U.S. patent application number 12/616225 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-12 for reel frames for remote video inspection systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Emerson Electric Co.. Invention is credited to Larry Babb, John R. Dunkin.
Application Number | 20110108654 12/616225 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43618103 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110108654 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Babb; Larry ; et
al. |
May 12, 2011 |
REEL FRAMES FOR REMOTE VIDEO INSPECTION SYSTEMS
Abstract
A frame assembly for a cable reel includes a lower support frame
for rotatably supporting a drum and an upper support member
attached to the lower support frame. The upper support member is
disposed above the drum and defines a planar top surface when the
upper support member is in the working position. The upper support
member may be configured to form a folding seat for a user, a
drawer for storage and/or a platform for placing a device
thereon.
Inventors: |
Babb; Larry; (Grafton,
OH) ; Dunkin; John R.; (Elyria, OH) |
Assignee: |
Emerson Electric Co.
St. Louis
MO
|
Family ID: |
43618103 |
Appl. No.: |
12/616225 |
Filed: |
November 11, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/400 ;
242/398; 242/401; 242/405; 242/406 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 21/954 20130101;
B65H 75/364 20130101; G03B 37/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/400 ;
242/398; 242/401; 242/405; 242/406 |
International
Class: |
B65H 75/44 20060101
B65H075/44; B65H 75/38 20060101 B65H075/38; B65H 75/40 20060101
B65H075/40 |
Claims
1. A frame assembly for a cable reel comprising: a lower support
frame for rotatably supporting a drum; and an upper support member
attached to the lower support frame and supporting at least one
planar platform member.
2. The frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper support member
is movable between a stowed position and a working position.
3. The frame assembly of claim 2 wherein the upper support member
is disposed at a side of the drum when in the stowed position and
above the drum when in the working position.
4. The frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper support member
is configured to function as at least one of a seat, a work
platform, and a drawer.
5. The frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper support member
includes a first member and a second member, which define a space
therebetween.
6. The frame assembly of claim 5 wherein the first member is
configured as a seat and the second member is configured as a work
platform.
7. The frame assembly of claim 5 wherein the lower support frame
includes a handle extending through the space.
8. The frame assembly of claim 5 wherein the lower support frame
includes a pair of legs on each side of the drum, and a bridge
member connecting the pairs of the legs.
9. The frame assembly of claim 8 wherein each pair of legs define
an inverted V shape.
10. The frame assembly of claim 8 wherein the bridge member defines
a U shape.
11. The frame assembly of claim 8 wherein the upper support member
further comprises a connecting member disposed between the first
member and the second member and connecting the upper support
member to the lower support frame.
12. The frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper support member
is a single-piece component.
13. The frame assembly of claim 12 wherein the upper support member
defines an opening to enable a portion of the lower support frame
to extend through.
14. The frame assembly of claim 1 further comprising an auxiliary
support bracket disposed on a side of the lower support frame for
engaging a mounting feature of a device.
15. The frame assembly of claim 14 wherein the auxiliary support
bracket includes a central mounting portion mounted to the lower
support frame, and a pair of flanges at sides of the central
mounting portion, the flanges each defining a channel for receiving
the mounting feature of the device.
16. A frame assembly for a cable reel comprising: a first leg
assembly; a second leg assembly spaced from the first leg assembly
along a direction parallel to a central axis of the cable reel; a
bridge member disposed between the first leg assembly and the
second leg assembly; a shaft extending between the first leg
assembly and the second leg assembly for rotatably supporting a
drum between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly; an
upper support member movable between a working position and a
stowed position and comprising a first member defining a first
planar top surface, a second member defining a second planar top
surface, and at least one connecting member disposed between the
first member and the second member and foldably connecting the
upper support member to the bridge member, wherein the upper
support member is disposed above the drum when in the working
position and is at a side of the drum when in the stowed
position.
17. A cable reel comprising: a drum; a lower support frame for
rotatably supporting the drum; and an upper support member mounted
to the lower support frame and supporting at least one planar
platform member.
18. The cable reel of claim 17 wherein the upper support member is
foldably mounted to the lower support frame and movable between a
working position and a stowed position.
19. The cable reel of claim 18 wherein the upper support member is
disposed above the drum when in the working position and is
disposed at a side of the drum when in the stowed position.
20. The cable reel of claim 18 wherein the lower support frame
includes a first leg assembly, a second leg assembly and a bridge
member disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg
assembly.
21. The cable reel of claim 20, wherein the upper support member is
mounted to the bridge member.
22. The cable reel of claim 21 wherein the upper support member
includes at least one plate member.
23. The cable reel of claim 21 wherein the upper support member
includes a first member and a second member which define a space
therebetween, wherein the bridge member extends through the
space.
24. The cable reel of claim 23 wherein the first member is
configured as a folding seat and the second member is configured as
a platform.
25. The cable reel of claim 24 wherein the second member further
includes a drawer.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to remote video inspection
systems, and more particularly to cable reel frames for remote
video inspection systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Remote video inspection systems may be used to inspect
pipes, and particularly the inside conditions of long pipes, for
such issues as defects and obstructions. The long pipes may be heat
exchanger pipes, water pipes, gas pipes, electric conduits, fiber
optic conduits, bore holes, drain pipes, and underground sewer
pipes, for example.
[0003] Referring to FIG. 1, a typical remote video inspection
system 1 includes a camera 2 for capturing images inside the space
being inspected (e.g., long pipes 3), a video cable 4 connected to
the camera 2, a cable reel 5 for wrapping and receiving the video
cable 4, and a video image display unit 6. The video cable 4
transmits video signals from the camera 2 to the video image
display unit 6, which displays the images transmitted from the
camera 2. During the inspection process, an operator/user 7
generally kneels or squats as he is manipulating the video cable 4
in the space being inspected and the video image display unit 6 is
generally placed near him on the ground.
SUMMARY
[0004] A frame assembly for a cable reel according to the present
disclosure includes a lower support frame and an upper support
member. The lower support frame rotatably supports a drum. The
upper support member is attached to the lower support frame and
supports one or more planar platform members.
[0005] A cable reel includes a drum, a lower support frame and an
upper support member. The lower support frame rotatably supports
the drum. The upper support member is mounted to the lower support
frame and supports at least one planar platform member.
[0006] In one feature, the upper support member may be configured
to form a seat, a drawer, a work surface, and/or a mounting
location for tools or devices used in the inspection process.
[0007] In other features, the upper support member or portions
thereof may be movable between a working position and a stowed
position. When in the stowed position, the upper support member is
disposed at a side of the drum and perpendicular to a shaft that
supports the drum. When in the working position, the upper support
member is disposed above the drum and parallel to the shaft that
supports the drum.
[0008] A frame assembly for a cable reel includes a first leg
assembly, a second leg assembly spaced from the first leg assembly
along a direction parallel to a central axis of the cable reel. A
bridge member is disposed between the first leg assembly and the
second leg assembly. A shaft extends between the first leg assembly
and the second leg assembly for rotatably supporting a drum between
the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly. An upper
support member is movable between a working position and a stowed
position.
[0009] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features.
DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the operation of a
prior art video inspection system;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a remote video inspection
system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2B is a perspective and partial exploded view of a
frame of a cable reel of FIG. 2A;
[0014] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a cable reel according to
another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 3B is a schematic, exploded perspective view of a
mounting arrangement for the upper support member of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a cable reel according to
another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an auxiliary support
bracket of FIG. 4A;
[0018] FIG. 4C is a schematic, exploded perspective view of a
mounting arrangement for the upper support member and auxiliary
support bracket of FIG. 4A;
[0019] FIG. 4D is a schematic, exploded perspective view of an
alternative mounting arrangement for the upper support member and
auxiliary support bracket to that of FIG. 4C;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an upper support member
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper support bracket
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an upper support member
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2A, a remote video inspection system 10
according to the present disclosure includes a cable reel 12, a
display unit 14, and a camera head 16. The cable reel 12 includes a
drum 18, a frame assembly 20, and a cable 22. The drum 18 defines a
hollow receiving space 24 for receiving the cable 22 therein. The
cable 22 is wrapped around a central axis A (see FIG. 2B) of the
drum 18.
[0025] The cable 22 has a first end (not shown) secured to the
frame assembly 20 and a second end 25 attached to the camera head
16. To inspect a remote space, such as the inside conditions of a
long pipe like an underground drain pipe, the camera head 16 and
the cable 22 are inserted into the drain pipe. As the cable 22 is
inserted, the camera head 16 takes video images of inside
conditions of the drain pipe. The camera head 16 has a generally
cylindrical shape and may have a small diameter to be inserted into
drain pipes of any size.
[0026] The cable 22 may define an inner channel in which electric
wires are received. Images taken by the camera head 16 may be
transmitted by digital or analog video signals, such as composite
NTSC video signals, through the electric wires in the cable 22. The
display unit 14 may be a video image display unit for displaying
images taken by the camera head 16. The display unit 14 may be
connected to the cable 22 and thus the camera head 16 through a USB
interface (not shown) attached to the frame assembly 20.
Alternatively, the inspection system may be configured so that the
camera head 16 may be operable to transmit digital or analog video
signals wirelessly to the display unit 14 which can receive and
process the signals for display.
[0027] Optionally, a recorder 26 may be provided to record
inspections. The recorder 26 may be a light-weight DVD recorder to
allow for easy transportation and may have a built-in microphone
that provides sound recording during the inspection.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2B, the frame assembly 20 includes a lower
support frame 28 for rotatably supporting the drum 18 and an upper
support member 30 mounted to the lower support frame 28. The upper
support member 30 defines at least one planar top surface 31, which
may be used as a multi-purpose platform to facilitate inspection
work.
[0029] The lower support frame 28 includes a pair of first legs 32,
a pair of second legs 33, and a bridge member 34 connecting the
pair of first legs 32 to the pair of second legs 33. The pair of
first legs 32 and the pair of second legs 33 are spaced along a
direction parallel to the central axis of the drum 18. The first
legs 32 and the second legs 33 each include a connecting end 36 and
a free end 37. The first legs 32 are connected at their connecting
ends 36 to form a first leg assembly and define a substantially
inverted V shape. The second legs 33 are connected at their
connecting ends 36 to form a second leg assembly and define a
substantially inverted V shape. The bridge member 34 is disposed
between the first and second leg assemblies and connects the
connecting ends 36. The bridge member 34 defines a substantially
inverted U shape.
[0030] The first and second leg assemblies each include a cross
member 39 between the first legs 32 or the second legs 33. A shaft
35 is disposed between and attached to the cross members 39 for
rotatably supporting the drum 18. The drum 18 is disposed between
the first and second leg assemblies and below the bridge member 34.
The bridge member 34 may function as a handle for carrying the
cable reel 12.
[0031] Each leg assembly includes a rolling wheel 40. The rolling
wheels 40 facilitate movement of the cable reel 12. While only one
pair of rolling wheels 40 are shown, it is understood and
appreciated that rolling wheels 40 may be mounted to all legs 32
and 33.
[0032] While each leg assembly is shown to include two legs 32 or
33, it is understood and appreciated that each leg assembly can
have only one leg or can have any configurations known in the art
to support the frame on the ground.
[0033] The upper support member 30 is attached to the lower support
frame 28 and disposed above the drum 18. The upper support member
30 defines a first platform member 42, a second platform member 44,
and a pair of connecting bracket members 46 for connecting the
first platform member 42 and the second platform member 44. The
connecting bracket members 46 each define a first aperture 48
aligned with a corresponding second aperture 50 in the bridge
member 34. The upper support member 30 may be attached to the
bridge member 34 by any conventional fastening means, such as with
a nut and bolt or screw, for example.
[0034] The first platform member 42 and the second platform member
44 may each be configured to define a planar top surface 31, which
can function as a multi-purpose work platform. For example, the
display unit 14 and the recorder 26 may be placed on one or both of
the planar top surfaces 31 during the inspection process. In
addition, the upper support member 30 may be configured to function
as a seat for a user/operator of the remote video inspection
system. For example, the user/operator may sit on the first
platform member 42 and the display unit 14 may be placed on the
second platform member 44. The user, therefore, may comfortably be
seated while viewing the display unit 14 that is placed on the
second platform member 44.
[0035] The first platform member 42, the second platform member 44,
and the connecting bracket members 46 define a space 52
therebetween. When the upper support member 30 is mounted to the
lower support frame 28, the bridge member 34 extends through the
space 52 to enable a user/operator to use the bridge member 34 as a
carrying handle for the cable reel 12 even though the upper support
member 30 is attached above the drum 18.
[0036] Optionally, a hook and loop fastener device, such as
Velcro.RTM., may be provided on the top planar surfaces 31 of
either or both of the first and second platform members 42, 44 to
enable devices, such as the display unit 14 and recorder 26, having
a corresponding hook and loop fastener device, to be secured to the
upper support member 30.
[0037] While the first platform member 42 and the second platform
member 44 are shown to be aligned along a rotational direction X of
the drum 18, it is understood and appreciated that the first
platform member 42 and the second platform member 44 may be
arranged to be aligned along a direction parallel to the central
axis A of the drum 18. In other words, the first platform member 42
and the second platform member 44 may be disposed on the sides of
the drum 18.
Second Embodiment
[0038] Referring to FIG. 3A, a cable reel 60 according to a second
embodiment of the present disclosure includes a drum 18 and a frame
assembly 62 for rotatably supporting the drum 18. The frame
assembly 62 includes an upper support member 30 and a lower support
frame 64. The frame assembly 62 is similar to that of the first
embodiment.
[0039] The lower support frame 64 includes a pair of first legs 65,
a pair of second legs 66, a bridge member 67, a pair of second
cross members 68, and a plurality of leg extensions 70. The first
legs 65 and the second legs 66 each include a connecting end 71 and
a free end 72. The bridge member 67 is connected to the connecting
ends 71 of the first legs 65 and the second legs 66. The second
cross members 68 are attached to the free ends 72 of one of the
first legs 65 and one of the second legs 66.
[0040] The plurality of leg extensions 70 are pivotably mounted to
the free ends 72 of the first legs 65 and the second 66 for
improving stability of the lower support frame 64. When not in use,
the leg extensions 70 may be pivoted inward to a retracted or
stowed position (see FIG. 3A). When in use, the leg extensions 70
may be pivoted outward to an extended or use position such that
they are aligned with the adjacent one of the second cross members
68 to improve the stability of the lower support frame 64. When the
leg extensions are in their stowed position, it is also possible to
position lower support frame 64 on its side, so that it is
supported by a plurality of foot pads 61 located on the lower
support frame 64 and the upper support member 30.
[0041] FIG. 3B shows an arrangement for securing the upper support
member 30 to the lower support frame 64. A mounting bracket 69 has
flanges 53 on either side of a central recess portion 55 that is
shaped to fit around the bridge member 67 of the lower support
frame 64. A plurality of apertures 57 in the flanges 53 are aligned
with corresponding apertures 59 in the connecting bracket member 77
of the upper support member 30 when it is located on the opposite
side of the bridge member 67 from the mounting bracket 69. A
fastener 79, such as a threaded fastener, secure the mounting
bracket 69 to the upper support member 30, attaching it to the
lower support frame 64.
Third Embodiment
[0042] Referring to FIG. 4A, a cable reel 80 according to a third
embodiment of the present disclosure includes a drum 18 and a frame
assembly 82 for supporting the drum 18. The frame assembly 82
includes a lower support frame 84 and an upper support member 85.
The lower support frame 84 is similar to the lower support frame 64
of the second embodiment, except that the lower support frame 84
includes the combination of leg extensions 88 and rolling wheels 89
and that the upper support member 85 includes an auxiliary support
bracket 83.
[0043] More specifically, the lower support frame 84 includes a
pair of first legs 86 and a pair of second legs 87 that are
positioned on opposite sides of the drum 18. One of the first legs
86 includes a leg extension 88 and the other one of the first legs
86 includes a rolling wheel 89. Similarly, one of the second legs
87 includes a leg extension 88 and the other one of the second legs
87 includes a rolling wheel 89. The upper support member 85
includes a work platform 81 and an auxiliary support bracket 83.
The auxiliary support bracket 83 is mounted at the side of the drum
18 and is operable to attach an auxiliary device 51, such as a
laptop computer, display unit, or other apparatus, to the cable
reel 80. The work platform 81 is supported by a connecting bracket
member 73, which also facilitates mounting the upper support member
85 to the lower support frame 84.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 4B, the auxiliary support bracket 83
includes a central mounting portion 74 and two spaced apart,
L-shaped flanges 75 on either side of the central mounting portion
74. The central mounting portion 74 defines a recess portion 76
that is shaped to fit around the bridge member 67 of the lower
support frame 64. The flanges 75 each define a relatively narrow,
vertical channel 91 having a width W that is cooperable with a
corresponding mounting feature 93 that can be included on or
attached to an auxiliary device.
[0045] For example, an auxiliary device 51, such as a laptop
computer (see, e.g., FIG. 4A), can include one or two spaced-apart
mounting features 93 on its base. The mounting feature 93 can take
the form of a generally cylindrically-shaped member having a
central portion 95 positioned between two outer portions 97. The
diameter of the central portion 95 is smaller than the diameters of
the outer portions 97. In addition, the diameter of the central
portion 95 is smaller than the width W of the channels 91 of the
flanges 75, and the diameters of the outer portions 97 are greater
than the width W of the channels 91. The central portion 95 has a
length that is greater than the thickness of the auxiliary support
bracket 83. With such a configuration, the cylindrically-shaped
mounting features 93 can slide into the channels 91 of the flanges
75 of the auxiliary support bracket 83 to secure the laptop
computer to the cable reel 80, regardless of the position of the
work platform 81. When secured to the cable reel 80, the laptop
computer is disposed at a side of the drum 18 with its primary top
and bottom surfaces oriented perpendicular to the central axis A of
the drum 18. The auxiliary support bracket 83 enables a
user/operator to carry the cable reel 80 and the laptop computer 51
as one unit. Although described with reference to a generally
cylindrically-shaped member, the mounting feature can take any
suitable geometry.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 4C, the connecting bracket member 73 of
the work platform 81 and the auxiliary support bracket 83 are
mounted to the bridge member 67 by fasteners 99. When mounted to
the bridge member 67, the central mounting portion 74 of the
auxiliary support bracket 83 and a central mounting portion 101 of
the connecting member 73 oppose each other on opposite sides of the
bridge member 67 which is received in the circular portion 76.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 4D, an alternative connecting member 73'
of the work platform 81 and the auxiliary support bracket 83' is
shown. A circular portion 76' for surrounding a portion of the
bridge member 67 is provided at the connecting member 73', instead
of the central mounting portion 74' of the auxiliary support
bracket 83'. It is understood and appreciated that the connecting
member 73' and the auxiliary support bracket 83' may each be
provided with a semi-circular portion so that the semi-circular
portions jointly form a circular portion to surround a portion of
the bridge member 67.
Fourth Embodiment
[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, an upper support member 90 according to
a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to
provide a folding seat and/or a work platform. More specially, the
upper support member 90 includes a first member 92, a second member
94, and a pair of connecting members 96 connecting the first member
92 and the second member 94.
[0049] The first member 92 may function as a folding seat and may
include a first portion 98 and a second portion 100. The second
portion 100 is pivotably mounted to an edge 102 of the first
portion 98 by a hinge 104 between a folding position (shown in
dashed lines) and an extended position (shown in solid lines). In
the folding position, the second portion 100 is placed immediately
above the first portion 98. The second portion 100 may be pivoted
around the hinge 104 as indicated by arrow A to the extended
position. In the extended or working position, the first portion 98
and the second portion 100 are disposed in the same plane to
jointly define a planar top surface 103 to allow a user to sit
thereon.
[0050] The second member 94 may function as a work platform and may
include a plate member 106 and a flange 108. The flange 108 extends
from the plate member 106 at an angle relative to the plate member
106. For example, the flange 108 may extend perpendicularly from
the plate member 106. The flange 108 may be foldably mounted to the
plate member 106. During use, the flange 108 may be pivoted toward
a planar top surface 107 of the plate member 106 so that the flange
108 disposed at an angle relative to the plate member 106. The
planar top surface 107 may be used to support a device used in the
inspection process, such as the display unit and the recorder. The
flange 108 may prevent the device from dropping off the upper
support member 90.
[0051] While not shown in the drawings, it is understood and
appreciated that the first portion 98 and the second portion 100 of
the first member 92 may be attached in a telescopic manner. For
example, the first portion 98 may define a receiving space and the
second portion 100 may be received in the receiving space in the
folding position and pulled away from the first portion in the
extended position. Similarly, the flange 108 of the second plate
member may be received in a slot of the plate member 106. During
use, the flange 108 may be pulled up from the slot to be disposed
at an angle relative to the plate member 106.
Fifth Embodiment
[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, an upper support member 110 according
to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to
function as a folding seat, a platform and at least one drawer. The
upper support member 110 may include a first member 112 used as a
folding seat and a second member 114 used as a work platform. The
second member 114 may include a drawer 116 providing storage space,
such as for inspection tools used during the inspection work.
Sixth Embodiment
[0053] Referring to FIG. 7, an upper support member 120 according
to a seventh embodiment is shown to have a single-piece plate
member 122. The plate member 122 defines an opening 124 to allow
the bridge member 34 or 67 of the lower support frame 28, 64 or 84
to extend through.
[0054] According to the present disclosure, the frame assembly for
a cable reel includes an upper support member attached to the lower
support frame. The upper support member defines a top planar
surface and may be configured as a folding seat for a user, a
drawer for storage, a platform for placing thereon a device used in
the inspection work, such as a computer, an image display unit, a
recorder, or the like. In addition, the upper support member may
provide a mounting location for tools or other devices used with
the inspection system or in the inspection process, such as a power
supply, batteries, electronic components like a device for
recording images and/or video from the inspection, or a docking
station for providing connectivity between the inspection system
and a computer, for example.
[0055] The upper support member may include an auxiliary support
bracket. The cable reel frame assembly with an upper support member
is especially advantageous when the inspection of the drain pipes
is conducted in a rugged environment where no planar or clean
surface is found to place the devices used in the inspection
work.
[0056] This description is merely exemplary in nature and, thus,
variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are
intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. Further
areas of applicability of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It
should be understood that the description and specific examples,
while indicating the preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, are
intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to
limit the scope of this disclosure.
* * * * *