U.S. patent application number 10/756723 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-14 for fence wire spool decoiler.
Invention is credited to Easley, Daniel Craig, Priefert, William Dean.
Application Number | 20050150991 10/756723 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34739903 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050150991 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Priefert, William Dean ; et
al. |
July 14, 2005 |
Fence wire spool decoiler
Abstract
A decoiler for storing, transporting, and uncoiling spools of
wire, comprising a base member having a platform and an insertion
post attached perpendicularly to the top of the platform. The base
member further comprising an axle, attached to the bottom of the
platform extends beyond the transverse confines of the platform and
a handle base that is attached perpendicular to the axle and
extends beyond the rearward confines of the platform. The wheels of
the apparatus are attached to the axle and the adjustable handle is
connected to the free end of the handle base. A slidable clevis is
preferably included for connecting the decoiler to a ground vehicle
for towing.
Inventors: |
Priefert, William Dean;
(Pleasant, TX) ; Easley, Daniel Craig; (Mt.
Pleasant, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS, BROWN, KOEHN, SHORS & ROBERTS, P.C.
THE FINANCIAL CENTER
666 WALNUT STREET
SUITE 2500
DES MOINES
IA
50309-3993
US
|
Family ID: |
34739903 |
Appl. No.: |
10/756723 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/557 ;
242/597.7; 242/597.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2701/364 20130101;
B62B 1/26 20130101; B65H 49/32 20130101; B62B 2202/025 20130101;
B62B 5/064 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/557 ;
242/597.7; 242/597.8 |
International
Class: |
B65H 049/20 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A decoiler for storing, transporting, and uncoiling spools of
wire, the decoiler comprising: a) a wheeled cart member; b) a
spool-supporting platform mounted on the wheeled cart member
between the wheels; c) an insertion post extended generally
perpendicularly from the platform; and d) a handle attached to the
wheeled cart member.
2. The decoiler as defined in claim 1, wherein the insertion post
is attached at a middle point of the platform.
3. The decoiler as defined in claim 1, wherein the platform is of a
shape selected from the group consisting of square, rectangular,
circular, and oval.
4. The decoiler as defined in claim 3, further comprising an axle
aligned with a middle axis of the platform and positioned to allow
for maximum contact between the axle rod and the platform.
5. The decoiler as defined in claim 1, further comprising a handle
base attached to and extended beyond the platform, and wherein the
handle is attached to the handle base of the platform.
6. The decoiler as defined in claim 5, wherein the handle is
further adjustably connected to the handle base to allow the handle
to be adjusted to different heights and angles for pulling the
decoiler.
7. The decoiler as defined in claim 1, further comprising a clevis
associated with the handle for attaching the decoiler to a ground
vehicle for towing.
8. A decoiler for storing, transporting, and uncoiling spools of
wire, the decoiler comprising: a) a base member having a platform
and an insertion post, the platform having a top and a bottom side
with the insertion post being attached perpendicularly to the mid
point of the topside of the platform; b) the base member further
comprising an axle rod and a handle base; c) the axle rod being
longer in length than the platform and attached horizontally across
the middle axis of the bottom side of the platform, the axle rod
further having a wheel attached to each end of the axle rod; d) the
handle base attached to the perpendicular middle axis of the bottom
side of the platform so that it is perpendicular to the axle rod
and extends past the platform edge; e) the handle base further
having an adjustable handle connected to the end of the handle base
extending past the platform, the adjustable handle having a grip
located at the opposite end; and f) the handle further having a
slidable clevis for attachment of the decoiler to a ground vehicle
for towing.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No.
60/439,702, filed on Jan. 13, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Art
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a wire spool
decoiler and, more specifically, to a wire spool decoiler that
allows for the easy loading, unloading, and handling of rolls of
barbed wire. In particular the decoiler is able to pick up,
support, and transport a wire spool and further holds the wire
spool in an upright, transport position. This upright position
allows the spool to rotate in a manner that makes it easy to uncoil
the wire when the wire is being stretched during fencing.
[0004] 2. Background of the Art
[0005] Since the advent of barbed wire there has been a need for an
apparatus that can effectively and easily assist a user in handling
barbed wire spools. To date there have been tools created to allow
a user to hold and carry wire spools by hand. Two examples include
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,079,663 and 3,967,793. Both patents disclose an
invention related to a hand-held tool for lifting and moving the
wire spools. Neither patent discloses a device for transporting
wire that carries the wire spool other than by hand.
[0006] There are also devices that independently support a wire
spool and may be used to move the spool from one location to
another without the use of a hand-held tool. Two examples
illustrating this type of device are U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,808 and
Patent Application No. U.S. 2002/0038837, which disclose a tool or
device in which the wire spool is situated on a horizontal support
axle. In the '808 patent, loading and unloading the wire spool
requires removing a cotter pin and taking off a wheel in order to
insert the axle horizontally through the wire spool opening. This
method is time consuming and requires the use of tools or removable
parts that can become damaged or lost during the process. The spool
of barbed wire is sitting horizontally on the device and is
typically positioned close enough to the ground that the spool
intermittently contacts the ground causing problems with transport
and pay-out of the spool and resulting in the spool picking up
debris. Momentum of the spinning spool during pay-out may cause the
wire spool to continue to spool even after transport movement has
stopped, causing the wire to tangle, which again is time consuming
for the user and necessitates additional handling of the wire. To
keep the wire spool from over spooling, some of the devices have
been made with a spring-loaded rod that touches the roll and causes
friction in order to brake the spool when transport stops. The
spring-loaded rod becomes an extra component that adds to the
weight and complexity of the device, and may create problems for
the user when loading and unloading the wire spool.
[0007] In application No. 2002/0038837, the axle on which the spool
is supported must be released and the spool must be lifted for
loading or unloading onto the device. The disclosed invention of
application '837 is problematic because it is difficult to pull due
to a lack of wheels and involves a great deal of lifting to
correctly position the spool on the horizontal axle.
[0008] The prior art also includes a type of device that is
fashioned in lawnmower style in which a simple handle is used to
straddle the horizontal spool, the handle is then connected to a
rod that is inserted through the spool. In this manner the spool is
rolled on the ground without the use of wheels. Again this simple
method is very hard to pull or maneuver and is known to collect a
lot of debris during use.
[0009] Of the known devices, none provide a way to a easily handle
or maneuver a barbed wire spool or easily load and unload the spool
on and off the device without the use of tools, lifting, or other
unwanted contact with the barbed wire spool. A need exists for a
decoiler on which a spool may be quickly loaded and unloaded by a
single person, is easy to pull and maneuver, and positions the
barbed wire spool in an upright position to ensure the spool does
not create extra drag by collecting debris or touching the ground
during transport, while still allowing the wire spool to swivel and
release wire as needed but not allowing the wire spool to
over-spool during use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to a decoiler for storing,
transporting, and uncoiling spools of wire consisting of a base
member having a platform with an insertion post attached
perpendicularly to the top of the platform for inserting into a
wire spool and positioning the wire spool in a generally upright
position. The base member further having an axle rod, longer in
length than the platform and attached to the bottom of the
platform, along with a handle base attached perpendicular to the
axle rod and similarly on the bottom of the platform. The wheels of
the apparatus are located at each end of the axle rod and an
adjustable handle is connected to the end of the handle base
opposite the axle rod, the handle further having a slidable clevis
for attachment to and transport by a ground vehicle, such as an all
terrain vehicle (ATV).
[0011] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the
following specification, drawings, and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decoiler as used to carry
a wire spool.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the decoiler carrying the wire
spool.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of the decoiler carrying the wire
spool.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of the decoiler carrying the wire
spool.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of the decoiler depicting an
adjustment angle of a handle.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of the decoiler depicting a second
adjustment angle of the handle.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view of the decoiler depicting a third
adjustment angle of the handle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] There is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, generally at 10, a wire
spool decoiler of the present invention as it is used to support a
wire spool 12 in a generally upright position. In particular, a
base member 14 and an adjustable handle 16 are joined together to
form the decoiler 10. The base member 14 is comprised of a platform
18 that supports the wire spool 12, an inserted post 20 that is
inserted through the wire spool 12, and wheels 22a and 22b that
assist in transporting the wire spool 12. The platform 18 of the
base member 14 has a top side and a bottom side, the top side of
the platform 18 is attached to the post 20 so that the post 20
stands generally perpendicular to the platform 18. Preferably the
post 20 is attached at the midpoint of the top side of the platform
18 to ensure an even distribution of support provided by the
platform 18 to the wire spool 12. The platform 18 may be of a
square, rectangular, circular, or oval shape for supporting the
wire spool 12, each shape having a pair of perpendicular middle
axes of either the same length or with one having a longer length
than the other.
[0020] The base member 14 is further comprised of an axle rod 24
that is secured horizontally across the bottom side of the platform
18. The axle rod 24 is longer than the length of the platform 18
and protrudes from the sides of the platform 18 when the two are
secured together. The wheels 22a and 22b are attached to each end
of the axle rod 24 to allow for easy transporting of the wire spool
12 when supported on the decoiler 10. In order to ensure even
distribution of the weight of the wire spool 12, and thus greater
stability of the decoiler 10, it is preferred that the axle rod 24
be positioned across the longer of the two middle axis of the
platform 18. It is also preferred that the wheels 22a and 22b used
be a high wheel design, meaning larger in diameter, to help keep
the wire spool 12 off of the ground in order to minimize
entanglement of grass and weeds in the wire.
[0021] Attached to the bottom of the platform 18 is a handle base
26 (FIGS. 4-7). The handle base 26 is positioned perpendicular to
the axle rod 24, forming a T-shape with the axle rod 24 preferably
near the midpoint on the bottom side of the platform 18 and
preferably positioned along the second axis of the platform 18. The
free end of the handle base 26 extends past the edge of platform 18
to permit pivotal attachment to the handle 16, thereby allowing the
handle 16 to pivot around the transverse axis 27 at the point of
connection. A set bar 28 is attached to the handle base 26 and
positioned adjacent to the handle 16 with one end of the set bar 28
pivotally attached to the handle base 26 with a bolt 40 to allow
movement of the set bar 28 to occur when positioning the handle 16
for use. The opposite end of the set bar 28 splits to form two
parallel arms 32 that allow the position of the handle 16 to be
adjusted by inserting a pin 30 through a hole (not shown) drilled
through the end of each arm 32, the pin 30 is further inserted
through one of a series of holes 42 located on a plate 34 that is
welded to the handle 16. By moving the arms 32 of the set bar 28
along the plate 34 of the handle 16 and inserting the pin 30
through the corresponding hole 42 at the desired position, the
handle 16 may be adjusted to different angles and heights for use.
The inserted pin 30 secures the handle 16 in the adjusted
position.
[0022] The end of the handle 16 opposite the handle base 26 has a
T-shaped grip 36 for easy grasping by a user of the handle 16 and
maneuvering of the decoiler 10 during use. The grip 36 may be
coated with a plastic or rubber material for added comfort during
use. The handle 16 further has a sliding clevis 38 which allows the
decoiler 10 to be hooked to a ground vehicle, such as an all
terrain vehicle (ATV) (not shown) for towing. The sliding clevis 38
slides along the shank of the handle 16 and rests on the set bar 28
when not in use. When the decoiler 10 is to be hooked to the ground
vehicle, the sliding clevis 38 slides to the top of the handle 16
and over the grip 36 in a manner that allows the sliding clevis 38
to form a tongue which can be attached to the vehicle for
towing.
[0023] In operation, the decoiler 10 may be used conveniently to
mount and transport a wore spool 12 from a ground-supported
position. The wire spool 12 is set on the ground and tipped on its
side so that the hollow middle of the wire spool 12 is horizontal.
The decoiler 10 is positioned so that the post 20 is substantially
horizontal by raising the handle 16. A user then maneuvers the
decoiler 10 to insert the post 20 into the middle of the wire spool
12 to the transport position by lowering the handle 16. If needed,
the user may steady the decoiler 10 by putting a foot on the axle
rod 24, thus allowing the wire spool 12 to be transported in an
upright position on the decoiler 10. The transport of the wire
spool 12 in an upright position allows the wire spool 12 to rotate
and release wire as necessary during the construction of fencing or
the like. Rotating of the wire spool 12 occurs easily during
movement of the decoiler 10 and, due to its self-created friction
between the spool 12 and the plate 18, stops when the movement of
the decoiler 10 stops, therefore preventing over spooling.
[0024] The slidable clevis 38 is mounted for sliding movement along
the shank of the handle 16 and is moved adjacent the handle 16 for
use in connecting the decoiler 10 to a vehicle. Therefore, the
present invention easily loads and unloads a wire spool 12 in an
upright position, includes an adjustable handle 16 for user
comfort, and provides for easy handling and maneuvering during
transport and use. The decoiler 10 is preferably lightweight to
facilitate easy handling and is preferably constructed of powder
coated steel for long lasting durability. The decoiler 10 is also
preferably constructed using a high wheel 22 design in order to
provide better maneuverability and minimize the entanglement of
grass and weeds that would otherwise get caught in the barbed
wire.
[0025] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative
embodiments of the present inventions. The foregoing embodiments
and the methods described herein may vary based on the ability,
experience, and preference of those skilled in the art. Merely
listing the steps of the method in a certain order does not
constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method.
The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and
illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited thereto,
except insofar as the claims are so limited. Those skilled in the
art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make
modifications and variations therein without departing from the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *