Wire Organizer for Untangling and Arranging Strands of Wires and Cables

Abstract

A wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables ensures wires being pulled out of a wire spool are correctly labeled. The wire organizer includes an elongated body, a plurality of conduits, and a plurality of modifiable labels. The plurality of conduits separates and organizes wires in a manner which allows the wires to travel freely through the elongated body. The plurality of modifiable labels identifies the insulating material, conductor material, and/or external dimensions of wires traveling through the plurality of conduits. The plurality of conduits is drilled transversely through the longitudinal side of the elongated body. Each of the plurality of modifiable labels is positioned directly over a corresponding one of the plurality of conduits, thereby helping the user correctly identify the wires.

Description

[0001] The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/433,303 filed on Dec. 13, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables. More specifically, the present invention comprises a plurality of conduits for separating the strands of wires and a plurality of modifiable labels for identifying each strand of wire.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is a wire organizer for separating, organizing, and identifying strands of wires pulled out of a wire spool. Strands of wires are unwound from wire spools and transported to remote location where they can be used. Once a sufficient length of strand is pulled, the strand is labeled and cut. The label may identify various characteristics of the strand such as the type of insulating material, the type of conductor, or specific dimensions of the wire. The strand of wire is usually labeled with a stick-on tag with a code that identifies the characteristics of the wire. However, the wire spool is usually located at a remote location and the user cannot visually inspect the wire spool before cutting the wire. This leads to the wires being mislabeled and incorrectly utilized. Given, the hectic work environment the mistake may be caught only after the damage has been already been done.

[0004] Conventional wire organizers are called wire combs. Wire combs usually comprise a plurality of grooves positioned next to each other. Each of the plurality of grooves holds a single strand of wire. The wires are positioned in a manner which causes the wires to rub against the inner walls of the plurality of grooves. This can damage the insulating coating of the wire when the wire is pulled through the wire comb. Thus, conventional wire combs cannot be used to pull the wires through the wire comb. Additionally, conventional wire combs lack built-in modifiable labels for identifying each strand of wire engaged to the wire comb.

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy the limitations of conventional wire combs. The present invention organizes and separates wires being pulled from a wire comb. The wires are suspended within a plurality of conduits, which allows the wires to freely travel through the present invention. Each conduit is identified by one of a plurality of modifiable labels. Once the wires are pulled to the desired lengths, the user can check a corresponding modifiable label to ensure that the wire is correctly labeled prior to cutting wire, thereby reducing the chance of the wires being mislabeled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention showing the position of the base surface on the elongated body.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a detail view of circle 3 in FIG. 2 showing the positioning of the plurality of conduits within the elongated body.

[0009] FIG. 4A is a detail view of circle 4 in FIG. 1 showing the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels of each of the plurality of modifiable labels.

[0010] FIG. 4B is a detail view of circle 4 in FIG. 1 showing the wheel body and the rotation axis of each of the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0012] The present invention is a wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables. The wire organizer helps a user to identify and label wires being unfurled from a remotely positioned wire spool. FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising an elongated body 1, a plurality of conduits 2, a plurality of modifiable labels 3. Wires travel from the wire spool through the elongated body 1 to their respective destinations. Each wire is positioned inside one of the plurality of conduits 2 that corresponds to one of the plurality of modifiable labels 3. The plurality of modifiable labels 3 helps the user to identify the wires traveling through the plurality of conduits 2. Once a sufficient length of a wire is extracted from the wire spool, the user labels the wire and cuts it. Before labeling the wire, the user can check a corresponding modifiable label from the plurality of modifiable labels 3 to the wire to ensure the wire is correctly labeled. As such, the present invention prevents wires being mislabeled.

[0013] The elongated body 1 comprises a base surface 4 and a labeling surface 5. FIG. 2 shows the base surface 4 of the elongated body 1. The elongated body 1 is positioned level on a flat surface to ensure the wires don't rub or press against the plurality of conduits 2. More specifically, the elongated body 1 is positioned on the flat surface with the base surface 4 positioned coincident to the flat surface. Pads or panels made of high friction materials such as rubber may be placed on the base surface 4 to prevent the elongated body 1 from slipping on the flat surface. This prevents the elongated body 1 from slipping on the flat surface. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wires traverse through the width of the elongated body 1. As such, the base surface 4 and the labeling surface 5 are positioned along the elongated body 1. Further, the base surface 4 and the labeling surface 5 are positioned opposite to each other about the elongated body 1. This positions the labeling surface 5 facing upwards from the flat surface, in clear view of the user.

[0014] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the plurality of conduits 2 laterally traverses through the elongated body 1. More specifically, the plurality of conduits 2 is drilled through the sides positioned along the length of the elongated body 1. The plurality of conduits 2 is evenly distributed along the elongated body 1. Further, the plurality of conduits 2 is parallel to each other. The wire spool outputs parallel strands of wires that must each be labeled with an appropriate label. Therefore, the plurality of conduits 2 must be parallel to each other to prevent the parallel strands from rubbing against the sidewalls of the plurality of conduits 2. The plurality of conduits 2 must be positioned at an appropriate height to ensure that the strands of wires don't rub against the inner walls of the plurality of conduits 2. Since the plurality of conduits 2 is positioned in between the base surface 4 and the labeling surface 5, this also determines the height of the elongated body 1. Alternately, risers may be added to the base surface 4 of the elongated body 1 to raise the plurality of conduits 2 up to the appropriate height. The plurality of modifiable labels 3 is mounted onto the labeling surface 5. Each modifiable label 3 identifies the type of insulating material applied to the strand of wire traveling through the corresponding conduit. More specifically, each modifiable label 3 displays a three-digit numeric code which identifies the insulating material. To correctly help the user identify a strand of wire inside a conduit, each of the plurality of modifiable labels 3 are aligned along a corresponding conduit from the plurality of conduits 2. As such, before cutting a wire, the user can check the modifiable label directly over the corresponding conduit and tag the wire with the appropriate code.

[0015] Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of modifiable labels 3 comprises a plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels 31. The use of the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels 31 prevents the user from inadvertently changing a numeric code on a modifiable table. The plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels 31 is also resistant to impacts and forces involved in sudden movements. The plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels 31 is rotatably integrated into the elongated body 1. In particular, the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels 31 is integrated onto the labeling surface 5 of the elongated body 1. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels 31 is three thumbwheels. As such, this allows the plurality of modifiable labels 3 to display the three-digit numeric codes for identifying the insulating materials of the wires. Alternately, the three-digit numeric code may also be used to identify the conductor materials of the wires. For example, the plurality of modifiable labels may be used to identify conductors such as copper, aluminum, silver, or similar metallic materials. Preferably, a rotation axis 34 of the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels 31 for each of the plurality of modifiable labels 3 is oriented parallel to the corresponding conduit. As a result, the each of the plurality of modifiable labels 3 is read from left to right along the width of the elongated body 1.

[0016] Referring more specifically to FIG. 5, each of the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels 31 comprises a wheel body 32 and a plurality of number labels 33. The wheel body 32 is mounted onto the rotation axis 34 and controlled by the at least two buttons. As such, the numbers must be read from left to right along the width of the elongated body 1. The plurality of number labels 33 is laterally distributed around the wheel body 32. In the preferred embodiment, the wheel body 32 is ten-sided polygon. Each side of the wheel body 32 displays one of the plurality of number labels 33. Thus, the wheel body 32 is capable of selectively displaying the digits 0-9. Thus, each of the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels 31 can display any number between 1-999. Further, the plurality of number labels 33 is inscribed onto the wheel body 32. Alternately, the plurality of number labels 33 may be painted or adhered to each side of the wheel body 32. In the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels 31 is controlled by at least two buttons. More specifically, the at least two buttons control the rotation of the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels 31. Preferably there is an increment button and a decrement button. The increment button causes the wheel body 32 to rotate in a manner which increases the digit being displayed. Likewise, the decrement button causes the wheel body 32 to rotate in a manner which decreases the digit being displayed.

[0017] Alternately, the plurality of modifiable labels 3 may comprise a plurality of manually-actuated thumbwheels. The plurality of manually-actuated thumbwheels may comprise 3 circular wheels. The rim of each circular wheel is engraved with digits from 0 to 9. Together, the plurality of manually-actuated thumbwheels can display a number between 1 and 999. A locking mechanism may lock the rotation of the plurality of circular wheel, thereby allowing the plurality of modifiable labels 3 to display a specific number. Alternately, each circular wheel may display a number, letter, and/or symbol.

[0018] Referring back to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment of the elongated body 1 is shaped into a rectangular prism. The base surface 4 and the labeling surface 5 define the top and bottom of the rectangular prism. Thus, the wires are positioned next to each other allowing the user to easily inspect the plurality of modifiable labels 3. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the elongated body 1 may be any shape or size suited to position the wires side by side. Further, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the plurality of conduits 2 is less than 20 conduits. Thus, no more than 20 wires may be organized at the same time. However, alternate embodiments of the present invention may be designed with more than 20 conduits. A diameter of each of the plurality of conduits 2 is 0.25 inches. As such, the plurality of conduits 2 can securely fit wires having wire gauges of 6, 10, 12, 14. The wire gauge determines the overall diameter of the wire. Generally, the wire gauge is a standardized dimension used in various industries.

[0019] Finally, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated body 1 is made of plastic. More specifically, the elongated body 1 is a block of plastic shaped into a rectangular prism. The plurality of conduits 2 is transversely drilled through the lateral side of the plastic block. Plastic has a low coefficient of friction when pressing against the insulating materials used to coat wires. Materials that generate high friction when pressing against the insulating materials can cause the wires to get caught inside the plurality of conduits 2. Low friction allows the wires to move within the plurality of wires even when they are rubbing against the inner walls of the plurality of conduits 2. Generally, the elongated body 1 can be made of any material with a low coefficient of friction when pressing against the insulating materials. However, steel generates very high friction against the insulating material, therefore the elongated body 1 cannot be made of steel.

[0020] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables comprises: an elongated body; a plurality of conduits; a plurality of modifiable labels; the elongated body comprises a base surface and a labeling surface; the base surface and the labeling surface being positioned along the elongated body; the base surface and the labeling surface being positioned opposite to each other about the elongated body; the plurality of conduits laterally traversing through the elongated body; the plurality of conduits being evenly distributed along the elongated body; the plurality of conduits being positioned parallel to each other; the plurality of conduits being positioned in between the base surface and the labeling surface; the plurality of modifiable labels being mounted onto the labeling surface; and each of the plurality of modifiable labels being aligned along a corresponding conduit from the plurality of conduits.

2. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of modifiable labels comprises a plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels; and the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels being rotatably integrated into the elongated body.

3. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels is three thumbwheels.

4. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 2, wherein a rotation axis for each of the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels for each of the plurality of modifiable labels being oriented parallel to the corresponding conduit.

5. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 2 comprises: each of the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels comprises a wheel body and a plurality of number labels; the plurality of number labels being laterally distributed around the wheel body; and the plurality of number labels being inscribed onto the wheel body.

6. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated body is shaped into a rectangular prism.

7. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of conduits is less than 20 conduits.

8. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 1, wherein a diameter for each of the plurality of conduits is 0.25 inches.

9. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated body is made of plastic.

10. A wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables comprises: an elongated body; a plurality of conduits; a plurality of modifiable labels; the elongated body comprises a base surface and a labeling surface; the base surface and the labeling surface being positioned along the elongated body; the base surface and the labeling surface being positioned opposite to each other about the elongated body; each of the plurality of modifiable labels comprises a plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels; the plurality of conduits laterally traversing through the elongated body; the plurality of conduits being evenly distributed along the elongated body; the plurality of conduits being positioned parallel to each other; the plurality of conduits being positioned in between the base surface and the labeling surface; the plurality of modifiable labels being mounted onto the labeling surface; each of the plurality of modifiable labels being aligned along a corresponding conduit from the plurality of conduits; and the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels being rotatably integrated into the elongated body.

11. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels is three thumbwheels, and wherein a rotation axis for each of the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels for each of the plurality of modifiable labels is oriented parallel to the corresponding conduit.

12. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 11 comprises: each of the plurality of button-actuated thumbwheels comprises a wheel body and a plurality of number labels; the plurality of number labels being laterally distributed around the wheel body; and the plurality of number labels being inscribed onto the wheel body.

13. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 11, wherein the elongated body is shaped into a rectangular prism.

14. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of conduits is less than 20 conduits.

15. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 11, wherein a diameter for each of the plurality of conduits is 0.25 inches.

16. The wire organizer for untangling and arranging strands of wires and cables as claimed in claim 11, wherein the elongated body is made of plastic.