LOCKER AND SECURITY ENCLOSURE FOR CABLE-PULLING CART

Abstract

A vehicle for the transportation of containers of reeled cable has a frame, and an upstanding security locker with an access panel and holes in one panel. A plurality of support rods have first ends that are received into the holes in the panel. Removable retaining devices are attached to the first ends of the rods so that the support rods cannot be removed from the locker unless the retaining devices are removed. The security locker encloses both the first ends of the rods and the retaining devices and has an access panel such that provides access to the locker. The security locker may be included on a hand truck or a four wheeled cart and include a loop for securing the cart or hand truck to a fixed anchor point.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wire and cable for installation in residences and buildings typically comes on cable reels. The types of wire and cable so provided are numerous, and include 110V three-conductor wire, “Romex”, and many different kinds of low-voltage, multiconductor insulated communications cable, such as that used for setting up Ethernet networks, intercom systems, entertainment systems and the connection of security sensors and devices. A new building under construction will need many kinds of these cables, and several reels of cable will be used by an installer on-site.

One known technique is to provide coils of such cable in boxes, and to create a hole in a front or top panel of the (typically cardboard) box for pulling out a desired length of cable. This conventional method has a drawback in that the cable may kink inside of the box or otherwise resist being pulled out of the box to such an extent that a cable installer or technician finds that he or she is pulling the box across the floor. Often, the installer has to install several different lengths of cable on a single run. To do this, the installer had to identify which kinds of cable he or she needs, individually pull cable out of separate boxes and estimate as best as he or she can the amount of cable so pulled.

These boxes of cable are heavy and it takes some effort to move them around. In complex jobs, it is easy for one needed box of cable to become physically dissociated from one or more other boxes of cable that will supply lengths of different cable for the same run. As a result, boxes of cable are typically transported around the job site with carts or hand trucks to move save time and effort. Unfortunately, this increased portability, combined with the rising cost of building materials, makes these reels of cable an easy target for thieves. As a result, a need persists for securing valuable materials to a fixed anchor point while providing a convenient apparatus for moving and dispensing cable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a vehicle for the transportation of containers of reeled wire or cable comprises a frame having opposed first and second frame ends and an upstanding security locker affixed near the second frame end. The security locker has an enclosure defined by at least one wall and a plurality of vertically spaced apart first support rod holes in the wall and an access panel that affords access to the enclosure and is adaptable to being locked and unlocked. Additionally, the vehicle comprises a plurality of vertically spaced apart elongate support rods with first ends of the support rods receivable through respective ones of the first rod holes into the security locker. For each first end of the support rod, a removable primary retaining device for attachment to the first end of the support rod when the first end is in the enclosure. The primary retaining device prevents the first end from being withdrawn from the enclosure unless the primary retaining device is removed and is preferably a clevis or a cotter pin.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system for dispensing wire or cable from reels and for deterring theft of the reels comprises a vehicle for the transportation of containers of wire or cable and at least one carton. The vehicle comprises a frame having opposed first and second frame ends and an upstanding security locker affixed to the frame. The security locker has an enclosure defined by at least one wall, at least one rod hole formed in said at least one wall, and an access panel of the security locker affording access to the enclosure. Additionally, the vehicle further comprises at least one elongate support rod, a first end of the at least one support rod receivable through respective ones of the rod holes into the security locker. Further, the vehicle comprises at least one removable retaining device for attachment to the first end of a support rod. When the first end is in the enclosure, the retaining device prevents the first end from being withdrawn from the enclosure until the retaining device is removed.

Further, the at least one cable carton contains a reel of wire or cable and have a top panel, a bottom panel, a left panel, and a right panel, the bottom panel having opposed left and right sides. The left panel extends upwardly from the left side of the bottom panel, the right panel extends upwardly from the right side of the bottom panel, the top panel adjoins the left and right panels and is spaced from and parallel to the bottom panel. Arbor holes are formed in each of the left and right panels and around an axis so as to both be a first predetermined distance from an upper surface of the bottom panel and a second predetermined distance from the lower surface of the top panel and the carton includes an axial passageway between the arbor holes. The at least one elongate support rod is adapatable to be inserted through the arbor holes and the axial passageway, and at least one rod hole of the locker. Preferably, the vehicle is a cart or a hand truck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the invention and their advantages can be discerned in the following detailed description, in which like characters denote like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is side view according to one aspect of the invention showing a plurality of containers installed on a cart with support rods shown in hidden line;

FIG. 1A is a side view showing a hinge attachment of the locker to the frame;

FIG. 1B is a side view showing attachment of the locker to the frame by a retention device;

FIG. 1C is a sectional view of one of the cartons shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a security locker showing according to another aspect of the invention showing the first ends of the support rods being supported by a large security locker and a variety of primary retaining devices attached to the first ends;

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment showing a smaller security locker and having a slideable panel inside two channels, with rod ends and fasteners shown in hidden line;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a second upstanding panel for use with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of the invention showing the security locker being rotated from a use configuration to a storage configuration and laying down in a storage configuration; and

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a two-wheeled hand truck or dolly according to another embodiment of the invention having a security locker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, a vehicle, indicated generally at 100, for the transportation of containers 101 of reeled cable or wire comprises a frame 102 having a first frame end 104 and an opposed second frame end 106 and a security locker 110A affixed to the frame 102 near the second frame end 106. The security locker 110A has an enclosure defined by at least one wall 226 having a plurality of vertically spaced-apart first support rod holes 202A-C that are preferably in a vertical line and are equidistantly spaced. The security locker 110A has an access panel 204 affording access to the locker 110A which is adaptable to being locked and unlocked.

Additionally, the vehicle 100 further comprises a plurality of vertically spaced elongate support rods 112A-C having first ends 114 that are receivable through respective ones of the preferably first rod support holes 202A-C into the security locker 110A. The first end of each support rod 112 has a removable primary retaining device 206A-C for attachment to the first end of the support rod 112 when the first end 114 is in the enclosure. The primary retaining devices 206A-C prevent the first end 112 of the support rod 112 from being withdrawn from the enclosure until the primary retaining devices 206A-C are removed. Preferably, the vertical first rod support holes 202A-C are in a vertical line and are equidistantly spaced.

The security locker may take a variety of configurations, being small enough to enclose only the first ends 114 and primary retaining devices 206, as shown in FIG. 2B, or large enough to hold larger items such as hard hats, tools, tool belts, etc., as shown in FIG. 2A. Also, the locker may contain a variety of features such as one or more shelves 232, and hooks 234. In a preferred embodiment, the security locker 110A further comprises a front wall 208 having a top edge 210, a first edge 212, a second edge 214, and a bottom edge 216. The locker 110A also has a support wall 226 parallel to and spaced from the front wall 208. Additionally, a first sidewall 218 extending from the first edge 212 and being orthogonal to the front wall 208, a second sidewall 220 extending from the second edge 214 and being orthogonal to the front wall and spaced from the first sidewall, a bottom wall 222 extending from the bottom edge 216 and being orthogonal to the front wall 208 and first and second side walls 218, 220, and a top wall 224 along the top edge 210, parallel to and spaced from the bottom wall 222. The access panel 204 is formed in at least a portion of one of the front wall 208, first sidewall 218, second sidewall 220, and the top tall 224. One or more walls of the security locker 110A may be a wire mesh or expanded metal such that the contents of the locker 110A are visible from the exterior.

More preferably, the vehicle has at least one access panel hinge 228 affixed to the access panel 204 and a wall of the locker 110A with the access panel 204 being rotatable about an axis 230 formed by the hinge 228, as shown in FIG. 2A. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, the security locker 110B may comprise a first channel 240 in the first sidewall 218 and a second channel 242 in the second sidewall 220 and being slideable in the first and second channels 240, 242.

Even more preferably, the security locker 110A comprises a loop 120 for securing the locker 110A to a fixed anchor such as a truck, a piece of machinery, or a light pole. This allows the vehicle 100 to be left on the job site and ensures the locker 110A and its contents are not stolen. As used herein, the term “loop” is intended to mean any surface forming an unbroken perimeter through which a cable or a chain may be passed to connect the vehicle 100 to the anchor. Thus, the loop may be a handle attached to one or more surfaces of the locker or even a hole passing through the locker 110A. Additionally, a loop 120 may be affixed to the frame 102.

In one embodiment, the frame 102 is a cart having wheels 124 and the frame is an elongate horizontal frame and further comprises an upstanding panel 108 affixed to the first frame end 104, the upstanding panel 108 having a plurality of second rod support holes 302A-C (see FIG. 3), for receiving respective second ends 116 of the support rods 112A-C. Additionally, a front vertical panel 103 may be affixed to the first frame end 104. Preferably, the front vertical panel 103 has a plurality of support rod storage holes 203 for receiving the first ends 114 or the second ends 116 of the support rods 112A-C when the cart 110A is in the storage configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, the cart is reconfigurable between a use configuration and a storage configuration. The locker may further comprise a security locker hinge 238 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A) that is affixed to the security locker 110A and the frame 102 so that the security locker 110A can rotate around the second hinge 238 between the storage and the use position. In the storage position, the locker 110A lays down onto the frame 102.

Alternatively, the vehicle 100 may comprise a rear vertical panel 126 at the second frame end 106 having an affixation hole 127 disposed to be coaxial with and adjacent to at least one first rod support hole 202A-C such that a first end 114 of a support rod 112 is receivable through the affixation hole 127 and second rod support hole 202. The rear vertical panel 126 may also have a plurality of support rod storage holes 203. Additionally, the vehicle may comprise left and right vertical panels 128, 130 that adjoin the security locker 110B and the rear panel 126 as well as an end wall 129 at the second frame end 106. As shown in FIG. 2A, a depth 211 of the locker 110A preferably equals the depth 213 of the cart 100 such that the support wall 226 of the locker supports the cartons 101.

Referring to FIG. 3, the support rods 112A-C may further comprise one or more secondary retaining devices 304 for attachment to the second ends 116 of the support rods 112 to prevent the axial rod 112 from being withdrawn from the vehicle. The secondary retaining device 304 is preferably an enlarged end.

In an alternate embodiment, the vehicle is a hand truck, indicated generally at 500, for the transportation of containers 101A-B each container having a passageway 154 therethrough. The frame is at least one elongate vertical member 504 and the hand truck further comprises a horizontally disposed flat bottom shelf 502 for receiving containers affixed to the second end of the frame. A second end 514 of each support rod 112 is enlarged so as to affix at least one container 101 to the respective support rod.

Preferably, the hand truck 500 further comprises at least one cross member 506 disposed transversely of and affixed to the at least one vertical member 504, with each cross member 506 having a rod-receiving cross member hole 508 formed therein. Each cross member hole 508 is coaxial with and adjacent to each respective support rod hole and the security locker 520 is affixed to at least one cross member 506. Preferably, the holes 508 are vertically spaced apart from each other. As above, the plurality of elongate support rods 510 each have a first end 512 that is adapted to be inserted through at least one passageway 154 in the containers 101 and into a respective cross member hole 508. Preferably, the hand truck 500 also has a plurality of support rod storage sleeves 524 affixed to at least one cross member 506, each sleeve receiving a respective support rod for storing the support rod while not in use.

As above, the locker 520 has at least one access panel hinge 518 affixed to the access panel 521 and a wall of the security locker 520, the access panel hinge 518 being rotatable about an axis 522 formed by the access hinge 518.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, a system for dispensing wire or cable from reels and for deterring theft of the reels comprises a vehicle 100 for the transportation of containers 101 of wire or cable and at least one carton 101. The vehicle comprises a frame 102 having opposed first and second frame ends 104, 106 and an upstanding security locker 110A affixed to the frame 102 near the second frame end 106. The security locker 110A has an enclosure defined by at least one wall 226, at least one rod hole 202A-C formed in the at least one wall 226, and an access panel 204 of the security locker 110A affording access to the enclosure. Additionally, the vehicle 100 further comprises at least one elongate support rod 112, a first end 114 of the support rod receivable through the at least one rod hole 202A-C into the security locker 110A, and at least one removable retaining device 206 for attachment to the first end 114 when the first end 114 is in the enclosure. Thus, the at least one retaining device 206 prevents the first end 114 from being withdrawn from the enclosure unless the retaining device 206 is removed.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the at least one cable carton 101 contains a reel 132 of wire or cable and have a top panel 134, a bottom panel 136, a left panel 138, and a right panel 140, the bottom panel 136 having opposed left 142 and right sides 144. The left panel 138 extends upwardly from the left side 142 of the bottom panel 136, the right panel 140 extends upwardly from the right side 144 of the bottom panel 136, the top panel 134 adjoins the left and right panels 138, 140 and is spaced from and parallel to the bottom panel 136. Arbor holes 146 are formed in each of the left and right panels 138, 140 and around an axis 148 so as to both be a first predetermined distance from an upper surface 150 of the bottom panel 136 and a second predetermined distance from the lower surface 152 of the top panel 134. An axial passageway 154 is formed between the arbor holes. At least one carton support rod 112 is adaptable to be inserted through the arbor holes 146, the axial passageway 154, and the at least one rod hole 202A-C of the locker 110A is positioned side by side such that the arbor holes thereof are aligned on a single axis.

The at least one elongate support rod 112C is inserted through the arbor holes 146 and may also go through an axial passageway 154 of each reel and the arbor holes 146 of each carton 101. Additionally, the system may comprise at least a second cable reel carton 101 positioned side by side with the first carton 101 such that the arbor holes 146 are aligned on a single axis and the at least one elongate support rod 112C extends through the arbor holes 146 of the first and second cartons

At least a third carton 101 may be positioned above the first carton and a second rod hole 202B in the at least one sidewall is vertically spaced from the first rod hole 202C by a distance equal to the spacing between the arbor holes 146 of the first and third cartons. A second elongate support rod 112B is receivable through the second rod hole.

Similarly, at least a fourth carton may be positioned above the second carton side by side with the third carton such that the arbor holes are aligned on a single axis. The second support rod is receivable through the arbor holes of the third and fourth cartons and a second rod hole in the at least one wall of the security locker 110A.

Preferably, the vehicle 100 is a cart, the frame 102 including an elongate horizontal frame and an upstanding panel 108 having at least one second rod support hole 202A-C that is affixed to the first frame end 104.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle 100 is a hand truck 500, the frame including at least one elongate vertical member 504 and further comprising a horizontally disposed flat bottom shelf 502 affixed to the second frame end 526. The shelf 502 is for receiving containers 101, with each container having a passageway therethrough. The second end 514 of the at least one support rod 510 is enlarged so as to affix the containers 101 to the security locker 520. At least one cross member 506 is affixed to and disposed transversely of the at least one vertical member 504 and has a rod-receiving cross member hole 508 formed therein.

In summary, the different embodiments of the present invention allow the user to move heavy cartons of cable around the work site while providing security at the same time. Since access to the support rods is restricted by a security locker, only authorized personnel can remove the cartons, thereby preventing theft and reducing material costs.

While illustrated embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in the appended drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto but only by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle for the transportation of containers of reeled cable or wire comprising:

a frame having opposed first and second frame ends;

an upstanding security locker affixed to the frame near the second frame end, the security locker having an enclosure defined by at least one wall, a plurality of vertically spaced-apart first support rod holes formed in said wall, and an access panel of the security locker affording access to the enclosure and adaptable to be locked and unlocked;

a plurality of vertically spaced apart elongate support rods, first ends of the support rods receivable through respective ones of the first rod holes into the security locker; and

for each first end of a support rod, a removable primary retaining device for attachment to the first end of the support rod when the first end is in the enclosure, the primary retaining device preventing the first end from being withdrawn from the enclosure until the primary retaining device is removed.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, the locker including a front wall having a top edge, a first edge, a second edge, and a bottom edge, and having a support wall parallel to and spaced from the front wall, a first sidewall extending from the first edge and being orthogonal to the front wall, a second sidewall extending from the second edge and being orthogonal to the front wall and spaced from the first sidewall, a bottom wall extending from the bottom edge and being orthogonal to the front wall and first and second sidewalls, and a top wall extending from the top edge and parallel to and spaced from the bottom wall;

wherein the access panel is formed in at least a portion of one of the front wall, first sidewall, second sidewall, and top wall.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, further comprising at least one access panel hinge affixed to the access panel and a wall of the security locker, the access panel being rotatable about an axis formed by the access panel hinge.

4. The vehicle of claim 2, further comprising a first channel in the first sidewall and a second channel in the second sidewall, the access panel being slideable in the first and second channels.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising at least one shelf in the security locker.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a hook in the security locker.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a cart, the frame having an elongate horizontal frame, the cart further comprising an upstanding panel affixed to the first frame end, the upstanding panel having a plurality of second vertically spaced apart rod support holes, for receiving respective second ends of the support rods.

8. The cart of claim 7, further comprising a rear vertical panel at the second frame end having at least one affixation hole disposed to be coaxial with and adjacent to at least one second rod support hole such that at least one first end of a support rod is receivable through a respective affixation hole and second rod support hole, the rear vertical panel having a plurality of support rod storage holes for receiving the first ends of the support rods;

a left vertical panel adjoining the security locker and the rear vertical panel, the left vertical panel being disposed in a plane orthogonal to the rear vertical panel; and

a right vertical panel adjoining the security locker and the rear vertical panel, the right vertical panel being parallel to the left panel.

9. The cart of claim 7, further comprising a front vertical panel affixed to the first frame end.

10. The vehicle of claim 7, the cart reconfigurable between a use configuration and a storage configuration and further comprising a security locker hinge affixed to the security locker and the frame such that the security locker is pivotable around the security locker hinge between the storage position and the use position.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the locker lays down onto the frame when in the storage position.

12. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein a depth of the locker equals a depth of the cart such that the support wall of the locker supports the cartons.

13. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a loop affixed to the security locker for receiving a chain or cable and affixing the cart to an immovable anchor.

14. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a loop affixed to the frame for receiving a chain or cable and affixing the cart to an immovable anchor.

15. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wheels mounted to the frame.

16. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the locker is sized to enclose the first rod ends, the primary retaining devices, and tools.

17. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the locker is sized to enclose only the first rod ends and fasteners.

18. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one wall is a wire mesh or expanded metal such that the contents of the security locker are visible from the exterior.

19. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first support rod holes are in a vertical line.

20. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first support rod holes are equidistantly spaced.

21. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a hand truck, the frame having at least one elongate vertical member, the handtruck further comprising:

a horizontally disposed flat bottom shelf affixed to the second end of the frame, the shelf for receiving containers, each container having a passageway therethrough for a support rod; and

a second end of each support rod being enlarged so as to affix at least one container to the respective support rod.

22. The hand truck of claim 21, the locker including a front wall having a top edge, a first edge, a second edge, and a bottom edge, and having a support wall parallel to and spaced from the front wall, a first sidewall extending from the first edge and being orthogonal to the front wall, a second sidewall extending from the second edge and being orthogonal to the front wall and spaced from the first sidewall, a bottom wall extending from the bottom edge and being orthogonal to the front wall and first and second sidewalls, and a top wall extending from the top edge and parallel to and spaced from the bottom wall, the security locker being affixed to at least one cross member;

wherein the access panel is formed in at least a portion of one of the front wall, first sidewall, second sidewall, and top wall.

23. The hand truck of claim 22, further comprising at least one cross member disposed transversely of and affixed to the at least one vertical member, each cross member having a rod-receiving cross member hole formed therein, each cross member hole being coaxial with and adjacent to each respective support rod hole, the security locker being affixed to at least one cross member.

24. The hand truck of claim 22, further comprising a plurality of support rod storage sleeves affixed to at least one cross member, each sleeve receiving a respective support rod for storing the support rod while not in use.

25. A system for dispensing wire or cable from reels and for deterring theft of the reels, comprising:

a vehicle for the transportation of containers of wire or cable comprising: a frame having opposed first and second frame ends; an upstanding security locker affixed to the frame near the second frame end, the security locker having an enclosure defined by at least one wall, at least one rod hole formed in the at least one wall into the enclosure and an access panel of the security locker affording access to the enclosure; at least one elongate support rod, a first end of the support rod receivable through the at least one rod hole into the security locker; at least one removable retaining device for attachment to the first end of the support rod when the first end is in the enclosure until the retaining device prevents the first end from being withdrawn from the enclosure unless the retaining device is removed; and

at least one cable carton containing a reel of wire or cable and having a top panel, a bottom panel, a left panel, and a right panel, the bottom panel having opposed left and right sides, the left panel extending upwardly from the left side of the bottom panel, the right panel extending upwardly from the right side of the bottom panel, the top panel adjoining the left and right panels and being spaced from and parallel to the bottom panel, arbor holes formed in each of the left and right panels and around an axis so as to both be a first predetermined distance from an upper surface of the bottom panel and a second predetermined distance from the lower surface of the top panel, and axial passageway between the arbor holes;

the at least one elongate support rod adaptable to be inserted through the arbor holes, the axial passageway, and the at least one rod hole of the locker.

26. The system of claim 25, further comprising at least a second cable reel carton positioned side by side with the first carton such that the arbor holes thereof are aligned on a single axis, the at least one elongate support rod extending through the arbor holes of the first and second cartons.

27. The system of claim 26, further comprising at least a third carton positioned above the first carton, a second rod hole in the at least one sidewall vertically spaced from the first rod hole by a distance equal to the spacing between the arbor holes in the right panels of the first and third cartons, and a second elongate support rod receivable through the arbor holes of the third carton and the second rod hole.

28. The system of claim 27, further comprising at least a fourth carton positioned above the second carton and side by side with the third carton such that the arbor holes thereof are aligned on a single axis, the second support rod receivable through the arbor holes of the third and fourth cartons and a second rod hole.

29. The system of claim 25, further comprising at least a second cable reel carton positioned above the first carton, at least a second rod hole, and at least a second elongate support rod receivable through the second rod hole into the security locker.

30. The system of claim 25, wherein the vehicle is a cart, the frame including an elongate horizontal frame, the cart further comprising an upstanding panel having at least one second rod support hole and being affixed to the first frame end.

31. The system of claim 25, wherein the vehicle is a hand truck, the frame including at least one elongate vertical member, the hand truck further comprising:

at least one cross member affixed to and disposed transversely of the at least one vertical member, each cross member having a rod-receiving cross member hole formed therein;

a horizontally disposed flat bottom shelf affixed to the second end of the frame, the shelf adapted for receiving cartons; and

the second end of the at least one support rod being enlarged so as to affix said at least one carton to the support rod.