US20080092982A1

US20080092982A1 - Wire twister apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: US20080092982A1
Application number: US11/975,445
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles E. Erickson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-10-24
Filing date: 2007-10-19
Publication date: 2008-04-24

Abstract

A novel wire twister apparatus and method provide a reliable, one hand powered tool having no moving parts to make uniform and tight electrical conductor connections ready for insulating nuts or caps. The novel wire twister is used by either professional or novice on 2-6 solid 10-14 gauge wires in either standard and awkward work positions. A hand-powered wire twister and method of the present invention include means and method for providing a handle, a wire twisting member connected to the handle, and a plurality of wire receiving apertures in one end of the wire twisting member having a fixed number of interchangeable wire receiving apertures.

Description

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/853,982, filed Oct. 24, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a twister apparatus and method for providing wire twisting. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a wire twister apparatus and method for providing a wire twisting prior to applying an insulator end cap to joined twisted wire strands. In one aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus and method for making wiring connections and to making electrical connections between bare ends of wires or conductors. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a wire twister apparatus and method for joining bare end portions of a plurality of insulated electrical wires to receive a wire connector or wire nut on the joined outer end portions of the joined wires.
2. Background
When working with residential or commercial buildings, electrical wiring is necessary to supply electricity to various products that require electrical current to function properly. Most electrical wiring applications use #14, #12, or #10 solid copper wire. It oftentimes is necessary to join 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 wires together to complete the circuit. The problem in the past was that with the tools that electricians used, the wire twist was not tight enough and did not provide a sufficient number of twists to make a good connection.

INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION

An electrical power distribution system is required in residential and commercial buildings to transmit electricity safely and efficiently from the point of entry, e.g., such as, the breaker box, to various points for use in lighting, heating, and appliances. Circuits may be required to split numerous times before reaching final termination. Circuit splitting may require 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 conductors to be connected as tightly as possible and with as much contact as possible to reduce heating and any potential for fire while completing the circuit. Currently, electricians use side cutting pliers to twist the conductors, resulting in connections that often become loosened later, even after being placed in wire nuts, causing heating or circuit failure.
Products or services currently available on the commercial market to solve the problem are lacking. Most manufactures sell “electrician's side-cutting pliers.” The electrician's side-cutting pliers are slow and require many steps to twist and then release your grip on the pliers to secure a new position on partially twisted wires, over and over again.
Currently available products or services are inadequate because they do not provide enough attention to this problem. Side cutting pliers do not do a consistent or adequate job of twisting the conductors tightly enough. An electrician must make multiple grips and wrist turns with the pliers to complete the job. While the necessary wire strippers and wire nut connectors are available, tools to twist and join connectors properly are not available.
Apparatus and method are needed to provide an electrician a novel tool having no moving parts to supply the inadequacies of the prior art in a one hand operation in cramped and physically awkward body positions often required in construction.
Other devices are available but are too complicated or bulky to have gained acceptance by the electrical trade. Other devices include those referenced in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,074,732, 4,865,086, 5,379,809, and 5,887,631.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,074,732 discloses a unitary multi-purpose tool which cuts, strips, and twists together wires in preparation for the installation of insulating cap-type twist-on wire connectors.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,086 discloses twisting the conductors of one or more electrical wires by assembling the conductors into a bundle; inserting the bundle of conductors into a wire twister elongate body having an axially extending open cavity at one end and having a closed cross-section with four sides, at least one of the sides of the cavity being inclined to the axis of the body so that the cavity is tapered inwardly away from the open end, the ratio of the length of the longest side to the length of the shortest side at the axial position at which the conductors, when twisted to form a substantially circular array, contact two opposite sides of the cavity being from about 1.0 to about 3.0; and imparting rotation to the wire twister relative to the conductors, while maintaining the conductors in contact with at least two of the sides of the cavity.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,809 discloses a wire twisting device to join bare end portions of insulated electrical wires together in a radially and longitudinally uniform spiral. The joined wires receive a hollow wire connector or nut on the outer end portions. The wire twisting device has an insulated handle and wire twister having a central cavity having protrusions extending inwardly toward the center to form wire receiving channels between adjacent protrusions such that the bare end portions to be joined are placed in a corresponding channel. As the wire twisting device is rotated relative to the electrical wires, it moves longitudinally relative to the insulated electrical wires to twist the bare end portions together to form the uniform spiral configuration prior to application of the hollow wire connector or nut.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,631 discloses a wire twisting and capping apparatus having a main body and a drive element connected to a first end along the longitudinal axis. Conductor-reception channels are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis at a second end. A translatable sleeve assembly supported by the main body portion includes a locking assembly at a first end and a main sleeve portion attached to the locking assembly with insulator end cap receivers located at a second end of the translatable sleeve assembly for engaging an insulator end cap when the translatable sleeve assembly is translated away from the drive element. The wire twisting and capping apparatus twists bare ends of conductors into an intertwined unitary conductor end structure and installs an insulator end cap onto the intertwined unitary conductor end structure.
While prior wire twister mechanisms having moving parts are useful for an intended purpose, an apparatus and method are needed to provide service in awkward body positions and close working spaces.
There exists a need for a wire twister apparatus and method which provide ease of operation and consistent, tightly twisted wire bundles in making electrically sound connections.
There exists a need for a wire twister apparatus and method which further provide reliable and electrically sound connections for both professional and novice users.
It is an object of the present invention to provide means and method to join 10 gauge, 12 gauge, and 14 gauge wire into uniformly twisted, tight connections which are ready to be secured and insulated with a wire cap or nut.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel wire twister having no moving parts which can be utilized by electrical craftsmen to make consistent, reliable wire connections.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel wire twister which also can be utilized by unskilled craftsmen to make consistent, reliable wire connections.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire twister having a unique shape, at an economical price all the while being unobtrusive.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire twister which can be held and operated in one hand, while still providing the same tightly twisted wire grouping of from 2 to 6 wire conductors.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a wire twister having the operating life of a common hand screw driver.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire twister with easily loaded sockets, pockets, or chambers to facilitate a quick, smooth operation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire twister which is less expensive than conventional wire twisters.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a wire twister easily carried on the person and which can be utilized in close working spaces.
These and other objects of the present invention are provided by the apparatus and method as disclosed and described in the detailed description of this specification and the claims which follow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A wire twister apparatus and method of the present invention readily usable by both professional and novice users makes electrically sound connections. The novel wire twister is adapted to join 10 gauge, 12 gauge, and 14 gauge solid wire into uniformly twisted, tight connections to be ready to be secured and insulated with a wire cap or nut. The novel wire twister is adapted also to be held and used with one hand. In this manner, the novel wire twister apparatus and method provide a tool having no moving parts which can be easily used in standard and awkward work positions. The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a hand-powered wire twister and method, including means and method for providing a handle, a wire twisting member connected to the handle, and a plurality of wire receiving apertures in one end of the wire twisting member, wherein the wire twisting member has a fixed number of wire receiving apertures and is interchangeable to change the fixed number of wire receiving apertures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a fixed handle wire twister apparatus of the present invention showing a side view of a handle, a handle connecting shaft, and a wire twisting cylinder.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a handle connecting shaft of a wire twister apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the handle connecting shaft of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a 2-wire twisting cylinder of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention, showing interior boxes for a handle connecting shaft and 2 wire receiving sockets or apertures.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the 2-wire twisting cylinder of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4 and further shows a handle connecting shaft socket.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the 2-wire twisting cylinder of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4 and further shows a circle describing the center line, the diameter, and counter sink dimension of the 2-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a 3-wire twisting cylinder of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention, showing interior bores for a handle connecting shaft and 3 wire receiving sockets or apertures.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the 3-wire twisting cylinder of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 7 and further shows a handle connecting shaft socket.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the 3-wire twisting cylinder of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 7 and further shows a circle describing a center line, a diameter, and a counter sink dimension of the 3-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a 4-wire twisting cylinder of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention showing interior bores for a handle connecting shaft and 4-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the 4-wire twisting cylinder of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 10 and further shows a handle connecting shaft socket.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the 4-wire twisting cylinder of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 10 and further shows a circle describing the center line, a diameter, and a counter sink dimension of the 4-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a 6-wire twisting cylinder of a novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention, showing interior boxes for a handle connecting shaft and 6 wire receiving sockets or apertures.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the 6-wire twisting cylinder of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 13 and further shows a handle connecting shaft socket.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the 6-wire twisting cylinder of the novel wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 13 and further shows a circle describing the center line, the diameter, and counter sink dimension of the 6-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a detachable socket wire twister apparatus showing a side view of a handle with an interior bore for the handle connecting shaft; a side view of the handle connecting shaft showing a knurled area and a ball locking mechanism; and a side view of a detachable socket wire twisting cylinder with an interior bore for the handle connecting shaft, a ball receiving socket, and wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a handle connecting shaft of a detachable socket wire twister apparatus of the present invention showing a knurled area for glue, resin, or epoxy attachment to the handle and a ball locking mechanism for attachment to a detachable socket wire twisting cylinder.

FIG. 18 is a side view rolled 90 degrees from FIG. 17 showing the handle connecting shaft of the detachable socket wire twister apparatus of the present invention showing a knurled area for glue, resin, or epoxy attachment to the handle and ball locking mechanism for attachment to the detachable socket wire twisting cylinder.

FIG. 19 is an end view of a handle connecting shaft of a detachable socket wire twisting apparatus showing a square shaft for insertion into an interior bore of a detachable socket wire twisting cylinder.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a 2-wire twisting cylinder of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus showing interior bores for the handle connecting shaft, ball receiving socket, and 2-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the 2-wire twisting cylinder of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 20 and further shows a handle connecting shaft socket.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the 2-wire twisting cylinder of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 20 and further shows a circle describing the center line, the diameter, and counter sink dimension of the 2-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a 3-wire twisting cylinder of a detachable socket wire twisting apparatus showing interior bores for a handle connecting shaft, ball receiving sockets, and 3-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the 3-wire twisting cylinder of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 23 and further shows a handle connecting shaft socket.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the 3-wire twisting cylinder of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 23 and further shows a circle describing the center line, the diameter, and counter sink dimension of the 3-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a 4-wire twisting cylinder of a detachable socket wire twisting apparatus showing interior bores for a handle connecting shaft and 4-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 27 is a top view of the 4-wire twisting cylinder of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 26 and further showing a handle connecting shaft socket.

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the 4-wire twisting cylinder of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 26 and further showing a circle describing the center line, the diameter, and counter sink dimension of 4-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 29 is a side view of a 6-wire twisting cylinder of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus showing interior bores for a handle connecting shaft and 6-wire receiving sockets.

FIG. 30 is a top view of the 6-wire twisting cylinder of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 29 and further showing a handle connecting shaft socket.

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the 6-wire twisting cylinder of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 29 and further showing a circle describing the center line, diameter, and counter sink dimension of the 6-wire receiving sockets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A wire twister apparatus and method of the present invention are readily usable by both professional and novice users and make reliable and electrically sound connections. The novel wire twister is adapted to join 10 gauge, 12 gauge, and 14 gauge wire into uniformly twisted, tight connections to be ready to be secured and insulated with a wire cap or nut. The novel wire twister is adapted also to be held and used with one hand. In this manner, the novel wire twister apparatus and method provide a tool which can be easily used in standard and awkward work positions.
Referring now to FIG. 1, an exploded view of a fixed handle wire twister apparatus 2 shows a side view of a handle 4 having an interior bore 6 for receiving a handle connecting shaft 8. The handle connecting shaft 8 has knurled areas 10. A wire twisting cylinder 12 has an interior bore 14 for the handle connecting shaft 8. Wire receiving sockets 16 are provided.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the handle connecting shaft 8 of a wire twister apparatus 2 of the present invention has knurled areas 10 for glue, resin, or epoxy attachment to the handle and wire twisting cylinder 12.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an end view is shown of the handle connecting shaft 8 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 2.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a 2-wire twisting cylinder 12 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 has interior bore 14 for receiving handle connecting shaft 8 and 2-wire receiving sockets 16 with countersink 26. A radius 18 prevents sharp surfaces.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the 2-wire twisting cylinder 12 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4 includes a handle connecting shaft socket 14. A diameter of the handle connecting shaft socket 20 is shown.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the 2-wire twisting cylinder 12 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4 further includes a circle describing the center line 22, the diameter 24, and counter sink dimension 26 of the 2-wire receiving sockets 16.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a 3-wire twisting cylinder 28 of a novel wire twisting apparatus 2 includes interior bore 14 for receiving a handle connecting shaft 8 and 3-wire receiving sockets 16 with countersink 26. A radius 18 prevents sharp surfaces.
Referring now to FIG. 8, the 3-wire twisting cylinder 28 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 7 further includes a handle connecting shaft socket 14 and a diameter of the handle connecting shaft socket 20.
Referring now to FIG. 9, the 3-wire twisting cylinder 28 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 7 further includes a circle describing the center line 30, the diameter 24, and counter sink dimension 26 of the 3-wire receiving sockets 16.
Referring now to FIG. 10, the 4-wire twisting cylinder 32 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 includes interior bore 14 for receiving a handle connecting shaft 8 and 4-wire receiving sockets 16 with countersink 26. A radius 18 prevents sharp surfaces.
Referring now to FIG. 11, the 4-wire twisting cylinder 32 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 10 further includes a handle connecting shaft socket 14 and the diameter of the handle connecting shaft socket 20.
Referring now to FIG. 12, the 4-wire twisting cylinder 32 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 10 further shows a circle describing the center line 34, the diameter 24, and counter sink dimension 26 of the 4 wire receiving sockets 16.
Referring now to FIG. 13, a 6-wire twisting cylinder 36 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 provides interior bore 14 for receiving a handle connecting shaft 8 and 6-wire receiving sockets 16 with countersink 26. A radius 18 prevents sharp surfaces.
Referring now to FIG. 14, the 6-wire twisting cylinder 36 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 13 is shown with a handle connecting shaft socket 14 and the diameter of the handle connecting shaft socket 20.
Referring now to FIG. 15, the 6-wire twisting cylinder 36 of the novel wire twisting apparatus 2 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 13 is shown with a circle describing the center line 38, the diameter 24, and counter sink dimension 26 of the 6 wire receiving sockets 16.
Referring now to FIG. 16, a detachable socket wire twister apparatus 40 provides a handle 4 having an interior bore 6 for receiving a handle connecting shaft 46. The handle connecting shaft 46 includes knurled area 48 and further is shown with ball locking mechanism 50. A detachable socket wire twisting cylinder 52 provides an interior bore 54 for the handle connecting shaft 46, ball receiving socket 56, and wire receiving sockets 16.
Referring now to FIG. 17, the handle connecting shaft 46 of the detachable socket wire twister apparatus 40 of the present invention provides a knurled area 48 for glue, resin, or epoxy attachment to the handle 4 and ball locking mechanism 50 for attachment to the detachable socket wire twisting cylinder 52.
Referring now to FIG. 18, which is rolled 90 degrees from FIG. 17, a handle connecting shaft 46 of the detachable socket wire twister apparatus 40 of the present invention provides a knurled area 48 for glue, resin, or epoxy attachment to the handle 4 and ball locking mechanism 50 for attachment to the detachable socket wire twisting cylinder 52.
Referring now to FIG. 19, a handle connecting shaft 46 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 includes a square shaft 58 for insertion into the interior bore 54 of the detachable socket wire twisting cylinder 52.
Referring now to FIG. 20, the 2-wire twisting cylinder 52 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 provides interior bore 54 for receiving a handle connecting shaft 46, ball receiving socket 56, and 2-wire receiving sockets 16 with countersink 26. A radius 18 is provided to prevent sharp surfaces.
Referring now to FIG. 21, the 2-wire twisting cylinder 52 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 20 is further shown with a handle connecting shaft socket 54 and ball receiving socket 58.
Referring now to FIG. 22, the 2-wire twisting cylinder 52 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 20 further is shown with a circle describing the center line 22, the diameter 24, and counter sink dimension 26 of the 2-wire receiving sockets 16.
Referring now to FIG. 23, a 3-wire twisting cylinder 60 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 provides interior bore 54 for receiving a handle connecting shaft 46, ball receiving sockets 56, and 3-wire receiving sockets 16 with countersink 26. A radius 18 is provided to prevent sharp surfaces.
Referring now to FIG. 24, the 3-wire twisting cylinder 60 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 23 and further is shown with a handle connecting shaft socket 54 and ball receiving socket 58.
Referring now to FIG. 25, the 3-wire twisting cylinder 60 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 23 further is shown with a circle describing center line 30, diameter 24, and counter sink dimension 26 of the 3-wire receiving sockets 16.
Referring now to FIG. 26, a 4-wire twisting cylinder 62 of a detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 provides interior bore 54 for receiving a handle connecting shaft 46 and 4-wire receiving sockets 16 with countersink 26. A radius 18 is provided to prevent sharp surfaces.
Referring now to FIG. 27, the 4-wire twisting cylinder 62 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 26 further is shown with a handle connecting shaft socket 54 and ball receiving socket 58.
Referring now to FIG. 28, the 4-wire twisting cylinder 62 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 26 further is shown with a circle describing the center line 34, diameter 24 and counter sink dimension 26 of the 4-wire receiving sockets 16.
Referring now to FIG. 29, a 6-wire twisting cylinder 64 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 is shown with interior bore 54 for receiving a handle connecting shaft 46 and 6-wire receiving sockets 16 with countersink 26. A radius 18 is provided to prevent sharp surfaces.
Referring now to FIG. 30, the 6-wire twisting cylinder 64 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 29 further is shown with the handle connecting shaft socket 54 and ball receiving socket 58.
Referring now to FIG. 31, the 6-wire twisting cylinder 64 of the detachable socket wire twisting apparatus 40 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 29 further is shown with the circle describing center line 38, diameter 24, and counter sink dimension 26 of the 6 wire receiving sockets 16.
It has been found that the apparatus and method of the present invention address the problem and provide a simple solution to the requirement of twisting multiple electrical conductors into a tight, electrically sound coil before installation of a wire nut. Devices that could do the job, such as those referenced in the prior patents have been found not to operate in a one-hand operation in cramped and physically awkward body positions often required in construction.
The wire twister of the present invention provides a hand-powered tool including either a one-piece rigid handle 4, shaft 8, and solid cylinder 12; or a one-piece rigid handle 4, and shaft 46, with a detachable cylinder 52. A cylinder head 12 or 52 at the end of the shaft 8 or 46 has a circular arrangement of holes evenly spaced on a minor circumference within the circumference of the cylinder 12 or 52. The holes are drilled into the flat end of the cylinder 12 or 52 (FIGS. 6, 9, 12, 15, 22, 25, 28, and 31) along the long axis of the cylinder. There are 2, 3, 4 or 6 holes, with the hole diameter in any one tool being sized at 10, 12, 14, or 16 wire gauge.
The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a tool, which operates with the ease of a hand powered screwdriver or nut driver without a flat keystone tip (flat) or Phillips head. When wires are cut with side cutting pliers, a chisel point results. The apparatus and method of the present invention provides a solid cylinder head 12 or 52 of a hardness sufficient to resist gouging by sharp wire ends; for metal cylinders, a hardness is required to produce a Rockwell B of 40 to 60 as determined by ASTM E 18-07 testing and for plastic cylinders, a hardness of Rockwell R118 or M70 as determined by ASTM D785 testing. The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a cylindrical head 12 or 52 having 2, 3, 4 or 6 holes 16 drilled into the solid cylindrical head 12 or 52. The drilled holes 16 allow for each wire that is to be twisted, to be inserted into one and one-half inches (1½″) deep holes 16. With a twist of the tool, all wires twist together. The apparatus and method of the present invention provide an insulated handle 4 of sufficient size to have adequate torque applied from the hand to operate the tool.
The operator strips all wires of insulation to the required length that need to be connected to each other and then inserts each wire into an individual hole 16 in the cylinder. The wires are held, in one aspect, by their position in a box or current using device, or by hand, to prevent rotation of the bundle. The operator then rotates the tool by hand, causing the wires to twist into a tightly spiraled coil.
Advantages and benefits of the present invention include a relatively short time to operate the tool to connect the conductors.
When twisted, the wires will not unwind or fall apart.
The apparatus of the present invention is a lightweight tool with long operating life.
Benefits of the wire-twisting tool of the present invention further include an ability to be mass-produced at a low cost compared to devices referenced in prior patents.
The wire twister tool of the present invention is produced to fit a variety of gauges of wire.
The speed to rotate the tool is set to the operator's ability, with the wires remaining in the fixed holes 16. With side cutting pliers, when the grip is relaxed to take another turn, the conductors often drop, and the process must be restarted. The tool can be easily held and operated with one hand because of its lightweight.
It has been found empirically that the novel tool of the present invention forms a very tight coil, which does not unwind and which lends itself to the easy application of a wire nut. The tight coil solves the problem of conductor heating and accidental circuit disconnection.
The tool can be mass produced at a much lower cost than pliers or compound stripping twisting tool.
The tool is easily stored and carried in a tool pouch for easy portability and availability, which is critically important for an electrician who may have to work from the top of a ladder, wall, or in confined crawl space.
The tool is produced to fit several wire gauges if required, e.g., such as 16 to 10 gauge.
It has been found empirically during the development of the wire twister of the present invention that changing the holes from one size to ones that have a slight cone 26 at the very end provides for an ease of entry for the wires. It has been found empirically during the development of the wire twister of the present invention that the number of wires to be accommodated by the tool should be not more than six (6) because more than 6 taxes the ability of the conductors to stay together.
The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a wire twister that works with one hand.
The novel wire twister of the present invention allows for easy portability while providing consistent, reliable electrical connections.
The novel wire twister of the present invention also can be utilized by either professional or novice users. In this manner, the novel wire twister fills a need for a simple, reliable, and consistent tool for joining electrical connections.
The novel wire twister of the present invention provides a compact, rigid shaped tool, at an economical price that can be easily carried on the person.
The features of the novel wire twister of the present invention provide operational advantages because it can be held in one hand while providing reliable, consistent, electrically sound connections. A compact shape allows it to be utilized in any spatial orientation while allowing electrical conductors to be easily inserted for twisting.
It has been found that cost is less expensive than other available conventional devices to perform the same function.
In one aspect, the instant invention relates to a wire twister device and method to easily and reliably make tight, electrically sound wire connections prior to being completed with the application of a wire nut.
The novel wire twister apparatus and method provide a tool which can be easily used in standard and awkward positions of work.
In the foregoing specification and in the figures of the drawings, a detailed description has been provided and set down and further includes specific embodiments of the present invention for the purpose of illustration. As the invention has been illustrated by the preceding detailed description and in the figures of the drawings, the apparatus and method of the present invention are not intended to be construed as being limited to the specific examples of the preferred embodiments. Variations may be made to include aspects of the complete disclosure as set forth in the figures of the drawings and in the detailed description of the specification and the following claims without departing from the scope of the invention as disclosed in the specification and as defined in the appended claims which follow.

Claims

1. A hand-powered wire twister, comprising:

a. a handle;

b. a wire twisting member connected to said handle; and

c. a plurality of wire receiving apertures in one end of said wire twisting member;

wherein said wire twisting member has a fixed number of wire receiving apertures and is interchangeable to change said fixed number of wire receiving apertures.

2. A hand-powered wire twister as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a handle connecting shaft for connecting said handle and said wire twisting member.

3. A hand-powered wire twister as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fixed number of wire receiving apertures comprises 2 wire receiving apertures.

4. A hand-powered wire twister as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fixed number of wire receiving apertures comprises 3 wire receiving apertures.

5. A hand-powered wire twister as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fixed number of wire receiving apertures comprises 4 wire receiving apertures.

6. A hand-powered wire twister as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fixed number of wire receiving apertures comprises 6 wire receiving apertures.

7. A hand-powered wire twister as set forth in claim 1, wherein said wire twisting member comprises an interchangeable cylinder.

8. A hand-powered wire twister as set forth in claim 1, wherein said wire twisting member further comprises a knurled area for holding said handle.

9. A hand-powered wire twister as set forth in claim 7, wherein said interchangeable cylinder further comprises a circumferential knurled area for holding said handle.

10. A hand-powered wire twister as set forth in claim 1, wherein said wire twisting member comprises a ball locking mechanism for holding said handle.

11. A hand-powered wire twister as set forth in claim 7, wherein said interchangeable cylinder comprises a ball locking mechanism for holding said handle.

12. A method of twisting wires by hand power, comprising

a. providing a handle;

b. providing a wire twisting member connected to said handle;

c. providing a plurality of wire receiving apertures in one end of said wire twisting member; and

d. interchangeably providing a fixed number of said wire receiving apertures to change said fixed number of wire receiving apertures.

13. A method of twisting wires by hand power as set forth in claim 12, further comprising:

e. providing a handle connecting shaft for connecting said handle and said wire twisting member; and

f. twisting wires into an electrically connected strand with a hand powered tool having no moving parts.

14. A method of twisting wires by hand power as set forth in claim 12, wherein said fixed number of wire receiving apertures comprises 2 wire receiving apertures.

15. A method of twisting wires by hand power as set forth in claim 12, wherein said fixed number of wire receiving apertures comprises 3 wire receiving apertures.

16. A method of twisting wires by hand power as set forth in claim 12, wherein said fixed number of wire receiving apertures comprises 4 wire receiving apertures.

17. A method of twisting wires by hand power as set forth in claim 12, wherein said fixed number of wire receiving apertures comprises 6 wire receiving apertures.

18. A method of twisting wires by hand power as set forth in claim 12, wherein said wire twisting member further comprises a knurled area for holding said handle.

19. A method of twisting wires by hand power as set forth in claim 12, wherein said wire twisting member further comprises a ball locking mechanism for holding said handle.

20. A method of twisting wires by hand power, comprising

a. providing a handle;

b. providing a wire twisting member connected to said handle by a handle connecting shaft;

c. providing a plurality of wire receiving apertures in one end of said wire twisting member for receiving bare electrical wires having insulation stripped therefrom; and

d. interchangeably providing a fixed number of 2, 3, 4, or 6 said wire receiving apertures to change said fixed number of wire receiving apertures, wherein said wire twisting member further comprises a ball locking mechanism for holding said handle and adapted for said interchangeably providing a fixed number of 2, 3, 4, or 6 said wire receiving apertures; and

e. twisting wires into an electrically connected wire strand by a hand powered tool having no moving parts.