Method and apparatus for lubricating cables

Abstract

A dispenser for use in applying soap or other lubricants to wires to be pulled through conduits includes a slotted resilient canister capable of accommodating different size wires in a central bore, with the canister being filled with lubricant-retaining spronge-like material. The canister slot is adapted to receive a sponge-like and soap-filled insert which is placed in the longitudinal slot, with the slot providing access for the wires to the central bore. In one embodiment, all spong-like materials are packaged within apertured bags, thereby to prevent spillage while permitting the lubrication or soaping of wires or cables inserted into the central bore of the canister through the slot, with 360 degree lubrication being achieved through squeezing of the canister about the wire as it is pulled through the canister. One embodiment includes a rotatable canister cover or sleeve to lock the insertable piece to the resilient container. In a further embodiment, sponge-like material is provided in a bag which is impervious to the lubricant but has one or more apertures in one surface. With the sponge-like material fully-laden with lubricant, the bag is manually wrapped around the cable with the aperture facing inwardly, and lubricant is manually squeezed from the sponge-like material onto the surface of the cable as the cable is pushed through the wrap around bag.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.