No. 61/717,670 which was filed on Oct. 24, 2012 and the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The current invention relates to a wire pulling device. In particular, the current invention relates to a device that helps to suspend wires and/or cables so that such wires and/or cables may be pulled to and installed in the proper location. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     With the development of technology, more and more wires and cables are used to transfer various kinds of signals, information, and energy. Fiber optic cables, TV cables, telephone lines, electricity wire, and all kinds of other wires and cables have become an indispensible part of most people&#39;s lives. However, it is desirable to install these cables and wires in places hidden from plain sight and everyday access. In a neatly arranged modern residence or business, very little cables and/or wires may be seen. The bulk of the cables and wires are installed above the ceiling and behind walls. Such arrangements take into consideration both aesthetic appeals and utilitarian needs. It is messy and dangerous to leave the cables and wires exposed in the open. 
     However, it is never an easy task to pull a wire or cable in the joist space below the roof or behind the walls. No matter if it is in the stage of initial installation or remodeling, it is hard to ensure that the cables and wires are attached to the proper places. And besides, it is almost always labor-intensive and time consuming to pull the wires and cables through various obstacles and under the roof. Wire ties or wire wraps are generally irreversible attachments and cannot assist the pulling of wires. It is thus difficult to use wire ties and it is undesirable to affix the cables or wires before the best location is chosen. 
     The current invention provides a simple and elegant solution to the problems in a wire installation process. With proper usage, the current invention helps a worker to pull the wires and cables and install them in well-chosen locations much faster and with much less labor. No other device serves the same function as the wire pulling device disclosed here. Some devices only bear a modest resemblance in terms of structure. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,230 discloses an improved structure hoist-use base hoisting ring comprising of a U-shaped clevis movably suspended from the two sides at the lower end of a cylindrical base mount as well as a circular top mounting bushing at the upper section and a bottom mounting bushing at the center section having an upwardly projecting neck and a passageway that are situated over the top and bottom lateral surfaces of a bore through the interior portion of the cylindrical base mount, enabling the installation of a bolt into the top mounting bushing center section and downward through the bottom mounting bushing and the fastening and positioning of its threaded section into the threaded hole of a weight at the lower end. Among the features of the present invention, an annular recess is disposed along the top surface and center section of the cylindrical base mount that provides for the nesting of a flat planar bearing. The center portion opening of the planar bearing is sleeved over the periphery of the neck of the bottom mounting bushing such that its top surface is against the circular top mounting bushing bottom side, enabling the lifting of the load of the weight at the bottom end of the hoisting ring. Since the planar bearing so postured has active rotating capability, the hoisting ring lifting the weight has convenient operation that is adjustable and freely rotatable. 
     The &#39;230 patent, however, does not serve the same function as the current invention. In addition, its structure and design are fundamentally different from the current invention. Moreover, the teachings of the &#39;230 patent fail to address the issues solved by the invention described herein. Two embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The current invention discloses a wire pulling device, comprising: a base member having a front side and an inner side; a vertical post attached to the front side of the base member; a horizontal post attached to the front side of the base member; an anchoring clevis attached to either the vertical post or the horizontal post; an attachment mechanism disposed on the base member, wherein the anchoring clevis encloses an openable wire pulling interspace capable of suspending wires and cables, and the attachment mechanism is capable of attaching the wire pulling device to a flat piece. 
     As used in the current invention, it should be clear that the wire pulling device may be used to facilitate the installation of any kind of wires, cables, ducts, tubing, and insulates, including all types of elongated and flexible structures that may need to be affixed, directly or indirectly, to a building or accessory structures of a building. The current device may be used to install wires and cables in all settings and locations such as but not limited to in the joist space beneath the roof and within the walls. 
     The base member is attached to the structure at the installation site. The method of attachment may vary depending on the specific design of the attachment mechanism. The base member is preferably a flat plank that is small and portable. The attachment is preferred to be removable—detachment will not cause physical damage to the structures that are combined. The vertical post and horizontal post are two protruding structures onto which the clevis may be affixed. These posts provide alternatives so that the user may choose where to connect the clevis depending on the settings and locations of the installation and availability of anchoring structures, such as but not limited to joists and angle irons. 
     The clevis structure, as a general design, is known in the arts. The current invention, however, preferably adopts a clevis having a connecting end and a pair of branching prongs. There may be a closing rod attached to the branching prongs with a removable pin, wherein the closing rod and branching prongs embrace an interspace through which the wires and/or cables may be positioned and suspended. The user may thread the wire and/or cable through the interspace before pulling. On the alternative, the user may remove the pin and closing rod to open the clevis, put the wire or cable in the interspace, and re-close the clevis by inserting the closing rod and pin. Then the user may pull the wires to proper locations and to a proper length. In certain installations, more than one current device may be needed. 
     The wire pulling device is preferably made from strong and durable material. It is also desirable that the materials are not very expensive. The various components of the device may be made from the same or different materials, such as but not limited to: metal such as iron, steel, and aluminum alloy, glass or fiberglass, and hard plastic such as but not limited to PVC, or any combinations thereof. 
     In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, desirable and useful benefits and objectives. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a wire pulling device that may assist a user&#39;s efforts to install wires and cables. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a wire pulling device that may be easily attached to joists and angle irons. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a wire pulling device that may suit different installation settings and locations. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a wire pulling device that is light and portable. 
     It is another object of the current invention to provide a wire pulling device that allows the adjustment of wire positions. 
     It is still another object of the current invention to provide a wire pulling device that is made from strong and durable materials. 
     It is another object of the current invention to provide a wire pulling device that is inexpensive 
     It is yet another object of the current invention to provide a wire pulling device that is easy to attach and detach. 
     It is another object of the current invention to provide a wire pulling device that uses different attachment mechanisms. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the wire pulling device when it is in use. 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of the first embodiment of the wire pulling device. 
         FIG. 2B  is a first side view of the first embodiment of the wire pulling device. 
         FIG. 2C  is a second side view of the first embodiment of the wire pulling device. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the first embodiment of the wire pulling device. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the first embodiment of the wire pulling device when it is in use. 
         FIG. 5A  is a first side view of the second embodiment of the wire pulling device. 
         FIG. 5B  is a second side view of the second embodiment of the wire pulling device. 
         FIG. 6A  is a first perspective view of the second embodiment of the wire pulling device when it is in use. 
         FIG. 6B  is a second perspective view of the second embodiment of the wire pulling device when it is in use. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a clevis when the components are separated. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified, as far as possible, with the same reference numerals. Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto without deviating from the innovative concepts of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the wire pulling device when it is in use. Shown in  FIG. 1  is the wire pulling device  1  having a base member  10  with a front side  12 , a post edge  16 , and an attachment edge  17 . Also shown in  FIG. 1  are a vertical post  20  having a vertical post nut  25 , a horizontal post  40  having a horizontal post nut  45  and a horizontal threaded section  48 , and a clevis  50  attached to the vertical post  20 . In addition, the base member  10  is attached to the joist  105  by screws  110  through screw holes  18  located close to the attachment edge  17  of the base member  10 . The clevis  50  comprises a connecting end  54 , branching prongs  55 , a closing rod  70 , and a fastening pin  75 , wherein the fastening pin  75  affixes the closing rod  70  to the branching prongs  55 , and the branching prong  55  and the closing rod  70  embraces a wire pulling interspace  85 . A wire  100  is positioned within the interspace  85 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a front view of the first embodiment of the wire pulling device. Shown in  FIG. 2A  is the wire pulling device  1  having a base member  10  with a front side  12 , a post edge  16 , and an attachment edge  17 . Also shown in  FIG. 2A  are a vertical post  20  having a vertical post nut  25  and a vertical threaded section  27 , a horizontal post  40  having a horizontal post nut  45  and a horizontal threaded section  48 , and a clevis  50  attached to the vertical threaded section  27  of the vertical post  20 . In addition, there are screw holes  18  located close to the attachment edge  17  of the base member  10 . The clevis  50  comprises a connecting end  54 , branching prongs  55 , a closing rod  70 , and a fastening pin  75 , wherein the fastening pin  75  affixes the closing rod  70  to the branching prongs  55 , and the branching prong  55  and the closing rod  70  embrace a wire pulling interspace  85 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a first side view of the first embodiment of the wire pulling device. Shown in  FIG. 2B  is the wire pulling device  1  having a base member  10  with a front side  12 , a post edge  16 , and an attachment edge  17 . Also shown in  FIG. 2B  are a vertical post  20  having a vertical post nut  25  and a vertical threaded section  27 , a horizontal post  40  having a horizontal post nut  45  and a horizontal threaded section  48 , and a clevis  50  attached to the vertical threaded section  27  of the vertical post  20 . In addition, there are screw holes  18  located close to the attachment edge  17  of the base member  10 . The clevis  50  comprises a connecting end  54 , branching prongs  55 , a closing rod  70 , and a fastening pin  75 . 
       FIG. 2C  is a second side view of the first embodiment of the wire pulling device. Shown in  FIG. 2C  is the wire pulling device  1  having a base member  10  with a front side  12 , a post edge  16 , and an attachment edge  17 . Also shown in  FIG. 2C  are a vertical post  20  having a vertical post nut  25  and a vertical threaded section  27 , a horizontal post  40  having a horizontal post nut  45  and a horizontal threaded section  48 , and a clevis  50  attached to the vertical threaded section  27  of the vertical post  20 . In addition, there are screw holes  18  located close to the attachment edge  17  of the base member  10 . The clevis  50  comprises a connecting end  54 , branching prongs  55 , a closing rod  70 , and a fastening pin  75 . 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the first embodiment of the wire pulling device. Shown in  FIG. 3  is the wire pulling device  1  having a base member  10  with a back side  15 . Also shown in  FIG. 3  is the horizontal post  40  having a horizontal post nut  45  and a horizontal threaded section  48 . In addition, there are screw holes  18  located close to the attachment edge  17  of the base member  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A-C, and  3 , the base member  10  is preferred to be a flat plank having a generally rectangular shape. Other shapes may also be used to accommodate different needs and manufacturing preferences. For the rectangular base member  10 , two opposite edges may be termed the attachment edge  17  and the post edge  16 . The base member  10  serves as the anchoring plate for the other components. It is attached to a structures at the installing site, generally above the ceiling and beneath the roof. One example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , is when the base member  10  is attached to a joist beneath the roof. 
     The vertical post  20  and the horizontal post  40  may each be used separately for the attachment of the clevis  50 . Preferably, while the vertical post  20  is generally perpendicular to the base member  10 ; the horizontal post  40  is generally parallel to the base member  10 . In addition, it is preferred that the vertical post  20  and the horizontal post  40  are located close to the post edge  16 . The threaded sections, including the vertical threaded section  27  and the horizontal threaded section  48 , are used to connect to the clevis  50 . Preferably, the horizontal threaded section  48  protrudes out of the post edge  16 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The vertical post  20  and horizontal post  40  may be attached to the base member  10  with any method. For example, the posts may be welded to the front side  12  of the base member. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A-C, and  3 , the screw holes  18  may be considered an attachment mechanism. As shown in  FIG. 1 , screws  110  may be used to attach the base member  10  to a joist  105 . Preferably the attachment mechanism is located close to the attachment edge  17 . It should be noted that the attachment mechanism may take other forms, as shown in the second embodiment. When the base member  10  is being attached to a wooden structure, such as a joist, it is preferred that the attachment mechanism is screw holes. 
     The clevis  50  is the structure actually suspending the wire and/or cable. The clevis  50  has a connecting end  55  that may be threaded onto the vertical threaded section  27  or the horizontal threaded section  48 . The vertical post nut  25  and the horizontal post nut  45  are used to adjust the position and angle of the clevis  50 . By precisely positioning the vertical post nut  25  and horizontal post nut  45 , the distance of the clevis  50  the front side  12  of the base member may be altered. Moreover, changing the positions of the nuts may also help to adjust the twisting angle of the clevis  50 . For example, while the hypothetical plane of the branching prongs is perpendicular to the horizontal post  40  in  FIGS. 2A-C , this plane is abut 45 degrees to the horizontal post  40  in  FIG. 1 . It should also be noted that the wire pulling device may include two devises so that one clevis may be attached to the vertical post  20  and the other to the horizontal post  40 . Such a design may also more flexibility in terms of choosing how to pull the wires. 
     During a wire attaching process, the wire is first suspended and pulled using the wire pull device herein introduced. Then the wire is permanently attached using a wire tie or wire wrap. In particular, an installer may first removably attach a wire pulling device  1  having a base member  10  to a joist or an angle iron beneath the roof, with the base member  10  secured against the joist or angle iron. Then the installer may attach the clevis  50  of the wire pulling device  1  to the base member  10 , either to the vertical post  20  or the horizontal post  40  on the base member, depending where the base member  10  is attached and the relative positioning of the base member  10  and the direction whereto the wire is being pulled. After opening the clevis  50 , the installer may position the wire in an interspace  85  of the clevis  50 , close the clevis  50 , allow the wire to be suspended by the clevis, and pull the wire to an appropriate position. Finally, the installer may open the clevis, attach the wire with a wire tie or wire wrap to a permanent position, and remove the base member from the installing site. Multiple wire pulling devices may be used in an installation for proper positioning of the wires. In addition, the wire may also be threaded through the insterspace  85  without opening the clevis  50 . Moreover, the wire may be permanently attached before the clevis  50  is opened again. 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of the first embodiment of the wire pulling device when it is in use, with the clevis  50  attached to the horizontal post  40 . Shown in  FIG. 4  is the wire pulling device  1  having a base member  10  with a front side  12 , a post edge  16 , and an attachment edge  17 . Also shown in  FIG. 4  are a vertical post  20  having a vertical post nut  25  and a vertical threaded section  27 , a horizontal post  40  having a horizontal post nut  45  and a horizontal threaded section  48 , and a clevis  50  attached to the horizontal threaded section  48  of the horizontal post  40 . In addition, the base member  10  is attached to a joist  105  by screws  110  through screw holes  18  located close to the attachment edge  17  of the base member  10 . The clevis  50  comprises a connecting end  54 , branching prongs  55 , a closing rod  70 , and a fastening pin  75 . A wire  100  is suspended by the clevis  50 . 
       FIG. 4  serves to show the device in use when the clevis  50  is attached to the horizontal post  40 , instead of the vertical post  20 . Where to attach the clevis  50  is decided by the location of the anchoring structure, such as the position of the joist and the angle iron. In addition, the vertical post nut  25  and the horizontal post nut  45  may be used to adjust the position of the clevis  50  and the angle of the clevis  50  when it is attached to the posts. Preferably, the vertical post nut  25  and the horizontal post nut  45  are held flush against the attachment end  54  of the clevis  50 , determining how much the clevis  50  goes down on the threaded sections of the posts. By precise adjustment of the nuts, the angle of the clevis  50 , especially the branching prongs, may be adjusted. 
       FIG. 5A  is a first side view of the second embodiment of the wire pulling device.  FIG. 5A  shows the wire pulling device  1  having a base member  10  with a front side  12 , a back side  15 , a post edge  16 , and an attachment edge  17 . Also shown in  FIG. 5A  are a vertical post  20  having a vertical post nut  25  and a vertical threaded section  27 , a horizontal post  40  having a horizontal post nut  45  and a horizontal threaded section  48 , and a clevis  50  attached to the horizontal threaded section  48  of the horizontal post  40 . The attachment mechanism in the second embodiment is a pair of attachment clamps  90  located at the back side  15  and close to the attachment edge  17  of the base member  10 . Each attachment clamps  90  comprises an overarching member  93  and a clamping screw  96 . The clevis  50  comprises a connecting end  54 , branching prongs  55 , a closing rod  70 , and a fastening pin  75 , wherein the fastening pin  75  affixes the closing rod  70  to the branching prongs  55 , and the branching prong  55  and the closing rod  70  embraces a wire pulling interspace  85 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a second side view of the second embodiment of the wire pulling device.  FIG. 5B  shows the wire pulling device  1  having a base member  10  with a front side  12 , a back side  15 , a post edge  16 , and an attachment edge  17 . Also shown in  FIG. 5B  are a vertical post  20  having a vertical post nut  25  and a vertical threaded section  27 , a horizontal post  40  having a horizontal post nut  45  and a horizontal threaded section  48 , and a clevis  50  attached to the vertical threaded section  27  of the vertical post  20 . The attachment mechanism in the second embodiment is a pair of attachment clamps  90  located at the back surface  15  and close to the attachment edge  17  of the base member  10 . Each attachment clamps  90  comprises an overarching member  93  and a clamping screw  96 . The clevis  50  comprises a connecting end  54 , branching prongs  55 , a closing rod  70 , and a fastening pin  75 , wherein the fastening pin  75  affixes the closing rod  70  to the branching prongs, and the branching prong  55  and the closing rod embraces a wire pulling interspace  85 . 
       FIG. 6A  is a first perspective view of the second embodiment of the wire pulling device with it is in use. Essentially the same elements are shown in  FIG. 6A  as  FIG. 5A . The clevis  50  is attached to the vertical post  20 . The base member  10  is attached to an angle iron  120 , wherein the attachment clamps  90  clamp the edge of the angle iron  120 . 
       FIG. 6B  is a second perspective view of the second embodiment of the wire pulling device when it is in use. Essentially the same elements are shown in  FIG. 6B  as  FIG. 5B . The clevis  50  is attached to the horizontal post  40 . The base member  10  is attached to an angle iron  120 , wherein the attachment clamps  90  clamp the edge of the angle iron  120 . 
     The second embodiment uses a different attachment mechanism from the first embodiment. As indicated above, it is preferred that the screw holes  18  and screws are used to attachment of the base member  10  to wooden structure. However, if the base member  10  is to be attached to structures having a high hardness, such as an angle iron, the clamping mechanism shown in the second embodiment is preferred. 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of a clevis when the components are separated. Shown in  FIG. 7  are the clevis  50  having a connecting end  54 , branching prongs  55 , a closing rod  70 , and a fastening pin  75 . The branching prongs  55  form a “U” shape. At the top of the prong that are through hole  60  into which the closing rod  70  may be inserted. The closing rod  70  has an enlarged head  72  at one end a pin hole  73  at the other end. The fastening pin  75  is curved metal pin having a straight section and a curved section aligned with one another. To fasten the closing rod  70  to the branching prongs  55 , the closing rod  70  is inserted into the through holes  60  until the enlarged head  72  is blocked by one of the branching prongs  55 . The fastening pin  75  is then used by inserting the straight section of the fastening pin  75  into the pin hole  73 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the curved section of the fastening pin  75  presses against the close rod  70 , affixing the closing rod  70  to the branching prongs  55 . To open the clevis, the user just needs to pull the fastening pin  75  out of the pin hole  73 , releasing the closing rod  70  from the through holes  60 . 
     As indicated above, the wire pulling device is preferably made from strong and durable materials such as but not limited to iron, steel, aluminum alloy, and hard plastic such as PVC, or any combination thereof. The various components may be made from the same or different materials. 
     The size of the wire pulling device may vary according to specific needs. In general, the length and width of the base member  10  may range from 2 to 50 cm, with the preferred scope of 4-20 cm. The length of the posts may be from 1 to 30 cm, with the referred scope of 2 to 20 cm. The length of the clevis, measured from the connecting end to the midpoint of the closing rod, may be from 2 to 50 cm, with the preferred range of 3-20 cm. The distance between the branching prongs may be 1 to 20 cm, with the preferred range of 2 to 10 cm. It is also preferred that the wire pulling device being not too heavy, with a weight of 10 g to 5 kg, and a preferred weight range from 100 g to 1 kg. 
     Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7