Alignment tool

Abstract

A tool for aligning a plurality of flexible elongate items is disclosed. The tool has first and second frame members positioned in spaced apart relation to one another. A plurality of cross pieces extends between the frame members. The cross pieces are in spaced relation to one another and define a plurality of openings for receiving the elongate items. The frame members are angularly adjustable relative to the elongate members about an axis parallel to one of the cross pieces so as to vary the apparent size of the openings to accommodate varying thickness of the elongate members. The tool guides the elongate members as they are fed from a supply so that they lie neatly atop one another as they are drawn through the openings.

1 . A tool for aligning a plurality of flexible elongated items drawn from a supply, said tool comprising: 
 first and second elongated frame members positioned in spaced apart relation to one another; and    a plurality of elongated cross pieces extending between said first and second frame members and held in fixed relationship therewith, said cross pieces being positioned in spaced apart relation to one another and defining a plurality of openings for receiving said elongated items therethrough, said frame members being angularly adjustable relatively to said elongated items about an axis parallel to one of said cross pieces so as to vary the apparent size of said openings to accommodate said elongated items having varying thickness, said cross pieces and said frame members guiding said elongated items into alignment with one another so that the elongated members lie neatly one atop the other after they are drawn through said openings.    
   
   
       2 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said cross pieces define at least three of said openings.  
   
   
       3 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said frame members are oriented substantially parallel to one another.  
   
   
       4 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said cross pieces are oriented substantially parallel to one another.  
   
   
       5 . A tool according to  claim 4 , wherein each of said cross pieces is oriented at a right angle with respect to said frame members.  
   
   
       6 . A tool according to  claim 1 , further comprising a handle attached to one of said frame members.  
   
   
       7 . A tool according to  claim 6 , wherein said handle comprises an elongated leg attached to said one frame member, a reverse bend portion joining said handle to said one frame member whereby the handle extends in the generally lengthwise direction of the frame member.  
   
   
       8 . A tool according to  claim 7 , further comprising a bar extending between said handle and said one frame member, said handle defining an aperture for receiving a support therethrough for supporting said tool.  
   
   
       9 . A tool according to  claim 8 , further comprising a rod insertable through said aperture between said bar and said handle for supporting said tool.  
   
   
       10 . A tool according to  claim 7 , wherein said leg is angularly oriented with respect to said one frame member.  
   
   
       11 . A tool according to  claim 6 , further comprising a second handle attached to another of said frame members.  
   
   
       12 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of said cross pieces are fixedly attached to said first frame member and releasably attached to said second frame member, thereby allowing said cross pieces to be disengaged from said second frame member to permit said elongated items to be positioned in said openings between said cross pieces when ends of said elongated items are not accessible.  
   
   
       13 . A tool according to  claim 12 , wherein one of said cross pieces is fixedly attached to said second frame member and releasably attached to said first frame member, said one cross piece comprising a fastener engageable with said first frame member for releasably retaining said one cross piece thereto.  
   
   
       14 . A tool according to  claim 13 , wherein said fastener comprises: 
 a threaded shaft positioned on an end of said one cross piece and extending through said first frame member; and    a retaining nut engageable with said threaded shaft, said nut bearing against said first frame member upon engagement with said threaded shaft for holding said cross pieces in engagement with said frame members.    
   
   
       15 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said frame members are spaced apart such that said openings have a width substantially equal to the width of the widest of said elongated items.  
   
   
       16 . A tool for aligning a plurality of flexible elongated items being pulled from a supply, said tool comprising a body defining a plurality of openings adjacent to one another for receiving said elongated items drawn therethrough, said body being angularly adjustable relatively to said elongated items about an axis extending widthwise across said elongated items for varying the apparent size of said openings to accommodate variations in thickness of said elongated items, said body guiding said elongated items into alignment with one another when said elongated items are drawn through said openings.  
   
   
       17 . A tool according to  claim 16 , wherein said openings and said elongated items have substantially equal widths.  
   
   
       18 . A method of positioning a plurality of elongated items in a duct, said method comprising the steps of: 
 positioning a tool proximate to an entrance of said duct, said tool defining a plurality of openings for receiving and aligning said elongated items;    threading said plurality of elongated items through said openings; and    simultaneously drawing said elongated items through said tool and said duct, said items being aligned with one another upon passage through said openings.    
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of adjusting an orientation angle between said tool and said elongated items thereby changing the apparent size of the openings engaged by said elongated items.  
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of threading one elongated item through each one of said openings.