U.S. patent application number 12/552265 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for hand held cable reel.
Invention is credited to Thomas William FLEMING.
Application Number | 20100044490 12/552265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33436960 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100044490 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FLEMING; Thomas William |
February 25, 2010 |
HAND HELD CABLE REEL
Abstract
A hand held cable reel (1) includes a central cable receiving
core (3) mounted between a pair of disc like end flanges (5, 7),
each disc like end flange (5, 7) having a handle (9, 11) mounted on
the outermost surface of the flange, the handles being radially
offset from the central axis of the cable receiving core (3) and
circumferentially offset relative to each other. The handles (9,
11) are substantially c-shaped having a body portion (13) and a
pair of inwardly depending arms (15, 17), the free end of each of
the arms facing inwardly towards the flange (5, 7) upon which it is
mounted. A pair of operating flanges (161, 163) freely rotatable
with respect to the end flanges may also be provided.
Inventors: |
FLEMING; Thomas William;
(Midleton, IE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
33436960 |
Appl. No.: |
12/552265 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10555817 |
Feb 27, 2007 |
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PCT/IE2004/000067 |
May 7, 2004 |
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12552265 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
242/405.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 75/403 20130101;
B65H 75/4497 20130101; B65H 2402/412 20130101; B65H 75/406
20130101; B65H 75/14 20130101; B65H 75/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/405.3 |
International
Class: |
B65H 75/44 20060101
B65H075/44; B65H 75/38 20060101 B65H075/38; B65H 75/40 20060101
B65H075/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 7, 2003 |
IE |
S2003/0341 |
Jun 6, 2003 |
IE |
S2003/0430 |
Dec 5, 2003 |
IE |
S2003/0915 |
Claims
1. A hand-held cable reel (1) comprising a central cable receiving
core (3) mounted between a pair of disc like end flanges (5,7),
each disc like end flange (5,7) having a handle (9,11) mounted on
the outermost surface of the flange, the handles being radially
offset from the central axis of the cable receiving core (3) and
circumferentially offset relative to each other, wherein each
handle (9, 11) further comprises a substantially c-shaped grip
portion (12) having a body portion (13) bridging a pair of inwardly
depending arms (15,17), the free end of each of the arms (15,17)
facing the flange upon which it is mounted, each (9,11) handle
being rotatably mounted on it's respective flange.
2. The hand held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 1 in which each
of the handles (9,11) further comprises a base portion (21), the
base portion (21) being connected to the free ends of each of the
arms of the grip portion (12) so that the grip portion (12) and the
base portion (21) are arranged to form a loop for reception of at
least one finger of an operator therethrough, the base portion (21)
in turn being rotatably mounted on the flange.
3. The hand-held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
grip portion 23 further comprises an elongate connector bar 49 and
a C-shaped grip bar connected at its free ends to the connector
bar, the base portion 21 further comprises a pair of connector bar
receivers 53 for engagement with the connector bar, the connector
bar has a sleeved, spring loaded end 55, and a spigot 59 on the
other end 57 for cooperation with one of a pair of spigot receiving
grooves 61a, 61b, in the connector bar receiver of the base
portion.
4. A hand held cable reel (1) of the type comprising a central
cable receiving core (3) mounted between a pair of disc like end
flanges (5,7), a handle (9) mounted on the outermost surface of one
of the disc like end flanges (5,7) radially offset from the central
axis of the core, characterised in that there is provided a central
bore (121) extending substantially along the length of the central
cable receiving core (3) accessible through a hole in the other
disc like end flange (5,7) and there is further provided a
rotatably mounted handle (123) located at the bottom of the central
bore.
5. The hand held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 4 in which at
least one of the handles (9, 123) further comprises a base portion
(21) rotatably mounted on the cable reel and a grip portion (23)
mounted on the base portion (21), the base portion (21) and the
grip portion (23) being arranged to form a loop for reception of at
least one finger of an operator therethrough.
6. The hand held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 4 in which the
rotatably mounted handle (123) located at the bottom of the central
bore further comprises a base portion rotatably mounted on the
bottom of the central bore and a grip portion mounted on the base
portion arranged to form a loop for reception of the fingers of an
operator therethrough.
7. The hand held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 6 in which the
base portion (191) of the handle (123) located at the bottom of the
central bore (121) further comprises an outwardly projecting
cylindrical lip (195) substantially surrounding the base portion
(191) and extending orthogonally therefrom so that the hand of the
operator may be placed on the handle with the lip (195)
substantially surrounding the hand of the operator to prevent
injury to the hand of the operator on rotation of the handle
(123).
8. The hand held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 7 in which the
outwardly projecting lip (195) further comprises at its outermost
end a protective flange (197) extending substantially orthogonal to
the lip (195) and which lies along in close proximity to portion of
the external face of the disc like end flange.
9. The hand held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 4, in which the
base portion (21) has a cylindrical receiving member (331) that is
snap fitted onto a boss (333) on the flange (5), wherein the base
portion includes a cylindrical receiving member 331 with an
inwardly facing annular clip (335) that is urged outwards as the
cylindrical portion moves over an outwardly projecting lip 337 on
the boss (333), and as the clip (335) moves beyond the clip (335),
the clip is resiliently deformed back to a rest configuration
thereby securing the handle to the flange (5), in this way the
handle (9) will be provided flush with the flange (5).
10. A hand-held cable reel (1) of the type comprising a cable
receiving core (3) mounted between a pair of disc like end flanges
(5,7) wherein the hand held cable reel further comprises a pair of
disc like operating flanges (161, 163) substantially coplanar with
and having a greater diameter than the disc like end flanges (5,
7), the disc like end flanges (5,7) and operating flanges (161,163)
being freely rotatable with respect to each other.
11. The hand-held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 10 in which
the operating flanges (161, 163) are mounted external the end
flanges (5,7) relative the cable receiving core (3).
12. The hand-held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 11 in which
the cable receiving core (3) is substantially hollow and the pair
of operating flanges (161,163) are connected together by way of a
central elongate strut (169) passing through the hollow cable
receiving core (3) and connected to one of the operating flanges
(161,163) at one of its ends and the other of the operating flanges
(161,163) at its other end.
13. The hand-held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 12 in which
the central elongate strut (169) is telescopic so that the pair of
outer flanges may move towards and away from each other.
14. The hand-held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 13 in which
there is provide a locking mechanism to hold the two operating
flanges in position relative to each other.
15. The hand-held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 14 in which
the locking mechanism is a bayonet fitting.
16. The hand-held cable reel (1) as claimed in claim 10 in which
there is further provided an additional locking mechanism to
releasably secure the operating flanges (161,163) and the end
flanges (5,7) in position relative to each other.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional of co-pending application
Ser. No. 10/555,817 filed on Feb. 27, 2007, and for which priority
is claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120. Application Ser. No.
10/555,817 is the national phase of PCT International Application
No. PCT/PCT/IE2004/000067 filed on May 7, 2004 under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.371. This application also claims priority of Application No.
S2003/0341 filed in Ireland on May 7, 2003, Application No.
S2003/0430 filed in Ireland on Jun. 6, 2003 and Application No.
S2003/0915 filed in Ireland on Dec. 5, 2003 under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119. The entire contents of each of the above-identified
applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to hand held cable reels and in
particular to hand held cable reels of the type comprising a
central cable receiving core mounted between a pair of disc like
end flanges.
[0003] Hand held cable reels have been used for many years in a
variety of different fields. Typically though, cable reels are used
to store a length of cable such as wire, garden water hose,
electrical cable or tape in a safe and secure manner until such
time that the cable is required. When the cable is required for use
the desired amount of cable may be paid out gradually from the
cable reel in an orderly manner. When the desired amount of cable
has been paid out, the cable may be secured to the cable reel to
prevent further payout of cable from the reel. Once the cable has
served its purpose and is no longer required it may be reeled back
up onto the cable reel until needed once again.
[0004] It will be understood that throughout this specification the
term cable will be used which is to include wire, fabric, tape,
electric cable or plastics material that may be wound on a reel.
Also included under the term cable are lengths of rope, hosepipe or
chain. Indeed any cable-like material that may be wound around the
hand-held reel is encompassed within the term cable.
[0005] One such known type of cable reel is that disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,481,557 (Miller). This device shows a masons line reel
that may be used for paying out and retrieving line from the reel.
One disadvantage of this device is that it is relatively unwieldy
and difficult to wind or unwind line from the reel in a quick and
efficient manner. This is due to the fact that the spacing between
the handles is such that this cable reel will have a tendency to
oscillate back and forth when being wound up which results in
difficulties in winding the cable onto the cable reel neatly in a
quick manner. Another disadvantage of this type of reel is that the
handles protrude from the end flanges by a significant distance
thereby hindering compact storage of the device. In addition to the
above, cleats have to be provided to prevent inadvertent payout of
the line from the reel when the reel is not in use. This increases
the cost of producing such a reel. A further disadvantage of this
type of cable reel is that the cable reel will be difficult to wind
or unwind quickly due to the fact that the turning knob for
manipulating the cable reel will be relatively difficult to
operate.
[0006] Another known type of cable reel is that shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,022,398 (Youngblood). This cable reel is used to store
hosepipe. When the hosepipe is wound around the cable reel, the end
of the hosepipe is secured in place by passing one end of the hose
through a hole in the flange of the cable reel. Although relatively
simple to construct this type of cable reel has the disadvantage
that it is often difficult to wind the cable back onto the reel due
to the type of handle used as well as the relative positioning of
the handles. Furthermore, in order for this type of cable reel to
secure a length of electrical cable, the holes in the flanges must
be sufficiently wide enough to allow the through passage of a plug
on the end of the cable. By having holes of this size, the flange
is significantly weakened thereby resulting in a less robust cable
reel. Secondly, the plug will protrude from the outer surface of
the cable reel where it can be damaged should the cable reel be
subjected to any sort of impact when in a stowed configuration.
Although this reel goes some way towards obviating the
disadvantages of other known reels, this reel is still relatively
unwieldy and difficult to operate in a quick and efficient
manner.
[0007] One other known type of hand-held cable reel is that
described in the applicants own co-pending PCT patent application
number WO 02/149949. This cable reel is effective in allowing cable
to be paid out or reeled in relatively quickly with little
difficulty. However, the cable reel requires a significant amount
of space for storage and additional means to prevent inadvertent
payout of cable from the reel must be provided. Furthermore, there
will be a tendency for the cable reel to oscillate from side to
side caused by the winding or unwinding of the cable onto the
reel.
[0008] Another problem with the known types of cable reel is the
manner in which the cables are secured about the reels particularly
when the cable reel is not in use. Various devices have been
proposed to secure the cable in position on the cable reel.
Generally, these consist of clips that are secured directly onto
the cable adjacent it's end so that once the cable has been wound
up, it can be clipped onto an adjacent piece of cable already wound
about the cable reel. These have been found to be effective in
securing the cable in position. However, a disadvantage of this
type of clip is that they are quite delicate and prone to breakage.
By their very nature they are exposed when the cable is unwound
from the reel and are prone to being stood on and trampled by
unwary operators of the cable reel.
[0009] There are also additional problems with other known types of
cable reel. Very often, the amount of cable stored on the cable
reel will be substantial and together with the cable reel may weigh
as much as between twenty to thirty kilos. The cable reel becomes
unwieldy and difficult to manipulate and must be placed on the
ground before rolling the cable reel along the ground about it's
disc like end flanges in order to unravel or wind up the cable
about the reel. Due to the fact that the end flanges are
necessarily greater in diameter than the cable receiving core, when
winding the cable up about the reel, slack forms in the cable. This
slack leads to loosely stored cable that may result in all the
cable not being protected by the end flanges when in a stored
position. Furthermore the loosely packed cable can be difficult to
subsequently unravel and if left unattended may lead to kinks
forming in the cable. In order to prevent the build up of slack the
operator of the cable reel must manually drag the cable reel
backwards along the ground to tighten the cable about the cable
receiving core before the cable reel may be rolled along the ground
again. This is often very difficult and tiring to do particularly
when a large amount of cable is to be wound about the cable
reel.
[0010] When the cable is being paid out from the cable reel the
opposite effect on the cable is produced and the cable becomes taut
as the end flanges are rolled along the ground. This leads to
slippage of the cable reel along the ground and can lead to damage
to the cable reel. This can also lead to the cable reel becoming
unwieldy and difficult to manipulate and the cable reel will tend
to veer off to one side or the other instead of holding a straight
line. Alternatively, certain types of cable may be stretched or
otherwise damaged by placing the cable under tension which is
undesirable.
[0011] Another problem with certain known types of cable reel, and
in particular those types of cable reel that have a pair of handles
rotatably mounted on the cable reel to enable the cable to be wound
or unwound about the core, is that during the winding motion the
cable reel will have a tendency to oscillate from side to side.
This can lead to the cable becoming built up at one end and being
distributed unevenly on the cable reel which can lead to problems
subsequently when unraveling the cable.
[0012] It is an object therefore of the present invention to
provide a cable reel that overcomes at least some of these
difficulties that is both inexpensive to produce and simple to
operate.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
cable reel that may be stored in a compact manner.
STATEMENTS OF INVENTION
[0014] According to the invention there is provided a hand-held
cable reel comprising a central cable receiving core mounted
between a pair of disc like end flanges, each disc like end flange
having a handle mounted on the outermost surface of the flange, the
handles being radially offset from the central axis of the cable
receiving core and circumferentially offset relative to each other,
characterised in that
[0015] Each handle further comprises a substantially c-shaped grip
portion having a body portion bridging a pair of inwardly depending
arms, the free end of each of the arms facing the flange upon which
it is mounted, each handle being rotatably mounted on it's
respective flange.
[0016] By having the handles shaped and oriented in this way the
tendency of the cable reel to oscillate from side to side when the
cable is being reeled in will be reduced. This will provide a cable
reel that is much easier to manipulate and cable may be wound
thereon in an orderly fashion. In addition to this, the cable reel
will be more compact and will take up considerably less space when
stored away.
[0017] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand held cable reel in which each of the handles further comprises
a base portion, the base portion being connected to the free ends
of each of the arms of the grip portion so that the grip portion
and the base portion are arranged to form a loop for reception of
at least one finger of an operator therethrough, the base portion
in turn being rotatably mounted on the flange. This is seen as a
particularly robust configuration of cable reel.
[0018] In a further embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a hand-held cable reel in which the base portion and the
grip portion are arranged to form a dosed loop, the closed loop
being substantially elliptical in shape. By having an elliptical
shape, the handle will be able to be grasped in a most secure
manner which will facilitate the winding and unwinding of cable
from the reel, thereby further speeding up the process of winding
and unwinding cable. This is seen as highly advantageous to users
of the reel particularly those frequently using the hand held cable
reel.
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand-held cable reel in which the grip portion is hingedly mounted
on the base portion. By having the grip portion hingedly mounted on
the base portion, the grip portion may be laid flat along the base
portion and hence the cable reel may be stowed in a more compact
manner.
[0020] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand-held cable reel in which the grip portion is flattened and/or
may be provided with at least one ridge projecting outwardly
therefrom to aid in location of the operators fingers about the
grip portion. This will facilitate gripping of the handle by the
operator.
[0021] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand-held cable reel in which there is provided means to releasably
secure the grip portion in position relative the base portion. This
will provide a stable and rigid grip for the operator of the
device. This means could be provided by way of an over centre
spring, a spring loaded lock or a twist lock
[0022] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand-held cable reel in which the grip portion is releasably
secured to the base portion. This will further allow the cable reel
to be dismantled and packaged away using as little space as
possible.
[0023] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand held cable reel in which there is provided a gripping member
connected to the handle to releasably secure the cable reel to a
wire. This is seen as particularly useful as the gripping member
will facilitate connection of the cable reel onto a wire fence or
the like in a simple manner that will not require further ties and
the like to be provided.
[0024] In a further embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a hand held cable reel in which the gripping member
further comprises a v-shaped hook having a pair of legs connected
to each other, one of the legs being connected to the handle. This
is seen as a simple construction of gripping member that will cause
the wire that has been introduced into the v-shaped hook to be
drawn inwards towards the bottom of the v-shaped hook thereby
further securing the wire in position.
[0025] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a hand
held cable reel in which the grip portion is provided with a cut to
allow through passage of a wire internal the loop formed by the
grip portion and the handle portion, the grip portion being so
dimensioned to form an acute angle at the point of contact with the
base portion for reception of a piece of wire.
[0026] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand-held cable reel comprising a central cable receiving core
mounted between a pair of disc like end flanges, each disc like end
flange having a handle mounted on the outermost surface of the
flange, the handles being radially offset from the central axis of
the core and circumferentially offset relative to each other,
characterised in that
[0027] at least one of the handles further comprises a shaft
cranked intermediate its ends to form an L-shaped handle, the
proximal end of which is hingedly attached to the flange and the
distal end forming a hand grip, the handle being pivotable about
the hinge to and from an operating position in which the hand grip
protrudes laterally from the flange and a storage position in which
the hand grip extends from one flange across the core to the other
flange.
[0028] By having such a hand-held cable reel the handle will be
movable to and from an operating position in which the hand grip
protrudes laterally from the flange and the storage position in
which the hand grip extends from one flange across the core to the
other flange. When the handle is in a storage. position inadvertent
unwinding of the cable will be prevented. Furthermore, the cable
reel may be packaged away in a compact, secure manner.
[0029] In a further embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a hand-held cable reel in which the L-shaped handle is
movable through an angle of approximately 180 degrees.
[0030] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand-held cable reel in which the flange opposite the flange upon
which the L-shaped handle is mounted is provided with means to
releasably secure the L-shaped handle in a storage position.
[0031] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand-held cable reel in which the flange opposite the flange upon
which the L-shaped handle is mounted is cam shaped and that flange
is provided with a receiving hole for receiving the end of the grip
portion of the L-shaped handle and releasably securing the L-shaped
handle in a storage position. This is seen as a particularly
efficient way of retaining the L-shaped handle in a storage
position. Furthermore, it is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
Alternatively, the L-shaped handle could itself be cranked further
adjacent its free end thereby obviating the need for a cam shaped
flange. A circular flange with a receiving hole would be required
to receive the free end of the L-shaped handle that had been
cranked further adjacent its free end.
[0032] In a further embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a hand-held cable reel in which the means to lock the
L-shaped handle in position comprises a spring lock.
[0033] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand-held cable reel in which there is provided a plurality of
circumferentially spaced holes spaced apart on each flange and at
least one bollard on each flange for securing the cable, thereby
preventing further payout of the cable. This is seen as a
particularly simple and efficient way of securing the cable once
the desired amount of cable has been paid out from the reel. The
cable may be lead through one of the holes in a loop which in turn
is lead around the bollard. This prevents inadvertent unwinding of
the cable.
[0034] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand-held cable reel in which the bollard has a corrugated groove
across its width for reception of a cable therein. By having a
corrugated groove additional protection against slippage of the
cable will be provided which will be particularly useful when using
110/220 volt type cable.
[0035] In a further embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a hand-held cable reel in which there is provided an inner
circle cut-out on at least one flange and a toothed section of the
inner circle cut-out for securing a piece of cable and preventing
further payout of the cable. This is particularly simple and cost
efficient to manufacture while ensuring cable is not inadvertently
paid out from the reel.
[0036] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a hand
held cable reel comprising a central cable receiving core mounted
between a pair of disc like end flanges, the cable reel further
comprising means to retain the cable in position relative the cable
reel, characterised in that said means to retain the cable in
position relative the cable reel further comprises a gripping
device having an elongate body portion secured at one end to the
flange and its other end being dimensioned to receive a cable, the
end dimension to receive a cable being movable from a loading
position substantially intermediate the pair of flanges and a
securing position substantially external the flanges, the cable
reel further comprising a hole in the flange, the end of the
gripping device dimensioned to receive a cable being movable
through the hole in the flange to and from a loading position and a
securing position.
[0037] By having such a cable reel the cable when wound up on the
cable reel can be secured to the cable reel in a simple and
efficient manner that will not affect the durability of the cable
reel. The end of the cable may be taken from a position between the
flanges to a position outside the flanges and secured tightly
outside the flange. As the gripping device is movable in this way,
it will not hinder the winding up of the cable onto the reel by
being located intermediate the flanges when in a rest position.
This is seen as a particularly useful embodiment of the invention
as the gripping device may be passed through the hole in the
flange, the cable passed around it and then the gripping device may
be taken back through the hole in the flange thereby securely
fastening the cable in position. This would prevent any further
payout of the cable and is both simple and inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0038] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand held cable reel in which there are provided a plurality of
holes in the flange and the end of the gripping device secured to
the flange is rotatably mounted on the outermost surface of the
flange so that the gripping device may be rotated about the flange
and the end of the gripping device dimensioned to receive the cable
may be passed through any one of the holes at any one time. This is
seen as useful as the cable reel may accommodate a number of
different sizes of lengths of cable. By having a number of holes in
the flange the gripping device can always grip the cable adjacent
an end thereof which would prevent having to have loose cable that
is not tightly secured to the cable reel.
[0039] In a further embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a hand held cable reel in which there are provided ridges
protruding outwardly from the outermost surface of the flange
adjacent the hole for through passage of the end of the gripping
device dimensioned to receive a cable to prevent inadvertent
dislodgement of the gripping device. By having ridges protruding
outwardly from the outermost surface of the flange the gripping
device will be protected and will not be inadvertently dislodged on
impact. This will provide a more robust secure device.
[0040] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a hand
held cable reel in which the end of the gripping device dimensioned
to receive the cable is flush with the innermost surface of the
flange when the gripping device is not in use. By having the end of
the gripping device dimensioned to receive the cable flush with the
innermost surface of the flange the gripping device will not
inhibit the winding up of cable around the cable reel when the
gripping device is not in use.
[0041] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand held cable reel in which there is provided an outwardly
depending lip around the circumference of the flange having the
gripping device mounted thereon.
[0042] In a further embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a hand held cable reel in which the gripping device is
constructed from a resiliently deformable material. This will
enable the cable reel to have as few operating parts as possible.
It is envisaged that the resiliently deformable material may be
formed from a strip of metallic material or from a resiliently
deformable plastic material.
[0043] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a hand
held cable reel of the type comprising a central cable receiving
core mounted between a pair of disc like end flanges, a handle
mounted on the outermost surface of one of the disc like end
flanges radially offset from the central axis of the core,
characterised in that there is provided a central bore extending
substantially along the length of the central cable receiving core
accessible through a hole in the other disc like end flange and
there is further provided a rotatably mounted handle located at the
bottom of the central bore. By having a central bore extending
substantially along the length of the central cable receiving core
and a handle rotatably mounted on the bottom of the central bore
the two handles used by an operator to wind up the cable around the
cable reel will be significantly closer together than with other
known types of cable reel. In this way, the handles may be wound in
substantially the same plane which will facilitate the winding up
of cable about the cable reel. The cable reel will be less likely
to oscillate from side to side when the cable is being wound about
the reel and cable unwinding is greatly facilitated.
[0044] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand held cable reel in which at least one of the handles further
comprises a base portion rotatably mounted on the cable reel and a
grip portion mounted on the base portion, the base portion and the
grip portion being arranged to form a loop for reception of at
least one finger of an operator therethrough. This is seen as a
particularly useful handle for use with the cable reel that allows
the cable reel to be gripped in a firm manner by an operator which
will further reduce the tendency of the cable reel to oscillate
from side to side.
[0045] In a further embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a hand held cable reel in which the rotatably mounted
handle located at the bottom of the central bore further comprises
a base portion rotatably mounted on the bottom of the central bore
and a grip portion mounted on the base portion arranged to form a
loop for reception of the fingers of an operator therethrough.
[0046] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a hand
held cable reel in which the base portion of the handle located at
the bottom of the central bore further comprises an outwardly
projecting cylindrical lip substantially surrounding the base
portion and extending orthogonally therefrom so that the hand of
the operator may be placed on the handle with the lip substantially
surrounding the hand of the operator to prevent injury to the hand
of the operator on rotation of the handle. This will prevent the
operators hand and in particular their knuckles from rubbing
against the interior of the bore and becoming chaffed over time as
their hand moves relative the interior of the bore.
[0047] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand held cable reel in which the outwardly projecting lip further
comprises at its outermost end a protective flange extending
substantially orthogonal to the lip and which lies along in dose
proximity to portion of the external face of the disc like end
flange. In this way the wrist of the operator will also be
protected from rubbing against the disc like end flange as the
operators hands are used to rotate the cable reel. Their wrists
will in fact rest against the protective flange which will not be
rotating relative their wrist. In one embodiment It is envisaged
that the protective flange may in fact be curved to accommodate the
wrist of an operator.
[0048] In a further embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a hand held cable reel in which the protective flange is
annular and surrounds the outwardly projecting cylindrical lip.
[0049] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a hand
held cable reel in which the loop formed by the grip portion and
the base portion is substantially elliptical in shape. By
elliptical, what is meant is that the loop is a shape similar to
that found on nail brushes. This leaves a very simple handle to
grip and operate.
[0050] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
hand held cable reel in which the central bore extends along the
entire length of the cable receiving core and the rotatably mounted
handle located at the bottom of the bore is mounted on the
innermost surface of the flange upon which there is the other
handle mounted on it's outermost surface.
[0051] According to the invention there is provided a hand held
cable reel of the type comprising a cable receiving core mounted
between a pair of disc like end flanges characterized in that the
hand held cable reel further comprises a pair of disc like
operating flanges substantially coplanar with and having a greater
diameter than the disc like end flanges, the disc like end flanges
and operating flanges being freely rotatable with respect to each
other. By having a pair of operating flanges with a diameter
greater than the end flanges the operating flanges rather than the
end flanges will make contact with the ground and the cable reel
will roll along the flanges. Due to the fact that the operating
flanges and the end flanges are freely rotatable with respect to
each other, when the cable is being fed out from the cable reel,
the cable will not become taut as the cable is able to be fed out
at a speed faster than if the end flanges had been in contact with
the ground. The cable can therefore be paid out at the same speed
as that dictated by the movement of the operating flanges along the
ground. The cable will not be stretched or damaged in any way.
[0052] Furthermore, when it is time to wind the cable up about the
cable reel once again the operator may simply manipulate the end
flanges at their desired speed which will cause the cable to be
wound up on the cable receiving core. Slack will not form in the
cable as the rate at which the cable is wound around the core is no
longer dictated by the rate at which the ground engaging flanges
are rotated along the ground. The operator of the device will not
have to repeatedly drag the entire cable reel along the ground in
order to remove the slack from the cable and the cable may be wound
around the cable receiving core in a more compact and organized
manner.
[0053] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
cable reel in which the operating flanges are mounted external the
end flanges relative the cable receiving core. This will provide a
simple construction of cable reel that is cost efficient and less
difficult to manufacture. Furthermore, the cable reel will be
simple to manipulate by the operator allowing the cable to be wound
or unwound in a quick and efficient manner.
[0054] In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a
cable reel in which the cable receiving core is substantially
hollow and the pair of operating flanges are connected together by
way of a central elongate strut passing through the hollow cable
receiving core and connected to each of the operating flanges at
its ends. This is seen as a simple embodiment of cable reel that
will be cost efficient and relatively simple to manufacture. The
use of expensive bearings and the like are avoided by providing a
cable reel having this construction.
[0055] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a cable
reel in which the central elongate strut is telescopic so that the
pair of operating flanges may move towards and away from each
other. By having a telescopic strut the operating flanges may be
spaced apart when it is desired to roll the cable up on the cable
reel thereby giving the operator sufficient room to manipulate the
end flanges with their hands. Furthermore, by having the operating
flanges spaced as far apart as possible the cable reel will be less
inclined to diverge off course and will therefore require less
human intervention when the cable is being paid out. The operating
flanges may then be brought in dose together when the cable reel is
being stored to enable the cable reel to be stored in the most
compact manner possible. Preferably, there will be provided a
locking mechanism to hold the two operating flanges in position
relative to each other. This will prevent the two operating flanges
from rotating at different speeds which would cause the cable reel
to diverge off course when the cable was being paid out. This will
also prevent the operating flanges from collapsing inwardly when
the cable is being wound about the cable reel which could cause
injury to the operator.
[0056] In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a
cable reel in which the locking mechanism is a bayonet fitting.
This is seen as a particularly simple and cost effective fitting to
use as the locking mechanism.
[0057] In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a
cable reel in which there is further provided an additional locking
mechanism to releasably secure the operating flanges and the end
flanges in position relative to each other. This is seen as a
useful feature as it may in certain circumstances be preferable to
have the two pairs of flanges connected together. One example of
such a situation would be to prevent inadvertent unraveling of the
cable from the cable reel when not in use. In order to unravel, the
entire cable reel would have to be moved thereby preventing
inadvertent unraveling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] The invention will be more clearly understood from the
following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of
example only in which:
[0059] FIG. 1 is a front view of a hand-held cable reel according
to the invention;
[0060] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand-held cable reel
similar to that shown in FIG. 1 with an alternative construction of
handle mounted thereon;
[0061] FIG. 3 is a front view of an alternative construction of
cable reel according to the invention;
[0062] FIG. 4 is a front view of the cable reel shown in FIG. 3
with it's handles in a storage configuration;
[0063] FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternative construction of
cable reel according to the invention;
[0064] FIG. 6 is a front view of the cable reel shown in FIG. 5
with it's handles in a storage configuration;
[0065] FIG. 7 is an end view of the cable reel shown in FIGS. 5 and
6;
[0066] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative construction
of cable reel according to the invention;
[0067] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a bollard for securing a loop
of cable used with the hand-held cable reel of the present
invention;
[0068] FIG. 10 is an enlarged exploded view of one type of handle
of the cable reel according to the invention;
[0069] FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative construction of
cable reel according to the invention;
[0070] FIG. 12 is an alternative construction of handle for use
with the cable reel according to the invention;
[0071] FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of an alternative
construction of handle for use with the cable reel according to the
invention;
[0072] FIG. 14 is an alternative construction of bollard for use
with the cable reel according to the invention;
[0073] FIG. 15 is an alternative construction of handle for use
with the cable reel according to the invention;
[0074] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a hand held cable reel
according to the invention;
[0075] FIG. 17 is a side view of the hand held cable reel of FIG.
16;
[0076] FIG. 18 is an end view of the hand held cable reel held
shown in FIG. 17 along the lines A-A;
[0077] FIG. 19 is an end view of the hand held cable reel shown in
FIG. 17 along the lines A-A with the gripping portion in a loading
position;
[0078] FIG. 20 is an end view of the hand held cable reel shown in
FIG. 17 along the lines A-A with the gripping portion in a securing
position with the cable secured therein;
[0079] FIG. 21 is a side view of an alternative construction of
gripping portion for use with the hand held cable reel;
[0080] FIG. 22 is a partially cut away end view of an alternative
construction of hand held cable reel according to the
invention;
[0081] FIG. 23 is a partially cut away end view of a further
alternative construction of hand held cable reel according to the
invention;
[0082] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative construction
of hand held cable reel according to the invention;
[0083] FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative
construction of means to retain the cable in position for use with
the cable reel according to the invention;
[0084] FIG. 26 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 25 with a
length of cable being introduced into the gripping device;
[0085] FIG. 27 is a view similar to that shown in FIGS. 25 and 26
with the length of cable retained by the gripping device;
[0086] FIG. 28 is an alternative construction of gripping device
for use with the cable reel according to the invention;
[0087] FIG. 29 is an end view of an alternative construction of
cable reel according to the invention;
[0088] FIG. 30 is a partial perspective view of a cable reel having
an alternative construction of protective shield;
[0089] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view along the lines B-B of
FIG. 30;
[0090] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an alternative construction
of cable reel according to the invention;
[0091] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view along the lines C-C of
FIG. 32;
[0092] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a cable reel according to
the invention;
[0093] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view along the lines A-A of the
cable reel of FIG. 34;
[0094] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of cable reel according to the invention;
[0095] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism
used with the cable reel of FIG. 36;
[0096] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of another still
alternative embodiment of cable reel according to the
invention;
[0097] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of cable reel similar to that shown in FIG. 36 with a
locking mechanism provided;
[0098] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of locking mechanism for use with the cable reel shown
in FIG. 39;
[0099] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of another still
alternative embodiment of locking mechanism for use with the cable
reel shown in FIG. 39;
[0100] FIG. 42 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of
locking mechanism according to the invention;
[0101] FIGS. 43(a) and 43(b) are cross-sectional views of the
locking mechanism shown in FIG. 42;
[0102] FIGS. 44a to 44d inclusive are alternative embodiments of
handle for use with the present invention;
[0103] FIG. 45 of the drawings there is shown an alternative
construction of handle for a cable reel according to the invention;
and
[0104] FIG. 46 shows an alternative construction of handle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0105] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1 thereof
there is shown a hand-held cable reel, indicated generally by the
reference numeral 1, comprising a central cable receiving core 3
mounted between a pair of disc like end flanges 5, 7, each of the
disc like end flange having a handle 9, 11 mounted. on the
outermost surface of the flange. Each of the handles 9, 11 is
radially offset from the central axis of the core and
circumferentially offset relative to the other handle. Each handle
9, 11 comprises a substantially c-shaped grip portion 12 having a
body portion 13 bridging a pair of inwardly depending arms 15, 17,
the free ends of each of the arms face the flange upon which they
are mounted. The c-shaped grip portion is rotatably mounted on the
flange by way of a connector bar 19.
[0106] In use, an operator grasps each grip portion 12 tightly by
wrapping his fingers around the grip portion with the inside of his
wrist facing the outermost surface of the flange. The operator then
pays out or winds up cable by rotating the cable reel in the known
manner.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings there is shown a cable
reel similar to that shown in FIG. 1 with an alternative
construction of handle. The handle 9 comprises a base portion 21
rotatably mounted on the flange 5 and a grip portion 23 connected
to the base portion 21. The base portion 21 and the grip portion 23
are arranged to form a loop for reception of at least one finger of
an operator therethrough.
[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings there is
shown an alternative construction of hand-held cable reel, again
indicated by the reference numeral 1. In this embodiment parts
similar to those described with reference to the previous drawings
are identified by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment
each handle 9, 11 comprises a shaft 25 cranked intermediate it's
ends to form an L-shaped handle. The proximal end 27 of each of the
shafts is connected to its respective flange 5, 7 by way of hinge
29. The distal portion of the shaft forms a hand grip 31 having a
sleeve 33 rotatably mounted thereon for manipulation by an
operator. There is additionally provided means to releasably secure
each handle in position relative it's respective flange (not
shown).
[0109] In use, the handles are secured in an operating position as
shown in FIG. 3. The operator grasps the rotatable sleeve firmly
and rotates the cable reel in the known manner. Once the cable reel
has served it's purpose and the cable has been wound back upon the
core, the means to releasably secure the handle in. position is
released, the handle is pivoted about hinge 29 through
approximately 180 degrees until it reaches the storage position
shown in FIG. 4. In this position the grip portion 31 of the shaft
extends along the length of the core from one flange to the other.
In this way, the cable reel will be relatively compact and can be
stored using the minimum of space. Furthermore, inadvertent
unwinding of the cable from the core will be prevented. The means
to releasably secure the handle in position (not shown) may be
operated once again to maintain the handles in the storage
configuration.
[0110] Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 7 inclusive of the drawings
there is shown an alternative construction of hand-held cable reel,
again indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. In this
embodiment parts similar to those described with reference to the
previous drawings are identified by the same reference numerals. In
this embodiment each flange 5, 7 is cam shaped having a protrusion
extending outwardly from the surface of the flange. A handle
securing hole 35 is provided on the protrusion for reception of the
end of the grip portion 31. In use, when the cable reel is to be
stowed away the means to secure the handle in position (not shown)
is released and the handles are pivoted through 180 degrees to the
position shown in FIG. 6. The two flanges are constructed from a
resilient plastics material and are forced outwards until the end
of the grip portions are inserted through the handle receiving
holes 35. At that point the resilient flange springs back to it's
normal position thereby securing the handles in a storage
configuration. In order to release the handles the resilient flange
is bent outwardly and at the same time the handle is pivoted about
the hinge 29 until the end of the grip portion is free of the
handle receiving hole.
[0111] Referring now to FIG. 8 of the drawings there is shown an
alternative construction of hand-held cable reel, again indicated
generally by the reference numeral 1. In this embodiment, parts
similar to those described with reference to the previous drawings
are identified by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment a
length of insulating cord 37 is provided and is stored in cavity 39
in the end flange 5. The electrically insulating cord 37 may be
used to suspend the cable reel from an object (not shown) which it
is desirable to keep the cable reel electrically isolated from.
Such a cord 37 may terminate in a metal hook (not shown).
[0112] Referring now to FIG. 9 of the drawings there is shown an
enlarged view of one embodiment of a bollard 41 for securing a
length of cable in position on the cable reel. A loop of cable 43
is lead out through a hole 45 in the end flange 5 and is fed into
the corrugated groove 47 extending across the width of the bollard
41. The cable is then led back through hole 45. In this way, the
bollard will secure the cable in a simple and efficient manner.
[0113] Referring now to FIG. 10 of the drawings there is shown an
enlarged exploded view of the handle of the hand-held cable reel
shown in FIG. 2. The handle comprises a base portion 21 and a grip
portion 23. The grip portion 23 further comprises an elongate
connector bar 49 and a C-shaped grip bar connected at its free ends
to the connector bar. The base portion 21 further comprises a pair
of connector bar receivers 53 for engagement with the connector
bar. The connector bar has a sleeved, spring loaded end 55 and at
its other end 57 is provided with a spigot 59 for cooperation with
one of a pair of spigot receiving grooves 61a, 61b, in the
connector bar receiver of the base portion. In order to connect the
grip portion and the base portion together the sleeved spring
loaded end 55 of the connector bar is inserted into a hole (not
shown) of one of the connector bar receivers and force is applied
against the spring action thereby temporarily reducing the overall
length of the connector bar. The other end 57 of the connector bar
is placed adjacent to a hole 63 of the other connector bar receiver
53. The spigot 59 of the connector bar is aligned with the spigot
receiving groove 61b. Once the spigot 59 and spigot receiving
groove 61b have been aligned the connector bar is released and the
spring loaded end 55 acting under the spring force pushes the other
end 57 of the connector bar into the hole 63 of the connector bar
receiver 53. The grip portion and the base portion are then held in
a fixed relationship with respect to each other by virtue of the
spigot 59 which is firmly housed in spigot receiving groove
61b.
[0114] In order to pivot the grip portion through approximately 90
degrees so that the grip portion lies flat along the base portion,
the grip portion is moved against the spring loaded end 56 of the
connector bar until the spigot 59 is released from the spigot
receiving groove 61b. The grip portion and hence connector bar and
spigot are rotated through 90 degrees until spigot 59 and spigot
receiving groove 61a are in alignment at which point the grip
portion is released. The spring loaded end will then force the
spigot 59 and spigot receiving groove 61a into engagement which
will retain the grip portion in a fixed configuration with respect
to the base portion.
[0115] Referring now to FIG. 11 of the drawings there is shown an
alternative construction of cable reel according to the invention.
A substantially circular hole 65 is cut out of the centre of the
flange 5. At least two grooves 67a, 67b, are cut into the flange
from the inner circle thereby providing a tooth 69 for securing a
piece of cable. Cable may be lead through another hole on the
flange adjacent the outer periphery rim of the flange around the
tooth portion and back through the hole in order to secure the
cable in position.
[0116] Referring to FIG. 12 of the drawings there is shown an
alternative construction of handle for use with the cable reel of
the present invention. The handle comprises a C-shaped frame having
bottom wall 71 and side walls 73 and 75. The side walls 73, 75 are
connected together by a cross bar 77 at one end thereof. A pivot
bar 79 extends from crossbar 77 downwards through bottom wall 71
for connection to a flange of the cable reel (not shown). The
handles therefore fully rotate about the flange. As an alternative
to having the handle pivot about pivot bar 79 an additional pivot
pin (not shown) could be provided in a substantially central
position on the bottom wall 71.
[0117] In use the operator inserts two fingers into the handle, one
either side of the pivot pin and winds the cable in or out by
rotating the cable reel in the known manner.
[0118] Referring now to FIG. 13 of the drawings there is shown a
side sectional view of an alternative construction of handle for
use with the cable reel according to the invention.
[0119] Instead of having a sleeve mounted on a hand grip portion as
described previously, there is provided a hand grip portion 81
rotatably mounted on a shaft portion 83.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 14 there is shown an alternative
construction of bollard for use with the present invention. A loop
of cable 85 is passed through hole 87 in the flange 5 and led
around at least one, preferably one although possibly two, flap
shaped bollards 89 on the outside of the reel flange. Each flap
shaped bollard 89 projects laterally from the flange surface and
may be recurved to enhance it's effectiveness. The flap shape
bollards may be recurved either towards the centre of the flange or
towards the outer peripheral rim of the flange.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 15 there is shown a perspective view of an
alternative construction of handle for use with the present
invention. A C-shaped grip bar 91 flattened parallel to the reel
flange (not shown) and permanently held in its working position
while rotatably fixed to the flange. A base plate 93 is provided
although it will be understood that this is not entirely necessary.
The grip bar may be suitably contoured to accommodate the fingers
and thumb of either hand. The grip bar is further provided with a
pair of frusto conical projections 95, 97 to facilitate rapid
unwinding of the tape or cable form the reel while the projections
are held between the thumb and middle finger of the right or left
hand. It is understood that instead of projections 95, 97, a pair
of depressions may be provided as the functional equivalent.
Neither the projections or depressions are essential.
[0122] It will be understood from the foregoing specification and
drawings that a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes
adjacent to the outer periphery rim of each flange may be provided
as well as a plurality of upstanding bollards (not shown) on the
outermost face of each end flange in order to secure the cable in
position once a sufficient amount of cable has been paid out by the
operator of the hand-held cable reel. The cable is simple led
through one of these holes, looped around a bollard and led back
through the same hole which will effectively secure the cable from
further payout.
[0123] It will be further understood that in some of the
embodiments shown the connector bar 49 was held in position by way
of a spigot 59 on the connector bar and spigot receiving holes 61a,
61b on the connector bar receivers 53. It is envisaged that several
different ways of securing the connector bar in position could be
used. For example a simple spring lock, twist lock or other device
such as an over centre spring could be used to releasably secure
the grip portion of the handle in an operating position in which
the grip portion protrudes laterally from the base portion or a
storage configuration in which the handle rests along the base
portion. It is further envisaged that different locking mechanisms
for the handle portion that is allowed to pivot relative the base
portion other than those described may be used that would fall
within the scope of the invention. Essentially what is required is
any lock that will firmly secure the handle in either an operating
position or a storage position when desired. It is envisaged that
an electrical plug socket may be provided on at least one outer
face of the reel flange for reception of an electrical plug. In
this way the cable reel could be used as an electrical cable
extension.
[0124] In certain embodiments the. handles have been described as
being hingedly mounted onto the flange. It will be understood that
what is essential for the embodiments in which the handle is
pivotable is that the handle is let pivot through either
approximately 90 degrees or approximately 180 degrees as desired.
The pivot joint may be a hinge or other similar pivot joint that
will allow this movement. These other connections are be considered
as included within the scope of the invention.
[0125] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, where like parts have been
given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown a hand
held cable reel 1, comprising a central cable receiving core 3
mounted between a pair of end flanges 5, 7 having means to secure a
length of cable 101 relative the cable reel. The means to secure a
length of cable further comprising a gripping device 103 secured at
one end 105 to the flange 5 and its other end 107 being dimensioned
to receive a cable. The end 107 dimensioned to receive a cable is
movable from a loading position substantially intermediate the pair
of flanges and a securing position substantially external the
flanges. The end 105 is rotatably mounted on the flange and there
are provided a plurality of holes 109 in the surface of the flange.
Ridges 111 are located adjacent each of the holes. There are
further provided handles 113 for manipulation by the user of the
hand held cable reel.
[0126] In use, when it is desired to store the cable the user
grasps the handles 113 and winds the cable up around the cable
receiving core until the cable is fully wound around the cable
receiving core. The gripping device is rotated by the user to the
hole 109 in the flange nearest the end of the cable. The end 107 of
the gripping device is pushed inwardly through hole 109 and the
cable is placed in the end dimensioned to receive a cable. The end
107 is released and it acts under resilient spring pressure to
return to its original position thereby drawing the cable towards
the hole in the flange and against the inner surface of the flange
and securing the cable in position. The cable will be held. In this
position until the resiliently deformable gripping device end 107
is pushed inwardly again and the cable removed from that end.
[0127] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20 inclusive of the drawings there
is shown a number of end views taken along the lines A-A of FIG.
17. In FIG. 18, the gripping device 103 is in a rest position. When
the cable is ready to be secured in position the operator pushes
the end 107 of the gripping device 103 through the hole 109. A
cable 115 is then introduced to end 107 of the gripping device
(FIG. 19) and the pressure on the end of the gripping device is
released. The gripping device springs back under the returning
force (FIG. 20) thereby securing the cable in position. In order to
release the cable from the gripping device the end 107 will have to
be pushed through the hole 109 and the cable removed from the end
107.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 21 of the drawings there is shown an
alternative construction of gripping device for use with the cable
reel of the present invention. The gripping device is substantially
flat with the exception of a returning end 117 suitable for
receiving the cable. The hole 119 in the flange 5 is larger to
allow greater deflection of the gripping device 117 through the
hole 119 to allow gripping of a length of cable.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 22 of the drawings there is shown an
alternative construction of cable reel according to the invention
where like parts have been given the same reference numerals as
before. The cable reel 1, comprises a central cable receiving core
3 mounted between a pair of disc shaped end flanges 5, 7. A handle
9 is rotatably mounted on one flange 5 and is radially offset from
the central axis of the central cable receiving core. The handle
comprises a base portion 21 rotatably mounted on the flange and a
grip portion 23 connected to the base portion. The grip portion 23
and the base portion 21 are dimensioned to form a loop for
reception of the fingers of an operators hand. The central cable
receiving core 3 further comprises a central bore 121 extending
substantially along its length. A handle 123 is rotatably mounted
to the bottom of the bore 121. The handle 123 is therefore mounted
on the innermost surface of the flange 5 that has the other handle
9 mounted on its outermost surface.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 23, where parts similar to those shown in
FIG. 22 have been given the same reference numerals as before, the
cable reel which is used as an electrical cable extension is
further provided with a plug socket 125 for reception of a plug 127
of an electrical appliance (not shown). The handle 123 rotatably
mounted on the bottom of the bore 121 is not therefore mounted on
the innermost surface of the flange 9 but is as close as possible
thereto.
[0131] Referring now to FIG. 24 of the drawings there is shown a
perspective view of an alternative construction of cable reel
according to the invention where like parts have been given the
same reference numerals as before. The cable reel 1 has a pair of
sockets 129, 131 mounted on one end flange 7 thereof.
[0132] Referring now to FIGS. 25 to 27 inclusive there is shown a
side cross-sectional view of an alternative construction of means
to retain the cable in position according to the invention, where
like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before.
The gripping device 103 is secured at one end 105 to the flange by
way of rivet 133. The other end 107 dimensioned to receive a cable
is located adjacent protective shield 135 which prevents
inadvertent release of the gripping device while at the same time
assisting in the securing of the cable in the end 107 of the
gripping device.
[0133] In use, the end 1071 s bent inwardly and the free end of a
length of cable 137 is introduced into the end 107 of the gripping
device. The end 107 is released and returns upwardly under its
resilient force to the position shown in FIG. 27 thereby trapping
the cable in position relative the cable reel.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 28 of the drawings there is shown an
alternative construction of gripping device for use with the cable
reel of the present invention where like parts have been given the
same reference numeral as before. The gripping device 103 is bent
upwardly intermediate its ends 105, 107 so that the end dimensioned
to receive a cable 107 touches the protective shield 135. Of course
it will be understood that the end 107 need not necessarily rest
against the protective shield but may be held adjacent the
shield.
[0135] Referring to FIG. 29 of the drawings there is shown an end
view of an alternative construction of cable reel according to the
invention where like parts have been given the same reference
numerals as before. The gripping device 103 is rotatably mounted on
the end flange 5 about point 141. The gripping device 103 may be
rotated about point 141 until the end dimensioned to receive the
length of cable (not shown) may be passed through one of the holes
109 in the flange 5 and further rotated until the end (not shown)
is located underneath the protective shield 135.
[0136] Referring now to FIGS. 30 and 31 of the drawings there is
shown a partial perspective view of an end flange 5 with an
alternative construction of protective shield 143 for use with the
cable reel according to the invention. The protective shield 143
has an inverted U-shaped cross-section and has a downwardly
depending lip 145 to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the
gripping device (not shown) sideways from the hole 109 in the
flange 5 as well as protecting the gripping device being
inadvertently depressed thereby releasing the cable (not shown)
from the gripping device. The downwardly depending lip 145 leaves a
sufficient gap for movement of a gripping device to and from a
position underneath the protective shield.
[0137] Finally, referring now to FIGS. 32 and 33 of the drawings
there is shown another alternative construction of cable reel
according to the invention with an alternative means to secure a
length of cable. The means to secure a length of cable further
comprises a casing 147 having a cut out portion 149 through which a
gripping device may be accessed by an operator. In use, the
gripping device is depressed by an operator by passing their finger
through the cut out portion 149 in the casing 147. The end 107 of
the gripping device 103 is arranged to form a returning hook shape
with an upwardly depending lip 151. The operation of the gripping
device will be self explanatory from the foregoing.
[0138] It is envisaged that the gripping devices described can be
constructed from a metallic material or a plastics material or
other suitable material. Preferably the gripping device is
constructed from a resiliently deformable material. Alternatively,
a suitable hinge joint and resilient spring biasing means could be
provided to urge the gripping device into a storage position.
[0139] In the embodiments shown there are provided holes in the end
flange however it will be understood that the important aspect is
that the gripping device can move from a position intermediate the
flanges to a position external the flanges in order to lock the
cable in position. It is envisaged that a suitable gripping device
could be placed on the end of the flange and could pivot to and
from a loading position intermediate the flanges where a cable
could be attached thereto and a securing position external the
flange where the portion of the cable is trapped outside the
flanges.
[0140] In the embodiments shown two or three holes are provided on
the flange for through passage of the end of the gripping device.
It will be understood that a single hole or any other number could
be provided on the cable reel. Furthermore, the handles shown in
the specification are loop type handles that may be easily gripped
by an operator. It will be understood that different types of
handle could be used instead of these types of handles. Any handle
that will allow adequate grip of the cable reel to be achieved by
an operator would suffice. The handles could be detachably mounted
onto the outer surface of the flange or they could be pivotably
mounted so that they can pivot from a position protruding outwardly
from the flange to a position lying along the surface of the flange
for ease of storage. An alternative spring mechanism may be found
in other embodiments.
[0141] Referring now to FIG. 34 of the drawings, where like parts
have been given the same reference numerals, there is shown a cable
reel 1, having a cable receiving core 3 mounted between a pair of
disc like end flanges 5, 7 and a pair of operating flanges 161, 163
having a greater diameter than the end flanges and being freely
rotatable with respect to the end flanges. The operating flanges
are located external the end flanges relative the cable receiving
core. A cable 165 is wound around the cable receiving core 3.
[0142] In use, the cable reel is placed on the ground so that the
outer rim 167 of each of the operating flanges 161, 163 will rest
on the ground and both the end flanges 5, 7 and the cable will be
held spaced apart from the ground. In order to pay out cable from
the cable reel the operator of the cable reel affixes the free end
of the cable to a post or the like and then rotates the cable reel
in the known manner until a sufficient amount of cable is paid out.
The operating flanges will roll along the ground however the end
flanges and hence the cable receiving core will not, the cable
receiving core rotates at a speed sufficiently fast to pay out
sufficient cable and prevent the cable becoming so tensioned that
the cable becomes damaged. In order to wind the cable back up on
the cable reel, the operator grasps the end flanges and rotates the
cable receiving core via the end flanges. The cable will be wound
gradually onto the cable receiving core without the operator having
to manhandle the cable reel and drag the cable reel along the
ground to maintain sufficient tension in the cable as it is being
wound about the cable receiving core.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 35 of the drawings there is shown a cut
away view of the cable reel of FIG. 34 without the cable thereon
showing the interior of the cable receiving core 3. The cable
receiving core 3 is substantially hollow and the pair of operating
flanges 161, 163 are connected together by way of a central
elongate strut 169 passing through the hollow cable receiving core
and connected to each of the operating flanges at it's ends. The
central elongate strut is freely rotatable in the hollow cable
receiving core.
[0144] Referring to FIG. 36 of the drawings there is shown an
alternative construction of cable reel in which like parts have
been given the same reference numerals as before. The central
elongate strut further comprises a two-part telescopic strut having
a pair of strut sections 171a, 171b. Each strut section 171a, 171b
has an operating flange connected thereto at one end and the other
end 173a of strut section 171a fits inside the other end 173b of
strut section 171b. The end 171a is slidable back and forth within
the end 171b and a locking mechanism (not shown) is provided to
releasably secure the operating flanges in position relative to
each other.
[0145] Referring to FIG. 37 of the drawings there is shown a cross
sectional view of one type of locking mechanism that may be used to
releasably secure the two operating flanges in position relative to
each other. The locking mechanism comprises a bayonet fitting,
indicated generally by the reference numeral 175 having a pair of
jaws 167a, 177b that may be tightened and brought closer together
or loosened and further separated by twisting adjustment member
179. The adjustment member 179 has a screw thread 181 for
cooperation with a corresponding screw thread 183 on the pair of
jaws 177a, 177b.
[0146] Referring to FIG. 38 of the drawings there is shown another
still alternative embodiment of cable reel according to the
invention where like parts have been given the same reference
numeral as before. The cable reel 1 has a handle 9 mounted on the
outside face of one end flange radially offset from the central
axis of the core. The cable receiving core has a central bore 121
extending substantially along its length and there is provided an
inner handle 123 rotatably mounted at the bottom central bore. The
inner handle 123 comprises a base portion 191 rotatably mounted on
the cable reel and a handle portion 193 secured to the base
portion, the base portion further comprising an outwardly
projecting lip 195 substantially surrounding the base portion 191
and extending orthogonally therefrom so that the hand (not shown)
of an operator may be placed on the handle portion 193 with the lip
195 substantially surrounding the hand of the operator to prevent
injury of the operator's hand on rotation of the handle. The
outwardly projecting lip 195 further comprises at its outermost end
an annular flange 197 projecting outwardly and substantially
orthogonal to the lip 195 and which lies along the external face of
the flange. Ball bearings 199 are provided intermediate the annular
flange and the external face of the flange to facilitate rotation
of the handle. Further ball bearings 201 are provided intermediate
the base portion and the bottom of the cable receiving bore. The
base portion 191 is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the central
bore by snap fitting the base portion in position. A boss 203
located on the bottom of the cable receiving core is snap fitted
through a hole (not shown) in the base portion. There are further
provided ball bearings 205 located intermediate the handle mounted
on the end flange and the end flange to promote rotation. One
advantage of having an inner handle is that the cable reel may be
laid flat on its flange.
[0147] It is envisaged that various different methods of attaching
the inner handle to the cable reel could be employed and it will be
understood that only one possible way has been shown here. It is
further envisaged that the two part handle could be snap fitted
together also for ease of construction using any suitably
dimensioned base and handle portions. Furthermore two sets of ball
bearings between the handle and the cable reel have been shown. It
is understood that both sets of ball bearings need not be provided
but a single set or indeed other means such as a lubricant would
suffice to ensure proper operation of the device. Indeed the ball
bearing could be located intermediate the outwardly projecting lip
195 and the interior wall of the central bore 121.
[0148] Referring to FIG. 39 of the drawings there is shown another
alternative embodiment of cable reel according to the invention
where like parts have been given the same reference numerals as
before. In this instance, both of the strut sections 171a, 171b are
substantially hollow with the end of strut section 173a passing
through the open end of strut section 173b. Pins 211a, 211b mounted
on the end 173a of strut section 171a pass through a pair of
complimentary slots 213a, 213b respectively formed in the strut
section 171b. The dimensions of the slots 213a, 213b act to limit
the movement of the operating flanges relative to each other. A
locking mechanism 215 comprising an elongate locking arm 217
cranked intermediate its ends is pivotally connected adjacent its
crank point to the interior of the strut section, one end of the
locking arm forming a locking pin 219 and the other end 221 being
accessible for manipulation by an operator of the cable reel. A
slot 223 is provided on the strut section 171a to enable through
passage of the locking pin 219. Similarly, a slot 225 is provided
on strut section 171b to enable through passage of the locking pin
219 through strut section 171b. Biasing means are provided by way
of a spring (not shown) to urge the locking pin 219 in the
direction of the slots 223, 225. Finally, the cable receiving core
has an annular groove 227 formed therein around its circumference
capable of receiving the locking pin.
[0149] In use, when the operating flanges 161, 163 are held spaced
apart from the end flanges to allow the hands of the operator to
grip the end flanges and rotate the cable receiving core, the
locking pin 219 passes through the slot 223 in the strut section
171a and bears against the end 173b of the strut section 171b
thereby preventing movement of the operating flanges inwardly
towards each other. Further outwardly movement of the operating
flanges thereby further separating the two operating flanges is
prevented by the pins 211a, 211b in grooves 213a, 213b. When it is
desired to store the cable reel the operator pushes the end 229 of
the locking arm 217 inwardly towards the flange until the locking
pin 219 is free of the slot 223 and no longer bears against the end
173b of the strut section 171b. In this position the operating
flanges will be able to move inwardly relative each other. The
operating flanges are then gradually brought together and the end
229 of locking arm 217 may be released. Once the operating flanges
are in a fully stored position the slots 223 and 225 and the
annular groove 227 will fall into alignment and the locking pin
219, under action of the biasing spring, will pass through the
slots 223, 225 and rest in groove 227. In this way, the operating
flanges will be held in a fixed configuration with respect to each
other while the cable receiving core is permitted to rotate freely.
In order to pull the operating flanges apart into an operating
configuration once again the end 229 of the locking arm 217 is
pushed inwardly in order to release the locking pin 219 from the
slots 223, 225 and annular groove 227 and the operating flanges are
pulled apart until pins 211a, 2111b abut against the ends of slots
213a, 213b. The end 229 of the locking arm 217 is released once
again and locking pin 219 passes through slot 223 in the strut
section 171a and bears against the end 173b of the strut section
171b thereby preventing movement of the operating flanges inwardly
towards each other.
[0150] It can be seen that the slots 213a, 213b are so dimensioned
that the pins 211a, 211b are not permitted to rub against the cable
receiving core. This helps to avoid excessive friction and does not
inhibit the rotation of the cable receiving core. Furthermore, it
will be understood that it is not necessary to provide a pair of
pins 211a, 211b and a pair of slots 213a, 213b. In fact, a single
pin and slot pair would suffice. It is envisaged that the end and
the operating flanges may be provided with a lateral outwardly
depending flanged rim that extends from adjacent the circumference
of the flanges.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 40, there is shown a cross-sectional view
an alternative construction of locking mechanism for use with the
cable reel according to the invention where like parts have been
given the same reference numerals as before. For reasons of
simplicity, only a portion of the strut section 171a of the cable
reel has been shown but it will be understood that the remaining
parts of the cable reel as shown in FIG. 39 would also be provided.
The locking mechanism comprises a securing pin 241 moveable through
the aperture 223 in the strut section 171a. The securing pin 241 is
actuable by way of an elongate locking lever 243 whose end 245 is
bent substantially orthogonal to the main axis of the locking lever
243, the securing pin 241 is rotatably connected to end 245 of the
locking lever and the other end 247 of the locking lever being
accessible for manipulation by a user of the cable reel. A spring
249 is provided to urge the securing pin into a locking
configuration in which the securing pin 241 passes through aperture
223.
[0152] The operation of the locking mechanism will now be described
but it will be understood that the securing pin 241 of the locking
mechanism operates in substantially the same way as the locking pin
219 of the previous embodiment and may be located in the slot 225
and annular groove 227 in a similar manner in order to secure the
operating flanges in a fixed relationship with respect to each
other. In order to retract the securing pin within the strut
section 171a, the end 247 of the locking lever is grasped by a user
and then rotated to the position shown in the diagram. The entire
locking lever will rotate and this causes end 245 connected to the
securing pin to move away from the slot 223 thereby retracting the
securing pin back through the slot. The operating flanges (not
shown) may then be moved relative to each other with the securing
pin 241 in a retracted position. Once the flanges are in the
desired configuration the end 247 of the locking lever 243 is
released and the spring 249 will rotate the locking lever until the
locking lever is in a locking configuration once again. The locking
lever including the end 245 rotate which causes the securing pin
241 to move outwardly relative the strut section 171a into the
position shown in dotted lines. The operating flanges will then
once again be held in a locked relationship with respect to each
other in the manner previously described.
[0153] Referring to FIG. 41 of the drawings there is shown a
cross-sectional view of an alternative construction of locking
mechanism according to the invention where like parts have been
given the same reference numerals as before. The operation of the
locking mechanism will now be described however it will be
understood once again that for reasons of simplicity, only a
portion of the strut section 171a has been shown but it will be
understood that the remaining parts of the cable reel as shown in
FIG. 39 would also be provided. The locking mechanism further
comprises a substantially horseshoe-shaped expandable portion 261,
the free ends of which terminate in outwardly depending spigots
263a, 263b, and an elongate wedge-shaped portion 265 housed inside
the strut section 171a. The wedge-shaped portion 265 has a threaded
portion 267 for engagement with a corresponding threaded portion
269 of the strut section 171a and a hand-grip 271 for manipulation
by an operator of the device.
[0154] In use, in order to lock the operating flanges in a fixed
relationship with respect to each other, the slot 225, annular
groove 227 and the slot 227 are placed in alignment by collapsing
the operating flanges towards each other in the manner previously
described. The wedge-shaped portion 265 is then gripped by the
hand-grip 271 and rotated thereby causing the wedge-shaped portion
to advance inside the strut section 171a towards the expandable
portion 261. Once the wedge-shaped portion 265 comes into contact
with the horseshoe-shaped expandable potion 261 the outwardly
depending spigots 263a, 263b of the horseshoe-shaped expandable
portion are urged outwardly. On further rotation of the hand-grip
271, the outwardly depending spigots are pushed outwardly through
slot 223 and are allowed to pass through slot 225 and enter groove
227. In order to expand the operating flanges outwardly into a
working configuration, the hand-grip 271 is rotated in the opposite
direction to withdraw the wedge-shaped portion 265 from between the
arms of the horseshoe-shaped expandable portion 261 thereby
allowing the arms of the horseshoe shaped expandable portion to
contract and retreat the outwardly depending spigots 263a, 263b
back from the groove 227 through the slots 225 and 223. The two
operating flanges may then be moved relative each other to a fully
expanded configuration at which time the hand-grip will be rotated
once more to separate the arms of the horseshoe-shaped expandable
portion and force the outwardly depending spigots through the slot
223 whereafter they will prevent collapsing of the operating
flanges in the manner previously described.
[0155] Referring to FIGS. 42, 43(a) and 43(b) of the drawings there
is shown an alternative construction of locking mechanism for use
with the cable reel according to the present invention where like
parts have been given the same reference numerals as before. The
operation of the locking mechanism will now be described however it
will be understood once again that for reasons of simplicity, only
a portion of the strut section 171a has been shown but it will be
understood that the remaining parts of the cable reel as shown in
FIG. 39 would also be provided. The locking mechanism comprises a
pair of elongate locking members 281, 283 slidably arranged with
respect to each other. One of the sliding locking members 281 has a
spigot 285 located on one side thereof upon which there is
rotatably mounted a cam 287. The other of the sliding members 283
has an inclined face for bearing against the cam 287 when the
locking members 281, 283 are moved relative to each other. The
locking members, cam and spigot are housed within the strut section
171a which is closed at one end by a disc 289. The slidable locking
member 281, upon which the cam 287 is located, has a tapered end
291 which protrudes through an aperture in the disc 289 at the end
of the strut section 171a. A spring 293 is mounted on the tapered
end inside the strut section adjacent the disc and acts upon the
slidable locking member 281 and disc 289 to urge the slidable
locking. member inwardly into the strut section 171a towards the
other locking member 283. A cam handle 295 is pivotally mounted
adjacent the end of the tapered end 291 of the locking member 281
external the strut section 171a, operation of which will cause the
slidable locking member to move relative to the other locking
member.
[0156] In use, the cam handle is pivoted by the operator and acts
against the disc 289 which causes the slidable locking member 281
to move relative the other locking member 283. Movement of the cam
handle from the position shown in FIG. 43(b) to the position shown
in FIG. 43(a) will cause the locking member 281 to move towards the
locking member 283. The cam 287 comes into contact with inclined
surface and will rotate clockwise until at least portion of the cam
member protrudes outwardly from the slot 223 in the strut section
171a. This portion of the cam will be inserted through the slot 225
and in turn will be housed in the annular groove 227 when the
operating flanges are in a stored configuration and when the
operating flanges are in a working configuration the portion of the
cam protruding through the slot 223 will act against the end 173b
of the strut section 171b in the manner previously described. This
will be understood from the previous description of the operation
of the cable reel and will not require further explanation to be
understood by the person skilled in the art.
[0157] Referring to FIGS. 44a to 44d inclusive there are shown
alternative embodiments of handle for use with the present
invention. FIGS. 44a and 44b show a substantially elliptical shaped
handle having a grip member 301 formed integrally therewith. The
grip member 301 further comprises a substantially v-shaped member
303 having a pair of legs 305, 307, one of which is connected at
its free end to the handle. The legs form an acute angle for
reception of a wire (not shown). A pivot pin 309 mounts the handle
to the flange. Referring specifically to FIG. 44a, the pivot pin is
substantially central with respect to the handle portion whereas in
FIG. 44b the pivot pin is located towards one end of the handle
which will facilitate rotation of the handle.
[0158] Referring specifically to FIGS. 44c and 44d, there are shown
a pair of handles similar to those seen in FIGS. 44a and 44b having
an alternative connection to the handle portion. A rivet 311
connects the handle to the flange 5. In FIG. 44c the rivet is
located centrally on the handle and on FIG. 44d the rivet is
located towards one end of the handle as described previously. It
will be understood that the grip member need not necessarily be
v-shaped but simply must narrow towards a point where the wire may
be retained in a relatively secure manner.
[0159] Referring to FIG. 45 of the drawings there is shown an
alternative construction of handle for a cable reel according to
the invention. The cable reel handle has an opening 313 for through
passage of a wire-(not shown). The gripping portion 23 of the
handle forms an acute angle with the base portion 21 of the handle
so that the wire will be urged towards the narrowest point between
the base portion and the grip portion. Again, this narrowest point
is shown as a v-shape but the base portion and the grip portion
must simply narrow to a point in which the wire or other such type
of fencing cable or the like may be retained in a relatively secure
manner.
[0160] FIG. 46 shows an alternative construction of handle in which
the base portion has a cylindrical receiving member 331 that is
snap fitted on to a corresponding boss 333 on the flange 5. The
base portions cylindrical receiving member 331 has an inwardly
facing annular clip 335 that is urged outwards as the cylindrical
portion moves over an outwardly projecting lip 337 on the
corresponding boss. As the clip moves beyond the clip it will
resiliently deform back to a rest configuration thereby securing
the handle to the flange. In this way the handle will be provided
flush with the flange.
[0161] In this specification the terms "comprise, comprises,
comprised and comprising" and the terms "include, includes,
included and including" are deemed totally interchangeable and
should be afforded the widest possible interpretation throughout
the specification.
[0162] The invention is in no way limited by the embodiments
hereinbefore described and may be varied in both construction and
detail within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *