GB2602820A

GB2602820A - An accessory for a cable dismantling tool

Info

Publication number: GB2602820A
Application number: GB2100570.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Agnew David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-01-15
Filing date: 2021-01-15
Publication date: 2022-07-20
Also published as: GB202100570D0; GB2604724A; GB2604724B

Abstract

An accessory 2 for a cable dismantling tool 4. The cable dismantling tool 4 having a handle 6, a hook 8 and a blade 10 wherein the blade 10 opposes the interior bend of the hook 8. The accessory is configured to engage with the cable dismantling tool and to provide a support for a flat cable 12, the cables may be twin and earth cables or ribbon cables. The accessory is configured to fit within the hook 8 of the cable dismantling tool. The accessory is further shaped defining a channel 20 (see Figure 2) the channel being shaped to receive a length of flat cable. The accessory prevents the flat cable from being displaced by the blade when in use. Securing means may be provided the secure the accessory to the hook. The securing means may be flanges 34 (see Figure 2), magnets 26 (see Figure 2) or slots.

Description

AN ACCESSORY FOR A CABLE DISMANTLING TOOL

The present invention relates to an accessory for a tool and in particular an accessory for a cable dismantling tool.

Cable dismantling tools are well known. One particular type of such tool, occasionally referred to as rotary type manual wire/cable stripping tools, involves a handle with a hook that extends from the upper part of the handle and that is movable relative to the handle. The interior bend of the hook opposes the upper surface of the handle, and a blade is disposed on to said upper surface. The hook is typically biased towards the upper surface of the handle by a spring located in the interior of the handle. The user can temporarily force the hook away from the upper surface of the handle, place cable to be dismantled between the hook and the upper surface of the handle and release the hook so that the hook moves towards its rest position and in doing so urge the cable onto the blade. The user can then move the tool along the cable, or move the cable through the tool, and the blade cuts into the sheathing of the cable.

The user can move the tool longitudinally along the cable to provide a lengthwise incision, or around the circumference of the cable, or in a diagonal lengthwise motion to provide different cuts as desired. Typically, the height of the blade is adjustable by the user to alter the depth of the cut.

The hooks on cable dismantling tools typically have an interior bend formed from two planar sections connected by a sharp bend, defining a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the side. This triangular form makes the tool suitable for a wide range of diameters of circular cross-section cables, as the sides of the triangle sloping downwards from the bend provide suitable support for circular cross-section cables of a range of diameters. However, this shape of hook is not suitable for use with flat cables such as twin and earth cables as it does not provide adequate support for such cables when they are urged against the blade. Flat cables are used widespread in homes worldwide and during wiring of a home the electrician is regularly required to dismantle the cable to access the inner wiring. If a flat cable is inserted into the cable dismantling tool with the long or short edge of the flat cable resting in the sharp bend of the hook, the cable is not securely supported by the hook and when the hook is moved towards the blade, the cable twists and is displaced by the blade before the blade can securely cut into the cable sheathing. There is therefore a need to adapt the tool to make it suitable for use for flat cables.

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate or obviate the problems of the use of cable dismantling tools for flat cables.

Accordingly, there is provided an accessory for a cable dismantling tool, the cable dismantling tool having a blade for dismantling a cable, the accessory being configured to engage with the cable dismantling tool and to provide a support for a flat cable such that, in use, the flat cable is supported when it is urged against the blade of the cable dismantling tool.

By 'flat cable' we mean any cable having a non-circular transverse cross-section, or any cable having an elongate transverse cross-section, and/or where the cable has a width greater than its height or height greater than its width.

Ideally, the cable dismantling tool has a handle and a hook, wherein the blade opposes the interior bend of the hook.

Advantageously, as the flat cable is supported by the accessory, when it is urged against the blade by the hook the flat cable does not slip off the blade and the blade can therefore successfully cut into the cable. The user can then slide the tool along the cable to create an incision and to access the inner wiring.

Ideally, the accessory supports at least two different sides of the flat cable when in use.

Ideally, the accessory supports three different sides of the flat cable when in use.

Preferably, the accessory supports a flat cable such that the flat cable cannot twist or be urged off the blade of the cable dismantling tool when it is urged against the blade of the cable dismantling tool when in use.

Ideally, in use, when the flat cable that is being supported by the accessory is urged against the blade of a cable dismantling tool, the accessory prevents the flat cable from being displaced by the blade, and the blade can cut into to the flat cable.

Ideally, the accessory is configured to fit between the hook and the blade of the cable dismantling tool.

Ideally, the accessory is configured to fit within the hook of the cable dismantling tool.

Preferably, the accessory is configured to fit within the interior bend of the hook of the cable dismantling tool.

Ideally, the accessory is shaped defining a channel, the channel being shaped to receive a length of flat cable.

Advantageously, the channel supports the flat cable when in use on a cable dismantling tool.

Ideally, in use, the channel mutually opposes the blade of the cable dismantling tool. Ideally, the channel is shaped to correspond with the shape of the transverse-cross section of a flat cable.

Preferably, the channel has a non-circular cross-section.

Ideally, the channel has an elongate cross-section.

Ideally, the channel has a cross-sectional area of between 1 mm2 and 20 mm2.

Ideally, the cross-sectional area of the channel is approximately any one of 1.5 mm2, 2.5 mm2, 4 mm2, 6 mm2, 10 mm2 or 16 mm2.

Advantageously, these are standard cross-sectional areas of widely used flat cables. Preferably, the accessory has a hook-engaging surface.

Ideally, the hook-engaging surface is configured to engage with the interior bend of a hook of a cable dismantling tool.

Ideally, the hook-engaging surface corresponds in shape to a hook of a cable dismantling tool.

Ideally, the hook-engaging surface can rest within the interior bend of a hook of a cable dismantling tool.

Preferably, the accessory has a means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool.

Advantageously, this prevents the accessory from moving relative to the cable dismantling tool when in use.

Ideally, the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool can temporarily secure the accessory to the cable dismantling tool such that a user can add and remove the accessory as required.

Ideally, the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool can secure the accessory to the hook of a cable dismantling tool.

Preferably, the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool involves a magnet.

Advantageously, as the hook of a cable dismantling tool typically comprises magnetic metal, the magnet on the accessory can secure the accessory to the hook.

Ideally, the magnet is located on or about the hook-engaging surface, most preferably being exposed on the hook-engaging surface.

Ideally, the magnet is fixed on or about the hook-engaging surface.

Ideally, the magnet is fixed in the opening.

Preferably, the hook-engaging surface has an opening to receive a magnet.

In an embodiment, the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool comprises a plurality of magnets.

The magnets may have a circular, elliptical or polygonal cross-section.

In an embodiment, the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool involves a part of the accessory extending over the hook-engaging surface to define a slot that can receive the hook of a cable dismantling tool.

Advantageously, in use, the user can insert the hook into the slot on the accessory to secure the accessory to the cable dismantling tool.

Preferably, the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool involves a flange extending from the hook-engaging surface.

Preferably, the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool involves mutually opposing flanges extending from the hook-engaging surface.

Ideally, the mutually opposing flanges are spaced apart at a distance to accommodate the width of a hook on a cable dismantling tool.

Advantageously, when the accessory is set into a hook of a cable dismantling tool, the flanges prevent the accessory from being moved in at least one direction relative to the hook. Preferably, the flange extends the entire length of the hook-engaging surface.

Alternatively, the flange extends for a part of the length of the hook-engaging surface or is intermittent along the length of the hook-engaging surface.

The mutually opposing flanges need not be the same length or shape as one another as any suitable combination of length and shapes is possible.

In an embodiment, the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool involves a flange extending from the hook-engaging surface along the width of the hook-engaging surface at or about a longitudinal end portion of the hook-engaging surface.

Ideally, the channel has a base.

Preferably, the channel has sides extending away from the base.

Ideally, the sides are mutually opposing.

Preferably, the sides of the channel are parallel or substantially parallel with one another.

In an embodiment, the base of the channel has a width that is smaller than the height of one or both sides.

Advantageously, with this embodiment, the flat cable sits within the channel with the short edge of the cable transverse cross-section facing the blade of the tool so that the incision is made along the short side of the flat cable when in use.

In another embodiment, the base of the channel has a width that is greater than the height of one or both sides.

Advantageously, with this embodiment, the flat cable sits within the channel with the long edge of the cable transverse cross-section facing the blade of the tool so that the incision is made along the long side of the flat cable when in use.

In an embodiment, the channel has a continuous curviplanar surface.

Ideally, the base and one or both sides define a continuous curviplanar surface. Ideally, the curviplanar surface begins at one side, slopes onto the base of the channel and then slopes onto the second side.

In another embodiment, there is an angle between the base of the channel and one or both sides.

Ideally in this embodiment, there is a right-angle between the base and one or both sides In yet a further embodiment, there may be an angle between the base and one side, and a curved slope between the base and the other side.

Ideally, the accessory has a face that extends from at or about the hook-engaging surface to the channel.

Preferably, at least part of where the channel meets the face is a chamfered, rounded or otherwise smoothened edge.

Ideally, the accessory has a plurality of faces that extend from at or about the hook-to engaging surface to the channel.

Preferably, the accessory has a first side face and a second side face that are spaced apart from one another with the channel and/or hook-engaging surface extending between them.

Ideally, the first and second side faces are parallel relative to one another.

Preferably, the accessory has a further face, being an underside face, that extends between the first and second side faces and between the side of the channel and the hook-engaging surface.

In an embodiment, the accessory has an indicator to indicate the correct orientation of the accessory relative to the hook of the cable dismantling tool. Advantageously, this makes it easier for the user to fit the accessory to the hook. The indicator may be a visible or tactile mark.

Ideally, the accessory has two underside faces, one at each side of the channel. Ideally, the accessory is formed from a single body of material.

Ideally, the accessory is formed as a solid body of material.

Ideally, the accessory is formed from moulding.

Preferably, the accessory is formed from polymeric material.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for cutting the sheathing of a flat cable, the method involving using a cable dismantling tool, the cable dismantling tool having a blade for dismantling a cable, the method involving the step of setting an accessory to the cable dismantling tool on the cable dismantling tool to provide a support for a flat cable, then inserting a length of flat cable such that it is supported by the accessory, and operating the tool to cut the sheathing of the flat cable.

Ideally, the method involves the step of securing the accessory to the cable dismantling tool.

Ideally, the method involves securing the accessory to the cable dismantling tool by setting the accessory close enough to enable the magnetic force of magnets on the accessory secure the accessory to the tool.

Ideally, the method comprises securing the accessory to the hook of the cable dismantling tool.

The method may also involve removing the accessory from the tool after use so that the tool may be used for circular cross-section cables.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts, the kit to comprising one or more accessories for a cable dismantling tool of the type having a blade for dismantling a cable, and wherein the accessory is configured to engage with a cable dismantling tool and to provide a support for a flat cable such that, in use, the flat cable is supported when it is urged against the blade.

In an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises a plurality of accessories.

Ideally, the accessories have channels with cross-sections of different sizes to accommodate different sizes of flat cables.

In an embodiment, the kit of parts further comprises one or more cable dismantling tools.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a cable dismantling tool, the cable dismantling tool comprising a handle, a hook and a blade wherein the blade opposes the interior bend of the hook, and wherein the hook is shaped to support a flat cable such that, in use, the flat cable is supported when it is urged against the blade.

In an embodiment, the shape of the hook is provided by an accessory.

Ideally, the hook or accessory supports at least two different sides of the flat cable.

Ideally, the hook or accessory supports three different sides of the flat cable.

Preferably, the hook or accessory supports a flat cable such that the flat cable cannot twist or be urged off the blade of the cable dismantling tool when it is urged against the blade of the cable dismantling tool.

Ideally, in use, when the flat cable that is being supported by the hook or accessory is urged against the blade of a cable dismantling tool, the hook or accessory prevents the flat cable from being displaced by the blade, and the blade can cut into to the flat cable.

Ideally, the hook or accessory is shaped defining a channel, the channel being shaped to receive a length of flat cable.

Ideally, the channel is shaped to correspond with the shape of the transverse-cross section of a flat cable.

Preferably, the channel has a non-circular cross-section.

Ideally, the channel has an elongate cross-section.

Ideally, the channel has a base.

Preferably, the channel has sides extending away from the base. Ideally, the sides are mutually opposing.

Preferably, the sides are parallel or substantially parallel with one another.

In an embodiment, the channel has a continuous curviplanar surface.

In another embodiment, there is an angle between the base and one or both sides.

Ideally in this embodiment, there is a right-angle between the base and one or both sides In yet a further embodiment, there may be an angle such as a right-angle between the base and one side, and a curved slope between the base and the other side.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -Figure 1 shows an underside perspective view an accessory according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a further perspective view of the accessory of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows yet a further perspective view of the accessory of Figure 1 wherein a flat cable is positioned in the channel of the accessory.

Figure 4 shows an underside elevation view of the accessory of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the accessory of Figure 1 when it is attached to a cable dismantling tool.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an accessory according to the invention, wherein a flat cable is positioned in the channel of the accessory.

Figure 7 is an underside elevation view of the accessory of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the accessory of Figure 6 when it is attached to a cable dismantling tool.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the accessory of Figure 6.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an accessory according to the invention.

S

Figure 11 is a perspective view of yet a further embodiment of an accessory according to the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 there is shown an accessory indicated generally by reference numeral 2. The accessory 2 is for use with a cable dismantling tool 4 as shown in Figure 5. The cable dismantling tool 4 has a handle 6, hook 8 and a blade 10. The blade 10 opposes the interior bend of the hook 8. The accessory 2 is configured to engage with the cable dismantling tool 4 and it provides a support for a flat cable 12. In use, as shown in Figure 5, the flat cable 12 is support by the accessory 2 so that when it is urged against the blade 10, to either by the biasing action of the hook 8 or by a user-applied force, the flat cable 12 is not displaced by the blade and the blade can therefore successfully cut into the cable 12. The user can then slide the tool 4 along the cable 12 to create an incision and to access the inner wiring. The cable dismantling tool 4 has mechanism 14 for adjusting the height of the blade 10. The mechanism 14 involves a wheel 16 located on the underside of the handle 6. Rotation of the wheel 16 results in movement of the blade 10 towards or away from the hook 8. The hook 8 Is at one end of an arm 18. The arm 18 is extendable/retractable from the handle 4 which provides a housing for a part of the arm 18. The hook 8 is biased towards a rest position via a spring. The spring is located within the housing of the handle 6 attached to the arm 18 and is not shown in the drawings. The user can move the hook 8 away from the blade 10 to widen the gap between the hook 8 and blade 10 to provide sufficient clearance to insert a cable. The user can then release the hook 8 and the spring acts to move the hook 8 and cable towards the blade. Such cable dismantling tools are known in the art for use with cables having circular transverse cross-sections, but they are unsuitable for use with flat cables.

The accessory 2 is configured to fit between the hook 8 and the blade 10 of the cable dismantling tool 4. In particular, the accessory 2 is configured to fit within the interior bend of the hook 8 of the cable dismantling tool 4. The accessory 2 provides support to three sides of the flat cable 12: the longitudinal sides and a short side of the transverse cross-section of the flat cable 12. The accessory 2 is shaped defining a channel 20, the channel being shaped to receive a length of flat cable 12. The channel 20 supports the flat cable 12 when in use on a cable dismantling tool 4. The channel 20 is shaped to correspond with the shape of the transverse-cross section of a flat cable 12. The channel 20 has a non-circular and elongate cross-section. The accessory 2 further has a hook-engaging surface 22. The hook-engaging surface 22 corresponds in shape to the hook 8 of the cable dismantling tool 4. The hook-engaging surface 22 can rest within the interior bend of the hook 8. The hook-engaging surface 22 has a first planar surface 28 and a second planar surface 30. The first planar surface 28 and second planar surface 30 are separated by a bend 32. The angle of the bend 32 corresponds to the angle in the interior bend of the hook 8.

The accessory further has an arrangement 24 for securing the accessory 2 to a cable dismantling tool 4. This prevents the accessory 2 from moving relative to the cable dismantling tool 4 when in use. The arrangement 24 for securing the accessory 2 to a cable dismantling tool 4 can temporarily secure the accessory 2 to the cable dismantling tool 4 such that a user can add and remove the accessory 2 as required. In particular, the arrangement 24 for securing the accessory 2 to a cable dismantling tool 4 can secure the accessory 2 to the hook 8 of the cable dismantling tool 4. The arrangement 24 for securing the accessory 2 to a cable dismantling tool 4 involves a magnet 26. The magnet 26 is located on the hook-engaging surface 22 and in particular on the first planar surface 28. It could, of course, alternatively be placed on the second planar surface 30, or magnets could be present on both planar surfaces 28, 30. The magnet 26 is exposed on the hook-engaging surface 22 but in an alternative embodiment the magnet 26 could be concealed under the hook-engaging surface 22. The hook-engaging surface 22 has an opening sized to receive the magnet 26. The magnet 26 is fixed on the hook-engaging surface 22 and the surface of the magnet 26 is coplanar with the surrounding hook-engaging surface 22. Referring now to Figure 6 there is shown a further embodiment of an accessory according to the invention indicated by reference numeral 102. In this embodiment, the accessory has two magnets 126. In another embodiment shown in Figure 10 an indicated by reference numeral 202, there is a further accessory 202 having a rectangular magnet 226. Magnets may be present in any desirable number and any desirable shape and size of magnet may be used.

In an embodiment not shown, the arrangement for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool involves a part of the accessory extending over the hook-engaging surface to define a slot that can receive the hook of a cable dismantling tool. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 the arrangement 24 for securing the accessory 2 to a cable dismantling tool 4 involves a flange 34 extending from the hook-engaging surface 28. In particular, the flange 34 extends from one lateral end of the hook-engaging surface 22 and in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the hook-engaging surface 22. In particular, the accessory 2 comprises mutually opposing flanges 34. The mutually opposing flanges 34 each extend from opposing lateral ends of the hook-engaging surface 22. The mutually opposing flanges 34 are spaced apart at a distance to accommodate the width of the hook 8 on a cable dismantling tool 4. The mutually opposing flanges 34 prevent the accessory 2 from being moved laterally when it is attached to the hook 8. In the embodiment shown, the flanges 34 extend for the entire length of the hook-engaging surface 22 along both planar surfaces 28, 30. Variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art; for example, there may only be a single flange, although movement would not be as restricted as with mutually opposing flanges. The flange need not be continuous but could be intermittent, and it need not extend the entire length of the hook-engaging surface. The shape of the flange may also be altered as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 34 have a substantially rectangular cross-section, but any shape or size of raised surface will provide some resistance to lateral movement of the accessory when it is positioned on the hook. The flanges may also need not be identical in shape and size, but variations between the pair of flanges would also be possible. In another embodiment not illustrated, the arrangement for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool involves a flange extending from the hook-engaging surface along the width of the hook-engaging surface at or about a longitudinal end portion of the hook-engaging surface. This further limits movement of the accessory in at least one direction when it is positioned on the hook.

The channel 20 has a base 36 and sides 38, 40 extending away from the base 36. In this embodiment, the sides 38, 40 are mutually opposing and are parallel with one another. As the longitudinal sides of the transverse cross-section of a flat cable 12 are parallel to one another, the parallel sides 38, 40 of the channel 20 provides suitable support for the flat cable 12. Of course, the accessory would still support a flat cable if the sides were converging or diverging to some extent.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the base 36 has a width that is smaller than the height of the sides 38, 40. With this embodiment, the flat cable 12 sits within the channel 20 with the short edge of the cable transverse cross-section facing the blade 10 of the tool 4 so that the incision is made along the short side of the flat cable 12 when in use.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 9, the channel 120 has a base 136 that has a width greater than the height of the sides 138, 140. In this embodiment, the flat cable 12 sits within the channel 120 with the long edge of the cable 12 transverse cross-section facing the blade 10 of the tool 4 so that the incision is made along the long side of the flat cable 12 when in use In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 10, the channel 20, 120, 220 has a continuous curviplanar surface. For example, the embodiment in Figures 1 to 5 has a base 36 and sides 38, 40 that define a continuous curviplanar surface. The curviplanar surface begins at one side 38, slopes onto the base 36 of the channel 20 and then slopes onto the second side 40. Referring now to Figure 11 there is shown a further embodiment of an accessory indicated by reference numeral 302 for a cable dismantling tool. In this embodiment, the accessory 302 has a channel 320 in which there is an angle between the base 336 and the sides 338, 340. In particular there is a right angle between the base 336 and the sides 338, 340. Variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art; for example, the angle need not be a right angle, but any suitable angle. It could be possible to have an angle between one side and one base and a slope at the other side, or it could be possible to have a series of angles between the base and the side rather than a curviplanar slope.

The accessory 2 has a face 42 that extends from the hook-engaging surface 22 to the channel 20. Where the channel 20 meets the face 42 there is a chamfered edge 50. In further detail, the accessory 2 has four faces 42, 44, 46, 48 that extend from at or about the hook-engaging surface 22 to the channel 20. In particular, the accessory 2 has a first side face 42 and a second side face 44 that are spaced apart from one another with the channel 20 and the hook-engaging surface 22 extending between them. In this embodiment, the first and second side faces 42, 44 are parallel relative to one another but variations would be possible where the first and second side faces 42, 44 diverge or converge from one another. The faces 42, 44 are also planar, but again variations would be possible where the faces 42, 44 are non-planar. The accessory 2 has a further face 46, being an underside face, that extends between the first and second side faces 42, 44 and between the side 38 of the channel 20 and the hook-surface 22. In further detail, the accessory 2 has two underside faces 46, 48, one at each side 38, 40 of the channel 20. The underside faces 46, 48 are planar but variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art such as the underside faces being non-planar. As the shape of the hook-engaging surface 22 is largely dependent on the shape of the hook of the cable-dismantling tool, it is the size of the faces 42, 44, 46, 48 that ultimately define the size and shape of the channel 20. Whereas larger faces will define a smaller channel, smaller faces will define a larger channel. Referring now to Figure 11, the accessory 302 further has a mark 352 to indicate the correct orientation of the accessory 302 relative to the hook 8. This makes it easier for the user to fit the accessory 302 to the hook 8. In variations, the mark is any suitable visible and/or tactile indicator, and different colours or textures of mark or indicator could be used in association with different sizes of channels, so that the user can easily select the correct accessory for the size and shape of flat cable that they are dismantling. The mark 352 is located on the face 342 of the accessory 302.

The accessory 2 is formed from a single body of moulded polymeric material. Any suitable method of manufacture such as 3D printing or other alternatives could produce the accessory 2 and it could be formed from a range of polymeric materials, wood, composites, metals or metal alloys. The accessory 2 could also be hollow or partially hollow, provided it remained structurally sound such that it could perform the function of supporting a flat cable in a cable dismantling tool.

In use, the user sets the accessory 2 onto the cable dismantling tool 4 and, in particular, within the interior bend of the hook 8. The user then places a length of flat cable 12 such that it is supported by the accessory 2. The user can then move the hook 8 towards the blade 10 so that the blade cuts into the flat cable 12. The user then slides the cable dismantling tool 4 along the cable 12, or the cable 12 through the cable dismantling tool 4, to create an incision along the flat cable 12. The user can then remove the flat cable 12 and the accessory 2 if desired from the cable dismantling tool 4. In further detail, the user places the accessory 2 in the interior bend of the hook 8 and the magnet 26 draws the accessory 2 towards the hook 8. The user then places a length of the flat cable 12 in the channel 20 of the accessory 2. If the hook 8 of the cable dismantling tool 4 is biased towards a rest position, then the user may have to initially urge the hook 8 away from the blade 10 to fit the accessory 2. The user can then urge the flat cable 12, in support by the accessory 2, against the blade 10 by releasing their force on the hook 8 to allow the biasing means to return the hook 8 towards a rest position where the flat cable 12 presses against and is cut by the blade 10.

In a further variation of the invention, not shown, there is cable dismantling tool wherein the hook is shaped to support a flat cable. The cable dismantling tool could have a hook shaped like the channel of the accessories in any of the embodiments in Figures 1 to 11 or similar variations thereof, or the accessories could be permanently secured to the hook of a known cable dismantling tool by adhesive or other fixing means to provide a cable dismantling tool with a support for a flat cable.

The skilled person will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An accessory for a cable dismantling tool, the cable dismantling tool having a handle, a hook and a blade wherein the blade opposes the interior bend of the hook, the accessory being configured to engage with the cable dismantling tool and to provide a support for a flat cable wherein the accessory is configured to fit within the hook of the cable dismantling tool, and wherein the accessory is shaped defining a channel, the channel being shaped to receive a length of flat cable.
2. An accessory as claimed in claim 1 wherein the channel has a base and mutually opposing sides extending away from the base.
3. An accessory as claimed in claim 2 wherein the sides of the channel are parallel or substantially parallel with one another.
4. An accessory as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the base of the channel has a width that is smaller than the height of one or both sides.
5. An accessory as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the base of the channel has a width that is greater than the height of one or both sides.
6. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the channel has a continuous curviplanar surface.
7. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein there is an angle between the base and one or both sides.
8. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, the accessory comprising a means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool.
9. An accessory as claimed in claim 8 wherein the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool can temporarily secure the accessory to the cable dismantling tool such that a user can add and remove the accessory as required.
10. An accessory as claimed in claim 9 the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool can secure the accessory to the hook of a cable dismantling tool.
11. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the accessory comprises a hook-engaging surface.
12. An accessory as claimed in a claim 11 when dependent on claim 10 wherein the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool involves a magnet, the magnet being located on or about the hook-engaging surface.
13. An accessory as claimed in claim 11 when dependent on claim 8 wherein the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool involves a flange extending from the hook-engaging surface.
14. An accessory as claimed in claim 13 wherein the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool involves mutually opposing flanges extending from the hook-engaging surface.
15. An accessory as claimed in claim 14 wherein the mutually opposing flanges are spaced apart at a distance to accommodate the width of a hook on a cable dismantling tool.
16. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the flange extends the entire length of the hook-engaging surface.
17. An accessory as claimed in claim 11 when dependent on claim 8 wherein the means for securing the accessory to a cable dismantling tool involves a part of the accessory extending over the hook-engaging surface to define a slot that can receive the hook of a cable dismantling tool.
18. An accessory as claimed in claim 11 wherein the accessory has a face that extends from at or about the hook-engaging surface to the channel, and wherein at least part of where the channel meets the face is a chamfered, rounded or otherwise smoothened edge.
19. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an indicator to indicate the correct orientation of the accessory relative to the hook of the cable dismantling tool.
20. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the accessory is formed as a solid body of polymeric material.
21. A kit of parts comprising a plurality of accessories for a cable dismantling tool as claimed in any preceding claim.
22. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 21 further comprising a cable dismantling tool.
23. A method for cutting the sheathing of a flat cable, the method involved using a cable dismantling tool, the cable dismantling tool having a blade for dismantling a cable, the method involving the step of setting an accessory as claimed in any preceding claim on the cable dismantling tool to provide a support for a flat cable, then inserting a length of flat cable such that it is supported by the accessory and operating the tool to cut the sheathing of the flat cable.
24. A cable dismantling tool comprising a handle, a hook and a blade, wherein the blade opposes the interior bend of the hook, and wherein the hook is shaped to support a flat cable such that, in use, the flat cable is supported when it is urged against the blade, the hook being shaped defining a channel, the channel being shaped to receive a length of flat cable.
25. A cable dismantling tool as claimed in claim 24 wherein the shape of the hook is provided by an accessory.