Stripping device for bundled cable

Abstract

A device for stripping cables held closely together in a bundled configuration includes a first end component defining a first slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end. A central component defines a second slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end. The central component has a cutting blade projecting into the second slot. A second end component defines a third slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end. The central component at the first end is configured to be rotatably coupled to the first end component, and the central component at the second end is configured to be rotatably coupled to the second end component such that the first through third slots are alignable for receiving a cable to be stripped, and such that the first, second and third slots are misalignable for retaining a cable therein while being stripped.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to electrical insulation stripping devices, and more particularly to devices for stripping individual cables mid-span and closely held together in a bundled configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stripping a portion of the outer jacket of a cable is typically accomplished manually with a utility knife or other sharp blade. A drawback of stripping with such blades is that the outer conductor can be accidentally nicked or damaged if the blade is plunged to deeply into the outer jacket. Another drawback is that the knife or blade might slip out of the jacket and cause injury to the person stripping the jacket. Moreover, the stripping of several cables in a bundled configuration can be time-consuming and tedious.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for stripping cables held closely together in a bundled configuration which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the present invention, a device for stripping cables held closely together in a bundled configuration includes a first end component defining a first slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end thereof. A central component defines a second slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end thereof. The central component has a cutting blade projecting inwardly into the second slot. A second end component defines a third slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end thereof. The central component at the first end thereof is configured to be rotatably coupled to the first end component, and the central component at the second end thereof is configured to be rotatably coupled to the second end component such that the first, second and third slots are alignable for receiving a cable to be stripped, and such that the first, second and third slots are misalignable for retaining a cable therein while being stripped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a stripping device in a cable receiving/removing position in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the stripping device of FIG. 1 in a cable retaining position.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the stripping device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a central component of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the central component.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the central component taken along the line A-A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an end component of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the end component of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a connecting rod for holding together the components of the device.

FIG. 10A is a side view of a cutting blade of the device.

FIG. 10B is a front view of the cutting blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIGS. 1-10B, a device for stripping electrical insulation from a cable in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference number 10. The device 10 comprises a first end component 12, a central component 14 and a second end component 16. The first end component 12 is rotatably coupled to a first end 18 of the central component 14, and the second end component 16 is rotatably coupled to a second end 20 of the central component as is explained more fully below. The components 12, 14, 16 each are preferably generally cylindrical in cross-section for ease of handling and use in tight spaces where cables are held closely together in a bundled configuration, but can be rectangular, square or take other practical shapes. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7, the first and second end components 12, 16 preferably have a portion of their outer surface defining knurls 21 for providing an enhanced gripping surface, but can employ a rubber-like or other enhanced gripping surface without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first end component 12 defines a first slot 22 longitudinally extending from a first end 24 to a second end 26 of the first component. Likewise, the central component 14 defines a second slot 28 longitudinally extending from the first end 18 to the second end 20 of the central component. Moreover, the second end component 16 defines a third slot 30 longitudinally extending from a first end 32 to a second end 34 of the second component. When the central component 14 is coupled to the first and second end components 12, 16, the first, second and third slots 22, 28, 30 defined by the components are generally coaxially and longitudinally aligned in end-to-end configuration to form a single, combined slot longitudinally extending from the first end 24 of the first end component 12 to the second end 34 of the second end component 16.

The first end component 12 further defines a first interior channel 36 and a second interior channel 38 each extending from the first end 24 to the second end 26 of the first end component. As shown in FIG. 8, the first and second channels 36, 38 are preferably radially disposed on opposite sides relative to each other. Similarly, the central component 14 defines a third interior channel 40 and a fourth interior channel 42 each extending from the first end 18 to the second end 20 of the central component. As best shown in FIG. 5, the third and fourth channels 40, 42 are preferably radially disposed on opposite sides relative to each other. Moreover, the second end component 16 defines a fifth interior channel 44 and a sixth interior channel 46 each extending from the first end 32 to the second end 34 of the second end component. As shown in FIG. 3, the fifth and sixth channels 44, 46 are preferably radially disposed on opposite sides relative to each other.

When the central component 14 is coupled to the first and second end components 12, 14, the first, third and fifth interior channels 36, 40, 44 defined by the components are generally coaxially and longitudinally aligned in end-to-end configuration to form a single, combined channel longitudinally extending from the first end 24 of the first end component 12 to the second end 34 of the second end component 16. Likewise, the second, fourth and sixth interior channels 38, 42, 46 defined by the components are generally coaxially and longitudinally aligned in end-to-end configuration to form another single, combined channel longitudinally extending from the first end 24 of the first end component 12 to the second end 34 of the second end component 16.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first and second channels 36, 38 of the first end component 12, and likewise the fifth and sixth channels 44, 46 of the second end component 16 each are preferably circular in cross-section, but can be other practical shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the third and fourth channels 40, 42 of the central component 14 each are preferably arcuate in cross-section for reasons to be explained below.

A first elongated member or connecting rod 52, as shown in FIG. 9, is received in the first, third and fifth channels 36, 40, 44 to couple together the first end component 12, the central component 14 and the second end component 16. Likewise, a second elongated member or connecting rod 54 is received in the second, fourth and sixth channels 38, 42, 46 to couple together the first end component 12, the central component 14 and the second end component 16. The first and second elongated members 52, 54 each are preferably circular in cross-section or of corresponding shape to that of at least some of the channels. Moreover, the first and second elongated members 52, 54 each are sized to be friction fitted in the channels so that the components 12, 14, 16 are firmly but releasably secured to one another.

The third channel 40 defined by the central component 14 is arcuate in cross-section to allow relative movement of the first elongated member 52 within the third channel from one radial end 56 to an opposite radial end 58 of the arcuate third channel. Likewise, the fourth channel 42 defined by the central component 14 is arcuate in cross-section to allow relative movement of the second elongated member 54 within the fourth channel from one radial end 60 to an opposite radial end 62 of the arcuate fourth channel. Relative movement of the first and second elongated members 40, 42 respectively within the third and fourth channels 52, 54 results in rotation of the central component 14 relative to the first and second end components 12, 16 for reasons to be explained below.

The first end component 12 defines longitudinally extending first and second lips 64, 66 on each side of the first slot 22. The first and second lips 64, 66 are spaced a predetermined distance from each other for receiving a cable into the first slot 22. Similarly, the central component 14 defines longitudinally extending third and fourth lips 68, 70 on each side of the second slot 28. The third and fourth lips 68, 70 are preferably spaced the same predetermined distance from each other as that of the first and second lips 64, 66 for receiving a cable into the second slot 28. Moreover, the second end component 16 defines longitudinally extending fifth and sixth lips 72, 74 on each side of the third slot 30. The fifth and sixth lips 72, 74 are preferably spaced the same predetermined distance from each other as that of the lips of the first end component 12 and the central component 14 for receiving a cable into the third slot 30.

The central component 14 is rotatable relative to the first and second end components 12, 16 such that the opposing lips of the components are flush with one another in order to receive a cable into the combined slot defined by the components 12, 14, 16 (see FIG. 1). More specifically, the first, third and fifth lips 64, 68, 72 are flush with one another on one side of the combined slot, and the second, fourth and sixth lips 66, 70, 74 are flush with one another on the other side of the combined slot so as to place the device 10 in a cable receiving/removing position.

Moreover, the central component 14 is rotatable relative to the first and second end components 12, 16 such that the opposing lips of the end components are misaligned with adjacent lips of the central component in order to retain a cable in the combined slot defined by the components 12, 14, 16 (see FIG. 2). More specifically, the third lip 68 is longitudinally misaligned with the first and fifth lips 64, 72 on one side of the combined slot, and the fourth lip 70 is longitudinally misaligned with the second and sixth lips 66, 74 on the other side of the combined slot so as to place the device 10 in a cable retaining position. Stated another way, the distance between the lip 68 of the central component 14 and the lips 66, 74 of the end components 12, 16 are reduced in order to prevent a cable from leaving the combined slot while the outer jacket of the cable is being stripped.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the central component 14 includes a cutting blade 76 (see also FIGS. 4, 6, 10A and 10B) projecting inwardly into the second slot 28 for cutting into and removing a portion of the electrical insulation jacket of a cable disposed in the second slot. A tip 78 of the cutting blade 76 is angled into the second slot 28 so as to enable the insulation jacket to be peeled off of the cable when the cutting blade of the device 10 is rotated relative to the cable. The central component 14 further defines a hole 80 adjacent to the cutting blade 76 and generally on an opposite side of the central component 14 relative to that of the lips 68, 70 for providing an opening for the stripped jacket material to exit the device 10.

The central component 14 is slightly larger in cross-section as seen in a longitudinal direction therealong, and defines recessed seats 82, 84 at each longitudinal end for receiving and abutting against an opposing longitudinal end surface of the first and second end components 12, 16.

In operation, a cable having an electrical insulation jacket is received into the axially extending combined slot of the device 10 when the device 10 is in a cable receiving/removing position. The cutting blade 76 protruding inwardly into second slot 28 (i.e., the central portion of the combined slot) engages the jacket of the cable. As mentioned above, the central component 14 of the device 10 which holds the cutting blade 76 is separate from and slightly rotatable relative to the first and second end components 12, 16. Once a cable is inserted in the combined slot, the central component 14 of the device 10 can then be slightly rotated relative to the end components 12, 16 of the device which in turn misaligns the slot 28 defined by the central component relative to the slots 22, 30 respectively defined by the end components 12, 16 (see FIG. 2) in order to place the device 10 in a cable retaining position to thereby hold the cable firmly in place within the combined slot during the stripping operation.

The device 10 is then rotated several times about the cable such that the cutting blade 76 cuts into and peels the jacket away from the outer conductor of the cable. The device 10 is also gently pushed along the cable in a direction to be stripped while rotating thereabout in order to strip the cable to the desired length. When the cable is stripped to the desired length, the central component 14 of the device 10 is then slightly rotated relative to the end components 12, 16 of the device to align the slot 28 defined by the central component relative to the slots 22, 30 respectively defined by the end components 12, 16 (see FIG. 1) in order to return the device 10 to the cable receiving/removing position to permit the cable to be removed from the device 10. The process of stripping is repeated on the remaining cables until all of the bundled cables are stripped.

As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, numerous modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiment of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the preceding portion of this specification is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A device for stripping cables held closely together in a bundled configuration, the device comprising:

a first end component defining a first slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end thereof;

a central component defining a second slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end thereof, the central component having a cutting blade projecting inwardly into the second slot;

a second end component defining a third slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end thereof; and

the central component at the first end thereof being configured to be rotatably coupled to the first end component, and the central component at the second end thereof being configured to be rotatably coupled to the second end component such that the first, second and third slots are alignable for receiving a cable to be stripped, and such that the first, second and third slots are misalignable for retaining a cable therein while being stripped.

2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the first end component, the central component and the second end component each define at least one interior channel extending from the first end to the second end thereof, the at least one interior channels of the components being generally coaxially aligned to form a single, combined channel, and further comprising an elongated member configured to be received in the combined channel for coupling together the components.

3. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the first end component, the central component and the second end component each define two interior channels each extending from the first end to the second end thereof, the two interior channels of the components each being generally coaxially aligned to form a single, combined channel, and further comprising two elongated members each configured to be received in one of the combined channels for coupling together the components.

4. A device as defined in claim 2, wherein the at least one interior channel of the first end component and the at least one interior channel of the second end component are circular, and wherein the at least one interior channel of the central component is arcuate.

5. A device as defined in claim 3, wherein the two interior channels of the first end component and the two interior channels of the second end component are circular, and wherein the two interior channels of the central component are arcuate.

6. A device as defined in claim 2, wherein the elongated member is circular in cross-section.

7. A device as defined in claim 3, wherein the two elongated members each are circular in cross-section.

8. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the first, second and third slots each are U-shaped.

9. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the first end component and the second end component each have an outer surface defining knurls to provide secure gripping thereto.

10. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the central component defines a hole adjacent to the cutting blade for providing an opening for stripped jacket material to exit.

11. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the cutting blade includes a tip angled into the second slot so as to enable an insulation jacket to be peeled off of a cable when the cutting blade is rotated relative to the cable.