Patent ID: 10263402

Abstract:
Methods and applicators for applying tubular conductor cover to a cable. The applicator may retain a user's hand. The applicators may stop a user's hand from moving relative to the applicator in a direction opposed to a path of conductor cover passage through the applicator. An applicator for applying a tubular conductor cover to a cable, the conductor cover being split longitudinally to define a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the applicator comprising: a separator shaped to contact, in operation of the applicator, an interior surface of the conductor cover to spread open the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge along a portion of the conductor cover to allow the portion of the conductor cover to be applied to a cable; and a hand retainer connected to or forming part of the separator. A method of applying tubular conductor cover to a cable, the conductor cover being split longitudinally to define a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the method comprising: positioning a hand in a hand retainer connected to or forming part of a separator; spreading open the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge of a portion of the conductor cover with a separator, the separator contacting an interior surface of the conductor cover; and applying a length of conductor cover to the cable through the separator.