Fid apparatus and method of using
AssigneeLutco, Inc.
InventorsJohn C. Stowe, Andrzej Zakrzewski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fid apparatus includes a first channel formed along one side of the fid and a second channel formed along an opposite side of the fid. The fid further includes an aperture that passes completely through both the first channel and the second channel. This arrangement enables the fid to be able to grasp or clutch a segment of rope during a splicing process. The splicing process involves a method of using the fid apparatus in such a way that the segment of rope is arranged within the first channel, second channel, and aperture of the fid prior to commencing splicing processes. The segment of rope used is determined by the particular form of splicing that is implemented.
Claims23
A fid for splicing, the fid comprising:
- an elongate body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, with a transitional section of the elongate body therebetween, the first end terminating in a tapered point;
- a first section of the elongate body disposed between the first end and the transitional section, the first section having a first effective cross-sectional area based on a first effective outer diameter;
- a second section of the elongate body disposed between the second end and the transitional section, the second section having a second effective cross-sectional area that is greater than the first effective cross-sectional area, the second effective cross-sectional area defined by a second effective outer diameter;
- a first channel formed along a first side of the second section of the elongate body and extending from the second end toward the transitional section;
- a second channel formed along a second side of the second section of the elongate body and extending from the second end toward the transitional section, the second side being opposite the first side;
- an aperture passing from the first side of the second section of the elongate body through to the second side, the aperture disposed in both the first channel and the second channel;
- and
- a second aperture passing from the first side of the elongate body through to the second side, wherein the second aperture, disposed proximal with the first end, provides an insertion point for a tool in such a way that when the tool is inserted in the second aperture a temporary handle is formed between the tool and the second aperture, allowing a user to pull the fid through a rope.
A method of using a fid for splicing comprising:
- the fid having a first channel formed along a first side of the fid and a second channel formed along a second side of the fid opposite from the first side, wherein the fid includes an aperture passing completely therethrough and disposed in both the first channel and the second channel;
- placing a segment of rope into the first channel, wherein the segment of rope is determined by the particular form of splicing being implemented;
- threading an end of the segment of rope through the aperture to form a threaded segment of rope;
- folding the segment of rope in proximity of the aperture to form a folded segment of rope, thus enabling placement of the threaded segment of rope into the second channel;
- placing the threaded segment of rope into the second channel;
- and splicing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.