Tool for installing sealing boot on cable

Abstract

A tool for facilitating the installation of a scaling boot on a cable includes: an arcuate main body having a tapered end, the main body having axially-disposed edges that define a gap therebetween, the main body defining a bore; and a gripping portion attached to an end of the main body opposite the tapered end, the gripping portion extending radially outwardly from the main body.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tool for facilitating the installation of a sealing boot on a cable, comprising:
 an arcuate main body having a tapered end, the main body having axially-disposed edges that define a gap therebetween, the main body defining a bore; and   a gripping portion attached to an end of the main body opposite the tapered end, the gripping portion extending radially outwardly from the main body.   
     
     
         2 . The tool defined in  claim 1 , further comprising an arced segment that merges with the gripping portion to form a ring. 
     
     
         3 . The tool defined in  claim 1 , wherein the tool is formed as a monolithic component. 
     
     
         4 . The tool defined in  claim 1 , wherein the tool is formed of a thermoplastic material. 
     
     
         5 . The tool defined in  claim 1 , in combination with a sealing boot formed of an elastomeric material, the sealing boot including an annular cable section having an internal bore, and wherein the main body of the tool is inserted into the internal bore of the cable section of the sealing boot such that it stretches the cable section radially outwardly. 
     
     
         6 . The combination defined in  claim 5 , in further combination with a cable, wherein the cable is routed through the bore in the main body and internal bore of the cable section of the sealing boot.