Cable dispensing apparatus

Abstract

A cable dispensing apparatus for laying cable has a support for a coil, e.g. a drum, of cable. A boom assembly that includes an arm extends from a location fixed relative to the coil support. Cable guides are fixed relative to the arm at an end of the arm remote from the support. In use the cable guides direct cable from the coil into a trench during use.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cable dispensing apparatus comprising a frame assembly, the frame assembly including a pair of spaced apart upright members, an axle supported by the pair of spaced apart upright members, the axle adapted to support a cable containing drum, drive means adapted to rotate the drum to enable cable to be unwound from the drum, a pair of spaced apart arm members having one end pivotally attached to the frame assembly and the other end interconnected by a crossbar, at least one actuator adapted to pivot the arm members between a raised stowed position and a lowered cable dispensing position, and a cable guide located on the crossbar and adapted to guide cable from the drum and over the crossbar. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame assembly includes a base frame adapted to mount the apparatus onto a truck body. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the upright members comprise a central vertical post member mounted to the base frame and a pair of angled brace members one end of which is mounted to the base frame and the other end of which is mounted to the top of the central post member. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the arm members are pivotly mounted to a brace member. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the drive means comprises a driven tire which contacts part of the drum to rotate the drum. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each arm member is at least 6 feet long. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cable guide comprises oppositely rotatable rollers, the cable adapted to locate between the rollers. 
     
     
         8 . A cable dispensing apparatus comprising a frame assembly adapted to support a cable containing drum, at least one arm member having one end attached to the frame assembly at least one actuator adapted to move the arm member between a stowed position and a cable dispensing position, and a cable guide on the arm member adapted to guide cable from the drum to a desired location. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , comprising a pair of spaced apart said arm members and a cross member interconnecting the pair of spaced apart arm members. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein each said arm member is operated by a said actuator, the actuator comprising a hydraulic ram. 
     
     
         11 . A cable dispensing apparatus comprising a frame assembly adapted to support a cable containing drum, at least one arm member adapted for movement between a stowed position and a cable dispensing position, and a cable guide on the arm member adapted to guide cable from the drum to a desired location. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , comprising a turntable, said arm member being supported by said turntable, said turntable able to turn by at least 90°. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said arm member comprises a boom having a first arm member and a second arm member which are pivoted relative to each other, at least one actuator being provided to pivot said first arm member relative to said second arm member. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 11  wherein said cable guide comprises a cable puller to pull cable along said arm member. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14  wherein said cable puller comprises a powered pinch roller. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , including a plurality of cable supports on said arm member to support cable as the cable moves along said arm member. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 10 , comprising a trailing vehicle, the frame assembly being supported by the trailing vehicle, and a leading vehicle, the at least one arm member being supported by the leading vehicle. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the leading vehicle supports a turntable, the at least one arm member being supported by the turntable, the turntable adapted for rotation by at least 90°. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 18 , including a driver cabin on the leading vehicle, and an engine on the leading vehicle to enable the leading vehicle to be self-powered.