U.S. patent application number 11/508528 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for plastic guy wire marker apparatus, bulk guy marker material, bulk guy marker dispenser system, and tool for installing a guy marker.
This patent application is currently assigned to Preformed Line Products Company. Invention is credited to Randy Cloud, Christopher Grubish, John L. Hornsby, Bass Khoury, Robert Peterson, Garry Zaleski.
Application Number | 20070044394 11/508528 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37525594 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070044394 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grubish; Christopher ; et
al. |
March 1, 2007 |
Plastic guy wire marker apparatus, bulk guy marker material, bulk
guy marker dispenser system, and tool for installing a guy
marker
Abstract
A guy marker apparatus for use on an associated guy wire
includes a substantial rectangular body member having opposite
parallel first and second edges and is foldable along a
longitudinal axis parallel with the first and second edges. First
and second connection portions are disposed at the first and second
edges, respectively, for selectively interlocking the edges in
slidable abutment to hold the main body member in a folded tubular
conformation and selectively in a helical conformation. A tool for
applying a guy marker apparatus onto an associated guy wire
includes a main body member, an alignment portion adapted to guide
the guy marker in an unlocked state relative to the main body
member, and a production portion adapted to guide the marker in a
self-locked state out from the main body member. A forming wall
disposed between the alignment and production portions moves. the
marker material between the unlocked and self-locked state based on
relative movement between the tool and the guy marker material. A
dispensing system for a bulk roll of coiled guy marker material
includes a housing having a cavity adapted to hold the coil of guy
marker material having a shape memory. The housing includes an
outlet opening whereby desired lengths of guy marker material may
be drawn. The bulk roll includes coiled flattened layers of plastic
guy wire marker material having an inherent shape memory
characteristic.
Inventors: |
Grubish; Christopher;
(Solon, OH) ; Cloud; Randy; (Mentor, OH) ;
Khoury; Bass; (Brecksville, OH) ; Zaleski; Garry;
(Eastlake, OH) ; Peterson; Robert; (Chardon,
OH) ; Hornsby; John L.; (Ravenna, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY, SHARPE, FAGAN, MINNICH & MCKEE, LLP
1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE, SEVENTH FLOOR
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Assignee: |
Preformed Line Products
Company
|
Family ID: |
37525594 |
Appl. No.: |
11/508528 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60710691 |
Aug 23, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/147 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16G 11/04 20130101;
E04H 12/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/147 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/20 20060101
E04H012/20 |
Claims
1. A guy marker apparatus for use on an associated guy wire,
comprising: a substantially rectangular main body member having
opposite parallel first and second edges, the main body member
being foldable along a longitudinal axis parallel with said first
and second edges; a first connection portion at the first edge of
the main body member; and, a second connection portion at the
second edge of the main body member, the first and second
connection portions being selectively interlockable to hold the
main body member in a folded tubular conformation surrounding the
associated guy wire.
2. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: the first
and second connection portions are selectively interlockable to
hold the main body member in a non-overlapping tubular
conformation.
3. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: the first
and second connection portions are selectively interlockable to
hold the main body member in said folded tubular conformation with
said first edge overlapping said second edge.
4. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said
first connection portion is formed continuously along said first
edge of the main body member; and, said second connection portion
is formed continuously along said second edge of the main body
member.
5. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: the first
and second connection portions are defined by respective first and
second edges of the main body member.
6. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 5 wherein: the first
and second connection portions are selectively interlockable into a
locked condition to hold the main body in a tubular conformation
with the first and second edges in locked slidable abutment.
7. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 6 wherein: the first
and second connection portions are selectively interlockable into
said locked condition to hold the main body in said tubular
conformation with the first and second edges in said locked
slidable abutment and defining a helix at an interface between the
first and second edges.
8. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: the main
body member is a resilient plastic sheet having opposite first and
second surfaces and is bendable between said folded tubular
conformation and a substantially planar conformation.
9. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 8 wherein: said
first connection portion is carried on the first surface of the
plastic sheet; and, said second connection portion is carried on
the first surface of the plastic sheet.
10. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 9 wherein: the
first and second connection portions extend from the first surface
of the sheet substantially in parallel when the sheet is disposed
in said substantially planar conformation.
11. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 8 wherein: said
first connection portion is carried on the first surface of the
plastic sheet; and, said second connection portion is carried on
the second surface of the plastic sheet.
12. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 11 wherein: the
first and second connection portions extend from the first and
second surfaces of the sheet, respectively, substantially in
parallel opposite directions when the sheet is disposed in said
substantially planar conformation.
13. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 8 wherein: at least
one of said first and second connection portions extends outwardly
from a respective first and second edge of said sheet; and, the
other of said first and second connection portions extends from at
least one of said first and second surfaces of said sheet when the
sheet is disposed in said substantially planar conformation.
14. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 8 wherein: the
plastic sheet defines at least one ridge area extending along said
longitudinal axis between said first and second connection
portions.
15. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 8 wherein: the
first connection portion includes a tapered head member; and, the
second connection portion includes a region of said sheet defining
an opening adapted to receive the tapered head member.
16. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 15 wherein: the
second connection portion includes a U-shaped attachment member
extending from the sheet for receiving said tapered head
member.
17. The guy marker apparatus according to claim 16 wherein each of
the tapered head member and the U-shaped attachment member carry at
least one barb.
18. A dispensing system for a coil of guy marker material
comprising: a housing defining a cavity; a bulk roll of guy marker
material in said housing; and, means defining an outlet opening in
said housing for paying out selected lengths of said guy marker
material from said housing.
19. The dispensing system according to claim 18, wherein said bulk
roll of guy marker material includes coiled flattened layers of
said bulk guy marker material disposed within said cavity.
20. The dispensing system according to claim 19, wherein said guy
marker material has a shape memory characteristic whereby the
material is self biased to return to a curled shape from said
flattened layered conformation.
21. The dispensing system according to claim 18, wherein said guy
marker materials includes opposite mutually interlocking edges.
22. The dispensing system according to claim 18, wherein said
housing includes a first portion releasably engagable with a second
portion.
23. The dispensing system according to claim 22, wherein said first
portion of said housing includes a first peripheral side wall and a
first sleeve, said first sleeve including a circumferential
terminal edge distal to said first side wall, said first sleeve
defining a first opening therethrough.
24. The dispensing system according to claim 23, wherein said
second portion of said housing includes a second peripheral side
wall and a second sleeve, said second sleeve including a
circumferential terminal edge distal to said second wall, said
second sleeve defining a second opening therethrough.
25. The dispensing system according to claim 24, wherein said first
portion and said second portion form an outer wall in a generally
circular shape in said engaged position.
26. The dispensing system according to claim 25, wherein said outer
wall includes at least one flattened section.
27. The dispensing system according to claim 26, wherein said outer
wall defines a handle integral with said housing.
28. The dispensing system according to claim 27, wherein said first
portion includes a peripheral side wall with at least a first
cut-out for viewing and accessing said bulk roll.
29. The dispensing system according to claim 22, wherein said
second portion includes a peripheral side wall with at least a
second cut-out for viewing and accessing said coil.
30. The dispensing system according to claim 24, further including:
a capsule defining a cylindrical wall with a fixed butt cap at one
end and a removable top cap at another end.
31. The dispensing system according to claim 30 wherein said
housing is configured to receive said capsule within said first and
second openings.
32. The dispensing system according to claim 39, wherein said
cylindrical wall includes a groove around the exterior.
33. The dispensing system according to claim 32, wherein said
groove frictionally engages a hub formed between said terminal edge
of said first sleeve and said terminal edge of said second sleeve
when said first half and said second half are in the engaged
position.
34. The dispensing system according to claim 31, wherein said
capsule defines a chamber adapted to hold a plurality of fastening
components.
35. The dispensing system according to claim 18, wherein said
housing includes a first half hinged with a second half.
36. The dispensing system according to claim 18, wherein said
housing includes a clear plastic configuration.
37. The dispensing system according to claim 18, wherein said guy
marker material may be drawn from said housing and cut to any
desired length.
38. The dispensing system according to claim 37, wherein the
desired length of said guy marker material assumes said memory
characteristic.
39. A tool for manipulating an associated self-locking article
between unlocked and self-locked states, the tool comprising: a
main body member; an alignment portion on the main body member
adapted to guide the associated article in said unlocked state
relative to the main body member; a production portion on the main
body member adapted to guide the associated article in said
self-locked state relative to the main body member; and, a forming
wall between the alignment portion and the production portion, the
forming wall being adapted to move the associated article between
said unlocked state and said self-locked state based on relative
movement between the associated article and the main body
member.
40. The tool according to claim 39 wherein: the main body member
includes a substantially cylindrical housing defining a
longitudinal passageway therethrough, the passageway being adapted
to receive the associated article therethrough and permit relative
movement between the tool and the associated housing.
41. The tool according to claim 40 wherein: the forming wall is
tapered to urge opposite edges of the associated article into
mutual abutment based on relative movement between the housing and
the associated article received therethrough.
42. The tool according to claim 41 wherein: the housing includes a
longitudinal slot opening into said passageway and an inwardly
extending longitudinal wall adapted to engage a first edge of the
associated article to permit relative rotational movement between
the tool and the associated article during relative longitudinal
movement between the tool and the associated article.
43. The tool according to claim 42 wherein said tapered forming
wall narrows from said alignment portion to said production
portion.
44. An article of manufacture comprising: a holder member; and,
bulk guy marker material held in a coil by said holder, the bulk
guy marker material being selectively unrolled from said coil and
cut into sections at desired length for placement onto an
associated guy wire.
45. The article of manufacture according to claim 44 wherein said
bulk guy marker material is an elongate strip of plastic material
defining opposite outer mutually lockable edges.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present application relates to methods, systems and
apparatus providing markers, guards, and the like on guy wires.
More particularly, this application is directed to guy marker
devices, bulk guy wire marker articles of manufacture, a method of
dispensing guy markers, a manual tool for installing guy markers,
and further to a dispenser for storing the bulk marker and enabling
payout of the bulk marker for cutting into selected lengths for
installation onto associated guy wires.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Typically, guy markers are used for visually identifying
down guys or other wire and cable installations where anchoring
devices in the ground are exposed to pedestrian and/or vehicular
traffic. Guy markers are usually manufactured from plastic and sold
as individual rigid elongate tubes, typically having a longitudinal
slit or opening. In practice, bundles of these devices are carried
to the job site in large boxes and selectively applied onto down
guys or other wires and/or cables as necessary. Difficulties exist
related to the handling and storage requirements owing to the
awkwardness of these devices and to the bulky volume occupied by
bundled markers. Simply, they do not stack or transport well. Also,
typically, all of the bundled guy markers are of like size. This
limits the range of applications and often forces modifications in
the field when the length of the standard guy marker does not match
the application need.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,135,336 to Bogese, III describes a method
for manufacturing and installing a rigid plastic guy wire guard on
a guy wire. In particular, that patent describes a plastic guy wire
guard having an enlarged first end shaped to surround and protect
anchor assemblies, and a narrow second end adapted to encompass the
relatively small diameter guy wire therein. The guy wire guard is
formed of plastic and is manufactured using extrusion, casting or
molding techniques to first form tubes having a diameter sufficient
to accommodate guy wire cables. The plastic is heated to a melt
temperature, agitated and extruded through a suitably shaped die to
form round, uniform cross-section tubing. The tubing is immediately
quenched in a cooling liquid, such as water, and is cut to desired
lengths to form a plurality of tubular members. The tube is then
cut longitudinally so as to form a slit comprised of a pair of
opposed and adjacent edges. The basic function of the slit is to
create an opening for later installation of the tube about a guy
wire.
[0006] The above-described initial forming step imparts an inherent
memory characteristic in the tube. That is, after the plastic has
been melted and cooled to room temperature, the tube has the
ability to maintain or "remember" its basic shape as illustrated in
FIG. 1 of the '336 patent, and will tend to return to that basic
shape even if subsequently deformed.
[0007] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the '336 patent, upon
installation, the larger diameter portion contracts owing to the
shape memory characteristic to secure the guard to an anchor.
According to the patent, however, the desired contraction requires
the application of heat, either via the sun or a portable
source.
[0008] Further, the markers/guards described in the '336 patent are
cut to a single common length during manufacture and prior to
transport to the application site. They are thus handled in bundles
by the relevant technicians.
[0009] There remains a need, therefore, for providing plastic wire
guy markers and a dispenser system therefor which alleviates the
problems related to handling and storage requirements owing to the
volume occupied by bundles of manufactured guy wires prior to their
installation onto associated guy wire cables.
[0010] There is also a need for a plastic guy marker which is easy
to manufacture, transport, and install.
[0011] A need also exists for an installation tool for manually
applying the marker onto the associated guy wire.
[0012] Further, there remains a need to provide a dispenser system
for storing multiple plastic guy wire markers in bulk on a spool
prior to installation onto associated guy wire cables.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present application provides novel and unique guy
markers, tools for installing the guy markers, a dispenser
therefor, and methods for manufacture and use of the guy markers,
which overcome all of the deficiencies noted above and others with
respect to the prior art devices.
[0014] In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a
guy marker apparatus is provided for use on an associated guy wire.
The guy marker apparatus includes a substantially rectangular main
body member having opposite parallel first and second edges
extending along a longitudinal axis of the main body member, with a
first connection portion on the first edge and a second connection
portion on the second edge. The first and second connection
portions are selectively interlockable to hold the main body member
in a folded or curled tubular conformation surrounding the
associated guy wire.
[0015] In accordance with a further aspect of the guy marker
apparatus, the first and second connection portions are selectively
interlockable and slidable to hold the main body member in the
folded conformation with the first and second edges extending along
the longitudinal axis of the main body member and, thereafter, for
holding the main body member in a spiraled conformation wherein the
first and second connection portions intermate at a
three-dimensional curve that turns around an axis defined by the
associated guy wire at a substantially constant distance while
moving parallel to the axis defined by the guy wire. Essentially, a
helix is defined thereby.
[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present
application, a dispensing system is provided for use with a bulk
coil of guy marker material having either the preferred foldable
tube construction or the shape memory characteristic as desired.
The dispensing system includes a housing defining a cavity adapted
to hold the guy marker material in a tight coiled configuration. An
outlet opening is provided at a suitable location on the housing so
that the bulk guy marker material can be payed out as desired and
cut into selected lengths. The guy marker material includes coiled
flattened layers within the cavity. The guy marker material is a
flat sheet rolled into the coil and, selectively, may be imparted
with a memory characteristic. The memory characteristic includes a
tubular shape.
[0017] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present
application, a hand tool is provided for manipulating an associated
self-locking article such as a guy marker between unlocked and
self-locked states. The tool is particularly useful with articles
foldable from a substantially flat state to a rolled or curled
state. In that regard, the tool includes a main body member, an
alignment portion adapted to guide the associated article in its
unlocked state relative to the main body member, a production
portion adapted to guide the associated article in a self-locked
state relative to the main body member, and a forming wall formed
between the alignment portion and the production portion. The
forming wall is shaped with a contour adapted to move the
associated article between its unlocked state and its self-locked
state based on relative movement between the associated article and
the main body member.
[0018] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
application, a method of forming a guy wire guard from a roll of
bulk guy marker material is provided. The method includes the steps
of providing a guy marker material, rolling flattened layers of the
guy marker material and, placing the coiled guy marker material
into a dispenser. The preferred dispenser includes a resilient
outer housing defining a cavity adapted to surround the coil. The
method further includes the step of drawing the guy marker material
from the housing and cutting the material to desired lengths. In
one embodiment, opposite edges of the bulk marker material are
connected together to form the guy marker around the associated guy
wire. In another embodiment, a shape memory characteristic is
imparted to the marker material prior to the coiling or rolling
step causing the cut guy material to curl into a tubular shape onto
the associated guy wire making use of the tool somewhat easier.
Additionally, the method further includes the step of wrapping the
guy material around a guy wire to form the guy wire guard.
[0019] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present
application, an article of manufacture is provided including a
holder member and a bulk guy marker material held in a coil by the
holder. The bulk guy marker material is selectively unrolled from
the coil and selectively cut into sections of desired length for
placement onto an associated guy wire. In its preferred form, the
bulk guy marker material is plastic and includes mutually lockable
outer edges having connection portions disposed therealong.
Preferably, the mutually lockable outer edges are slidably lockable
to permit relative movement between the edges along a line defined
at the connection portions. In another embodiment, the bulk guy
marker material has a shape memory is adapted to self curl after
removal from the holder member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The foregoing advantages, and others, will in part be
obvious and in part pointed out more fully hereinafter in
conjunction with the description of the preferred embodiments shown
in the accompanying drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view which illustrates the guy
marker apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
shown partially applied onto an associated guy wire;
[0022] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the guy marker apparatus of
FIG. 1 applied onto the associated guy wire in a spiral or helix
conformation;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the guy marker apparatus in
accordance with the present application shown in an unwrapped
state;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the guy maker apparatus
of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3;
[0025] FIG. 3a is an enlarged view of area A illustrating a
connection area of the guy marker apparatus of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 3b is an enlarged view of areas B of FIG. 3
illustrating a crease or ridge formed in the guy marker apparatus
of FIG. 3;
[0027] FIG. 3c is an enlarged view of area C of a second connection
area of the guy marker apparatus of FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 4a is a first perspective view of a tool for
manipulating the guy marker apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3 onto an
associated guy marker;
[0029] FIG. 4b is a second perspective view of the tool of FIG.
4a;
[0030] FIG. 4c is an end view of the tool of FIGS. 4a and 4b;
[0031] FIG. 4d is a perspective view of another preferred form of a
tool for manipulating the guy marker apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3
onto an associated guy marker;
[0032] FIGS. 5a-5d are schematic illustrations of alternative
preferred embodiments of connecting opposite edges of the flat guy
marker material of FIG. 2 into a folded or curled shape in
accordance with the present application;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a guy marker dispenser
system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the guy marker dispenser
system and guy material in accordance with the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the guy marker dispenser
system shown in FIG. 7; and,
[0036] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the guy marker
dispenser system of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for
the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention
only, and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 illustrates
a guy marker apparatus 10 formed in accordance with the present
application in a condition partially installed on an associated guy
wire 1 using a tool 100 provided in accordance with a further
embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the guy marker
apparatus 10 has a first section 12 arranged in a tubular
conformation surrounding the associated guy wire 1 and a second
section 14 disposed in a substantially open conformation prior to
installation on the guy wire 1 using the tool 100. Essentially, as
will be described in greater detail below, the guy marker apparatus
10 includes opposite edges carrying mutually interlockable
connection regions whereby, using the tool 100 by sliding the tool
in a direction marked A in the Figure, the edges are brought
together in an interlocked condition as illustrated in FIG. 1 at
the first section 12 of the guy marker. In its preferred form, the
tool 100 is formed of a light weight material such as plastic, for
example, making it light weight and easy to use by hand. A
technician simply positions the tool over the guy marker material
and slides the tool in the direction marked A in the drawing figure
causing the marker material to curl and mutually interlock along
the edges thereof.
[0038] FIG. 1a shows the guy marker apparatus 10 in a condition
completely installed onto the associated guy wire 1 using the tool
100 described above. However, in accordance with one aspect of the
present application, the guy marker apparatus 10 is adapted to be
shaped onto the associated guy wire 1 in a helical pattern 11 by
twisting opposite ends of the guy marker in opposite directions. As
shown in FIG. 1a, after the edges of the guy marker are brought
together in the interlocked condition a shown in the first section
12 in FIG. 1, the guy marker device is twisted so that the opposite
interlocked edges trace a helix 11 along the longitudinal length of
the guy marker apparatus 10. This is particularly useful when a
reflective tape or the like is applied along a surface of the guy
marker material. In the linear installation shown in FIG. 1, the
reflective material might be randomly oriented in a direction
opposite from the field of view of an observer. However, in the
twisted or helical conformation illustrated in FIG. 1a, the
reflective material is observable from any perspective thus
rendering the guy marker more visible. Preferably, the edges of the
guy marker material have connection portions which are slidably
engageable in a manner to be described in greater detail below to
enable the twisting of the guy marker material after the connection
portions have been mutually interengaged.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows the guy marker apparatus 10 of the present
application in an opened conformation. As illustrated, the
preferred guy marker includes a substantially rectangular main body
member 20 having opposite parallel first and second edges 22, 24.
The main body member 20 is preferably formed by extruding a plastic
or other suitable material from a die having a cross-section as
illustrated in FIG. 3. However, the main body member can be molded
or press rolled into the desired shape illustrated. In addition,
the main body member 20 is preferably foldable along a longitudinal
axis 26 which, in its preferred form, is arranged to extend in a
substantially parallel relationship relative to the first and
second edges 22, 24. In its preferred form, the guy marker has a
thickness of about 0.045 in. This helps to enable the helical
conformation installation shown in FIG. 1a.
[0040] With continued reference to FIG. 2 but with additional
reference to FIG. 3, the first edge 22 carries a first connection
portion 30 therealong and the second edge 24 carries a second
connection portion 40. It is to be appreciated that, in accordance
with the present application, the first and second connection
portions 30, 40 are selectively interlockable to hold the main body
member 20 in a folded or curled tubular conformation such as
illustrated at the first section 12 of the guy marker apparatus 10
in FIG. 1. In addition to the above, it is to be appreciated that
the first and second connection portions 30, 40 are interlockable
in slidable abutment to hold the main body member 20 in the spiral
orientation shown in FIG. 1a wherein the line 35 defined at the
interface between the connection portions 30, 40 traces a helix 37
around the guy wire 1.
[0041] In addition to the above, it is to be further appreciated
that the orientation of the first and second connection portions
30, 40 disposed along the first and second edges 22, 24,
respectively, can take on any form but, preferably, are oriented as
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. To that end, the main body member 20
is preferably formed of a suitable resilient material such as
plastic in the form of a flat sheet 50 having opposite first and
second surfaces 52, 54, respectively. The sheet 50 is bendable and
therefore can be manipulated between a substantially planar
conformation 14 (FIG. 1) and a folded linear conformation 12 (FIG.
1) or a folded helical/spiral conformation 11 (FIG. 1a). Portions
of the length of the guy marker can remain opened and other
portions can be interconnected as necessary or desired.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first connection portion 30
is carried on the sheet and is oriented in a direction extending
substantially perpendicular with the first surface 52 of the
plastic sheet 50. As well, the second connection portion 40 is
carried on the first surface 52 of the sheet 50 and extends
perpendicularly therefrom. In that way, when the first and second
connection portions are brought together into their mutually
interlocked position, a substantially oval-shaped guy marker
apparatus is created having the general shape as illustrated
schematically in FIG. 5a. That is, the sheet 50 is folded onto
itself with the first surface 52 in a face-to-face opposed
relationship. It is to be appreciated that the connection portions
30, 40 are slidable relative to each other after they are mutually
connected. This, together with the properties of the marker
material identified above, enables the helical conformation of the
marker device 10 onto the guy wire 1 as shown in FIG. 1a.
[0043] In addition to orientation of the first and second
connection portions 30, 40 described above, other arrangements of
the connection portions on respective first and second edges of the
sheet are possible as well. To that end, FIG. 5b shows, in
schematic form, a generic, first connection portion 30' arranged on
a first surface 52' of the sheet 50' and a second connection
portion 4' arranged on the second surface 54' of the sheet 50'.
FIG. 5c shows a first connection portion 30' arranged on a first
surface 52' of the sheet 50' and a second connection portion 40' on
an edge or in the plane of the sheet 50'. Lastly, in FIG. 5d, the
first and second connection portions 30' and 40' are arranged on
opposite first and second edges of the sheet 50'. The arrangement
shown in FIG. 5a provides a substantially oval or "tear-drop" shape
to the guy marker apparatus when formed. FIGS. 5b and 5d provide a
substantially circular general shape to the guy marker apparatus
when formed. In FIG. 5b, the sheet is overlapped at its ends. The
sheet is disposed in a non-overlapping state in FIG. 5d, however.
Lastly, in FIG. 5c, a near circle is formed as at least one of the
first and second connection portions are on the first surface and
the other of the first and second connection portions are oriented
in the plane of the sheet 50.
[0044] With reference once again to FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 3a shows a
preferred form of the first connection portion 30. To that end, a
substantially U-shaped member 32 is formed on the first surface 52
of the sheet 50 as illustrated. The U-shaped member 32 includes a
pair of opposed outwardly extending walls 34, each wall preferably
carrying an inwardly oriented barb 36. On the second edge 24
opposite the first edge 22, the second connection portion 40
includes a tapered head member 42 as illustrated best in FIG. 3c.
The tapered head member 42 includes a wall 44 extending from the
first surface 52 substantially as shown. The wall 44 carries a pair
of outwardly extending barbs 46 which, as will be appreciated,
interlock with the corresponding set of barbs 36 carried on the
wall 34 of the U-shaped member 32 in the first connection portion
30.
[0045] With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 3b shows a
ridge portion 60 defined in the sheet 50 for purposes of enhancing
rigidity of the overall structure. Preferably, the ridge portion 60
is defined along the length of the sheet 50 and in parallel with
the longitudinal axis 26 defined by the main body member 20. As
illustrated, preferably, a pair or ridge portions 62, 64 are
provided in a spaced-apart relationship, both being disposed along
said longitudinal axis 26.
[0046] Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 4a-4d, a set of tools 100 and
100' for manipulating the main body member 20 between an unlocked
and a self-locked state is illustrated. FIGS. 4 and 4a-4c
illustrate a first embodiment of the tool 100 and FIG. 4d
illustrates a second embodiment of the tool 100'. As shown first in
FIGS. 4, 4a-4c, the tool 100 includes a main body member 102 having
an alignment portion 104, a production portion 108, and a forming
wall 106. The alignment portion is adapted to guide the main body
member 20 in an unlocked state relative to the main body member
102. Similarly, the production portion is adapted to guide the main
body member 20 in a self-locked state relative to the main body
member 102. The self-locked state is illustrated at 12 in FIG. 1.
Lastly, the forming wall is disposed between the alignment portion
and the production portion and is adapted to move the main body
member between the unlocked state 14 and the self-locked state 12
based on relative movement between the main body member 20 and the
tool 100.
[0047] Overall, the tool body member includes a substantially
cylindrical housing 110 defining a longitudinal passageway 112
therethrough. The longitudinal passageway 112 is adapted to receive
the guy marker body member therethrough and permit relative
movement between the tool 100 and the marker body member 20. As
illustrated, the preferred form of the forming wall 106 includes a
taper to urge the opposite edges of the guy marker body member into
mutual abutment based on relative movement between the housing 110
and the guy marker body member 120 received in the tool. The
alignment portion 104 has a D-shaped entranceway or opening adapted
to receive the guy marker body member in an opened condition prior
to an interlocked state between the first and second connection
portions 30, 40.
[0048] Further, the housing 110 includes a longitudinal slot 120
opening into the passageway 112. An inwardly extending longitudinal
wall 122 is formed substantially along the slot and is provided to
engage a first edge 22 of the guy marker body member 20 during
relative movement of the tool during installation of the guy marker
onto the associated guy wire. The taper provided in the tool
essentially compresses the top sheet 50 into the closed condition
shown schematically in FIG. 5a.
[0049] Turning next to FIG. 4d, a second embodiment of the tool
100' is illustrated for manipulating the main body member 20 of the
guy marker material between the unlocked and self-locked states.
The tool 100' is substantially identical to the first embodiment of
the tool 100 shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a-4c but with the addition of an
enlarged lip portion 101 defined at the alignment portion 104' of
the tool 100'. The enlarged lip portion 101 is substantially in the
shape of a "D" to help facilitate feeding the guy marker material
into the tool 100'. Again, the second embodiment tool 100' is
formed substantially similar to the tool 100 described above and,
to that end, includes a main body member 102' having an alignment
portion 104', a production portion 108', and a forming wall 106'.
The alignment portion is adapted to guide the main body member 20
in an unlocked state relative to the main body member 102'.
Similarly, the production portion is adapted to guide the main body
member 20 in a self-locked state relative to the main body member
102'. The self-locked state is illustrated at 12 in FIG. 1. Lastly,
the forming wall 106' is disposed between the alignment portion
104' and the production portion 108' and is adapted to move the
main body member between the unlocked state 14 and the self-locked
state 12 based on relative movement between the main body member 20
and the tool 100'.
[0050] Overall, the tool body member 102' includes a substantially
cylindrical housing 110' defining a longitudinal passageway 112'
therethrough. The longitudinal passageway 112' is adapted to
receive the guy marker body therethrough and permit relative
movement between the tool 100' and the marker body member 20'. As
shown, the alignment portion 104' has an overall "D-shaped"
entranceway or opening with a superimposed "D-shaped" lip portion
101 defined therein. In that, the entranceway is adapted to receive
the guy maker body member in an opened but nearly folded condition
prior to an interlocked state between the first and second
connection portions 30, 40.
[0051] Lastly with regard to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4d, the
tool 100' includes structure 120 defining intelligible information
for use by an operator using the tool. More particularly, the
structure 120 includes a first label 122 defining a first end of
the tool as an entrance point and a second label 124 defining the
opposite end of the tool as the exit end thereof. In addition, a
third label 126 provides information on a feed direction of the guy
marker material relative to the main tool body member 102'. Lastly,
a fourth label 128 includes a schematic representation of the
manner in which the guy marker material is to be fed into the
alignment portion 104' of the main body member 102' along the
longitudinal passageway 112' thereof. Preferably, the structure 120
is molded directly into the main body member 102' and forms a part
thereof. However, as would be understood by those skilled in the
art, the labels 122-128 can be provided on the main body member
using other means such as, for example, stickers, ink, or the
like.
[0052] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a dispenser system 310 formed according
to the preferred embodiment of the invention. The dispenser system
310 includes a housing 312 having a first half 314 and a
complementary opposed second half 316. A handle 320 is provided to
ease the task of carrying the dispenser 310. To that end,
preferably, the first half 314 of the housing includes an
integrated first portion 322 configured to engage a correspondingly
formed second portion 324 provided by the second half 316. In the
assembled or closed arrangement illustrated, the first and second
halves 314, 316 of the housing 312 are connected at the outer
peripheral ridge of the housing. The second 324 and first 322
portions of the handle 320 are similarly connected. An opening 326
is formed for grasping by an operator to ease handling of the
dispenser 310.
[0053] The dispenser 310 as shown in its preferred form is
generally shaped in a circular configuration with a flat section
330 defined along a portion of the outside wall 332 of the
dispenser 310. The flattened section 330 is preferably arranged
distal relative to the handle 320 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. This
enables the dispenser 310 to stand on end on the flattened section
330 with the handle 20 oriented upwardly for easy access.
[0054] A cavity 340 is formed within the first and second halves
314, 316 of the housing 312 and comprises a ring-like
configuration, to be more fully described hereinafter. An opening
342 is defined through the first and second halves 314, 316 of the
housing 312 and is arranged to receive a capsule 346 therein for
storage of tie wraps 348 or other fastening components.
[0055] The housing 312 may be formed from any of a number of
suitable rigid plastic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polyethylene, or ethylene copolymers. It is to be appreciated that
the housing 312 may also be formed in a clam shell design, whereby
the two halves 314, 316 of the housing 312 are hingedly connected
using suitable means (not shown). Additionally, it is to be
appreciated that the housing 312 may consist of a clear plastic
construction or include a clear portion, such as a clear "stripe",
for viewing the contents of the housing.
[0056] FIG. 7 shows the second half 316 and the first half 314 of
the housing 312 separated and the capsule 346 removed from the
housing 312. A bulk roll 352 of coiled guy marker material 354 is
displayed between the second and first halves 316, 314 of the
housing 312 to illustrate the relationship between the components
of the subject system and to demonstrate the large bulk marker
capacity advantageously accommodated. Preferably, about one-hundred
(100) ten foot (10') guy markers can be carried on a single
bulk-roll 352 within the system 310.
[0057] It is to be appreciated that the guy marker material 354 is
preferably manufactured in a continuous process which imparts a
shape memory characteristic to the material 354 and then coils the
material 354 into flattened layers to form the bulk roll 352
illustrated. The material 354 may be formed by any well-known
extrusion, casting, or molding method. The material 354 may be
impact modified, UV stabilized, and/or weather-screened as desired
to withstand the elements associated with outdoor use. Preferably,
the plastic used is thermoplastic having other characteristics,
namely, a color concentrate additive.
[0058] The first half 314 of the housing 312 includes a set of
access holes 360 which are provided to assist with manual rotation
of the bulk roll 352 of guy marker material 354. Similarly, the
second half 316 of the housing 312 is provided with a corresponding
set of access holes 362. Preferably, the set of access holes 360 in
the first half 314 of the housing 312 overlie the set of access
holes 362 in the second half 316 of the housing 312 when the
housing halves are brought together in a closed relationship.
[0059] The second half 316 of the housing 312 defines a
substantially planar side wall 366 and a central sleeve member 368
projecting upwardly from the side wall 366. The central sleeve
member 368 includes a circumferential terminal edge 370 distal to
the wall 366. The sleeve 368 defines a portion 342a of the opening
342 therethrough. Similarly, the first half 314 of the housing 312
defines a substantially planar side wall 374 in which the
respective access holes 360 are formed. The wall 374 also includes
a central sleeve 376 projecting downwardly from the wall 374 and
includes a circumferential terminal edge 378 distal to the plate
374. The second sleeve 376 defines a portion 342b of the opening
342 therethrough. It is to be appreciated that the cavity 340
formed by the first and second halves 314, 316 of the housing 312
generally defines a ring-like space around the sleeves 368, 376 and
between the side walls 366, 374. Accordingly, the bulk roll 352 of
coiled guy marker material 354 is suitably arranged in the
ring-like cavity 340 around the sleeves 368, 376.
[0060] The first and second halves 314, 316 of the housing 312
further include flattened sections 330a, 330b, respectively. The
flattened sections 30 are distal to the handle 320 and collectively
provide a means for enabling the dispenser 310 to stand upright on
a planar surface. The second half 316 of the housing 312 includes a
peripheral wall 317 with a suitable opening 382 provided at one end
of the flattened section 330b. Similarly, the first half 314 of the
housing 312 includes a peripheral wall 315 provided with an opening
384 at one end of the flattened section 330a. In the assembled
position, the openings 382, 384 in the peripheral walls 317, 315 of
the second and first halves 316, 314 of the housing 312
cooperatively form an outlet to rotatably guide the guy marker
material 354 from the dispenser 310.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 8, the capsule 346 is shown spaced
apart from the housing. The capsule 346 includes a removable top
cap 388 at one end and a fixed butt cap 390 at the other end. The
capsule 346 includes a generally cylindrical wall 392 with a
continuous groove 394 extending on an outer surface thereof. A
cylindrical chamber 396 is formed by the cylindrical wall 392 of
the capsule 346 and can be used for storing items as desired such
as tie wraps 348 or other fastening components. In the assembled
configuration shown in FIG. 3, the first and second halves 314, 316
of the housing 312 form a hub 3100 between the terminal edge 370 of
the first sleeve 368 and the terminal edge 378 of sleeve 376. The
groove 394 in the exterior perimeter of the capsule cylindrical
wall 392 is configured to frictionally engage the hub 3100 formed
between the terminal edges 370, 378.
[0062] The guy marker material 354, as discussed, can be drawn from
the housing 312 at any desired length. After paying out the desired
length, the guy marker material 354 may be cut using any suitable
associated tool. After the guy marker material 354 is cut and
severed from the coil 52, the shape memory characteristic
previously imparted during manufacture thereof causes the material
to curl and form into a desired tubular shape 355. It will be
appreciated that the tubular shape 355 includes a slit 356 running
longitudinally along the guy marker material 354. This slit 356
provides the opening by which an operator may expand the opening to
slip over a guy wire (not shown) in order to install the marker to
visually identify downed guys or other wire installations to
pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
[0063] The invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations
will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this
specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended
claims and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *