CA2197592A1 - Wire master reel - Google Patents
Wire master reelInfo
- Publication number
- CA2197592A1 CA2197592A1 CA002197592A CA2197592A CA2197592A1 CA 2197592 A1 CA2197592 A1 CA 2197592A1 CA 002197592 A CA002197592 A CA 002197592A CA 2197592 A CA2197592 A CA 2197592A CA 2197592 A1 CA2197592 A1 CA 2197592A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- reel
- sleeve
- support bar
- flange
- support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Abstract
A master reel and support member for use in the distribution and installation ofwire or other suitable cables. The reel consists of two circular flange sectionswhich operatively engage the ends of a cylindrical sleeve. Each flange section includes a hub with a threaded bore which matingly engages the threaded end surfaces of the sleeve. The support member comprises a reel support bar, a center support bar and an upper support bar integrally connected and having a generallyC-shaped structure with an elongated leg. The center support bar includes a clamp for fixedly attaching the support member to a support structure having a generally rectangular cross section, such as a vertically disposed stud. The upper support bar includes a flange and an opening for attaching the support member to an overheadsupport structure. The reel and support member may be mounted to either a vertical or horizontal support structure for quick and efficient distribution and installation of the wire.
Description
21 975~2 Kevin A. Walker WIRE MASTER REEL
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C. 1 l9(e) of United States Provisional Application Serial No. 60/011,716, f1led February 15, 1996.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention.
The present invention generally relates to reels or spools, and more particularly to reels used in dispensing and in~t~lling electrical wire or cable.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C. 1 l9(e) of United States Provisional Application Serial No. 60/011,716, f1led February 15, 1996.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention.
The present invention generally relates to reels or spools, and more particularly to reels used in dispensing and in~t~lling electrical wire or cable.
2. Description of the Related Prior Art Electricians have traditionally installed wiring into homes by pulling wire from a relatively large coil through the studs or walls of a housing structure. The coil is typically in a cardboard box, or more recently in a shrink-wrapped plastic container, both of which offer little resistance to movement as the electrician pulls the wiring through the home. Therefore, as the wire is pulled through the studs, the cardboard and/or plastic container is pulled along with it and the in~t~ tion process is slowed considerably as a result. The situation is a particular problem as the coil lessens in size and weight, and, therefore, offers a decreasingly small amount of resistance to movement.
In addition to the problem of being pulled along with the wire, the cardboard and/or plastic containers also result in twisting of the wire as it is installed. Since the wire is not removed from the box in a uniform and orderly manner, and is allowed to twist and rotate within the box, the wire itself becomes twisted. This then requires that the electrician discontinue the installation process while the wire is readjusted and straightened.
Finally, the material construction of traditional paper or plastic containers often results in only a temporarily usable device. The in~t~ tion sites are often subject to the natural elements, and the paper boxes therefore often get wet anddisintegrate. Moreover, the boxes are often jostled and thrown about during 2 ~ 97592 transport to the installation site and the force of such action often renders the paper or plastic container unusable.
Therefore, what is needed is an improved al)palal~ls for storing, transporting and dispensing wire from a large coil, especially an appalalus which can be fixedly or rotatably attached to a support structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a wire reel and support member that solves the above-identified problems by providing a rotatable unit which may be coupledto a support structure from which the wire can be smoothly, continuously, and uniformly removed and pulled throughout an in~t~ ion site with efficiency, durability and speed. The reel is rotatably mounted on a support bar of the support member which can be either fixedly or rotatably attached to a support structure.The reel rotates about the axis of the support bar as the wire is pulled and installed.
The reel is comprised of first and second circular flange sections having hub portions which functionally engage threaded portions disposed on the ends of a cylindrical sleeve. Each hub portion includes a threaded bore which extends through the hub and operationally engages the respective threaded portion of thesleeve. The threaded bore of the first flange section may be constructed to limit the travel of the flange section to a predetermined depth along the axis of the sleeve.
The threaded bore of the second flange section may be constructed to permit the travel of the flange section along the axis of the sleeve until the second flange section comes in contact with the first flange section.
The support member comprises a plurality of support bars connected to provide a suitable mechanism for rotatably supporting the reel assembly. One support bar includes an ~ chment mechanism comprising a flange portion having an opening for attaching the support member to an overhead beam, wire or the like.
Another support bar includes a clamping mechanism comprising a pair of spaced apart plates and a fastening device for attaching the support member to an upright beam, stud, or the like.
Before the present invention is operational, a wire coil is removed from its original package and placed on the first flange section which has been fully engaged onto the cylindrical sleeve. To ensure that one end of the wire coil is secured to the ~1 9 1~92 reel, one end is inserted into locking notches provided on the flange sections. The second flange section is then placed over the first flange section with the coiltherebetween and secured with the first flange section by eng~ging the threaded bore with the threads of the cylindrical sleeve and rotating the second flange section until a tight fit is established between the first flange section, wire coil and second flange section.
Once the second flange section is rotated to a sufficient depth to secure both flange sections and securely hold the coil between the two flange sections, the reel is mounted and secured on a support bar of the support member. The support member is then fixedly or rotatably attached to a support structure and in~t~ tion of the wire can begin.
An advantage of the present invention is that it provides for quick installation of wiring without the costly down time associated with prior art designs which are pulled along with the wire.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for the efficient installation of wiring in that the wire itself will not become twisted as it is drawn from the coil or spool.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a durable means for installing of wire due to its plastic construction.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it allows the reel to be conveniently mounted in a number of positions onto a number of suitable support structures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above-identified and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of ~tt~ining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is an exploded view of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4;
~ 1 97592 Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the present invention attached to a vertically disposed support structure, and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the present invention attached to a horizontally disposed support structure.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the various views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one embodiment of the invention and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, the present apparatus for storing, transporting and dispensing a wire coil comprises reel 20 rotatably mounted on support member70. Support member 70 may be fixedly or rotatably attached to a support structure, for example an overhead beam or a stud, while reel 20 is permitted to rotate about an axis of support member 70 to allow the wire to be easily spooled out from reel 20.
As shown in Figs. 1-5, reel 20 comprises circular flange sections 22, 24 operatively coupled to cylindrical sleeve 62. Each flange section 22, 24 includes annular rim 26 and hub 30 connected by spokes 28 which radiate outwardly from hub 30 to meet annular rim 26. Spokes 28 are integral with hub 30 and provided with support braces 46. Support braces 46 not only increase the overall strength of reel 20, but also provide a taper which engages and securely holds a wide range of wire coil sizes and gauges. Support braces 46 decrease in thickness from hub 30 in the outward radial direction. Openings 50 are also provided on flange sections 22, 24 to reduce the amount of required material and permit the operator to easily observe the amount of wire retained on reel 20.
Each hub 30 of flange sections 22, 24 comprises exterior collar portion 32 and interior collar portion 33. Interior collar portion 33 is disposed on the respective side of flange sections 22, 24 which contacts the wire coil during operation, while exterior collar 32 is disposed on the side opposite interior collar 33. Each hub 30 also includes threaded bore 34 which extends through the axis of hub 30 for eng~ging threaded ends 63 of sleeve 62. Threaded bore 34 on either flange section 22 or 24 may be configured to permit the flange section to travel a predetermined -distance along sleeve 62 such that either flange section 22 or 24 may first be fully and tightly engaged with sleeve 62 to form half of reel 20 before mounting the wire coil.
Sleeve 62 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes bore 65 which extends 5 through the longitudinal axis of sleeve 62 for eng~ging a support device, such as a mounting bar or rod. Threaded ends 63 are disposed on the outer surface of each end of sleeve 62 between smooth portion 64 to engage threaded bores 34 of flangesections 22, 24.
As shown in Figs. 2-3, both flange sections 22, 24 are provided with beads 48 10 around their respective outer circumferences to provide a smooth surface which will not catch or cut the hands of the operator using reel 20. To enhance the durability of reel 20, flange sections 22, 24 are both manufactured from polypropylene, or other suitably durable, yet flexible plastics. In the present embodiment, the flange sections are made by an injection molding process.
Support member 70 includes a plurality of substantially straight-line support bars joined together. As shown in Fig. 1, support member 70 comprises reel support bar 73, center support bar 71 and upper support bar 72 integrally joined together to form a generally C-shaped structure having an elongated leg. Support member 70 is formed of a material with sufficient strength, such as metals or reinforced plastic, to 20 provide sufficient structural support for a fully loaded reel 20. As shown in Fig. 5, reel support bar 73 is formed with a cross-shaped cross section with flange portions 75 to provide structural integrity and reduce the required amount of material. Center support bar 71 and upper support bar 72 are formed with a "T"
shaped cross section to provide structural integrity and reduce the required amount 25 of material.
As shown in Figs. 4-5, reel support bar 73 may be inserted into bore 65 of sleeve 62 to support reel 20 and to allow reel 20 to rotate about the axis of reel support bar 73. The relatively smooth contact between the inner surface of bore 65 and outer edge surfaces 77 of reel support bar 73 allows sleeve 62, and thus reel 20, 30 to easily rotate about the axis of reel support bar 73. Reel support bar 73 is sized long enough for bar 73 to accommodate a variety of coil sizes.
~1 97592 Reel support bar 73 includes reel stop 74 at the end adjacent center support bar 71 to define the movement limit of reel 20 toward center support bar 71. Reel stop 74 has a larger cross-sectional area than reel support bar 73 to prevent the insertion of sleeve 62 past reel stop 74. Reel support bar 73 also includes bore 76 S which is disposed at the end opposite center support bar 71 and extends transversely to the axis of reel support bar 73. Retaining pin 78 is provided to engage bore 76 and form a stop mechanism spaced apart from reel stop 74 to secure reel 20 onto reel stop bar 73, thus preventing reel 20 from inadvertently falling off bar 73.Retaining pin 78 includes straight portion 79 which engages bore 76 and a plurality of curved portions 80-83 to resist the outward movement of pin 78, once pin 78 has been inserted into bore 76. It is to be understood that any suitable device for preventing the movement of reel 20 along the axis of reel support bar 73 may be used in place of retaining pin 78.
Center support bar 71 includes clamp 95 for fixedly attaching center support bar 71 to a support structure, as shown in Fig. 6. Clamp 95 comprises plates 87, 88 disposed in a spaced apart relationship and transverse to the axis of center support bar 71. Plates 87, 88 are integrally connected to center support bar 71 by connecting pieces 85, 86, respectively. Further, each plate 87, 88 is generally rectangular in shape and includes corrugated inner surface 89 to enhance the 20 grippage between each projection plate 87, 88 and the support structure.
Tight engagement between clamp 95 and the support structure is ensured by using fastener member 92 with plate 87. As shown in Fig. 1, one surface of plate87 is provided with collar 93 having a threaded bore 91 which extends through collar 93 and plate 87. Collar 93 is also integrally connected to extension 90 which 25 is integrally connected to center support bar 71. Fastener member 92 comprises knob 94 fixedly connected to threaded shaft 96. Threaded shaft 96 fittingly engages threaded bore 91 such that as the user turns knob 94, threaded shaft 96 travels downwardly through the plane of plate 87 to engage the surface of the support structure. Fastener member 92 may be tightened as desired to ensure that support30 member 70 is securely attached to the support structure.
Clamp 95 is particularly suitable for fixedly attaching the present apparatus to a vertically disposed support structure having a substantially rectangular cross section, 21 975q2 -such as a stud. An example of such an arrangement using clamp 95 is shown in Fig. 6, wherein clamp 95 has been fixedly attached to stud 106. However, it is to be understood that clamp 95 may be used to fixedly attach the present app~L~Lus to any support structure having a cross section suitable for engagement by a clamp mechanism and a fastener member and is not limited to use with a stud. Also as shown in Fig. 6, handle 68 may be attached to reel 20 to manually rotate reel 20 to easily and efficiently dispense wire or to reel in previously dispensed wire. It is to be understood that handle 68 may be attached to reel 20 using a number of methods, for example, integral attachment of handle 68 to sleeve 62, to ensure that reel 20 rotates as handle 68 is rotated.
Upper support bar 72 is also connected to center support bar 71 and provides a second attachment mechanism for attaching the present apparatus to a support structure, particularly horizontally disposed support structures such as overhead beams. As shown in Fig. 1, upper support bar 72 is disposed generally parallel to reel support bar 73, but is shorter in length than reel support bar 73. The end of upper support bar 72, opposite center support bar 71, is provided with flange 97having opening 98. As shown in Fig. 2, flange 97 and opening 98 are aligned withan offset with respect to the middle of reel 20 to provide a counterbalance arrangement for support member 70. As upper support bar 72 is particularly suitable for ~ ching the present apparatus to an overhead support structure, thecounterbalance arrangement provides balance to prevent the reel and support member from tilting when reel 20 and support member 70 are used in a h:~nging configuration.
Such a configuration is shown in Fig. 7, wherein support member 70 and reel 20 are supported from overhead beam 101 through hook member 102, S-shaped connector 103 and swivel connector 104. The use of swivel connector 104 allows reel 20 and support member 70 to rotate through 360~ thereby allowing the wire to be dispensed in all directions without entanglement and without ch~nging the attachment of support member 70. Again, handle 68 is attached to reel 20 to allow a user to dispense or reel in wire as desired. It is to be understood that uppersupport bar 72 may be used to attach support member 70 to any horizontally disposed support structure, for example, a cable or wire placed between any two spaced apart support members, and is not limited to use with overhead support beams.
In operation, reel 20 and support member 70 are used by separating flange sections 22, 24, eng~ging sleeve 62 with either flange section 22 or 24 and placing a coil of wire stock onto either flange section 22 or 24 with the center of the wire coil substantially concentric with the hub of the flange section. The other flange section is then placed over the wire coil such that the other flange section engages sleeve 62, and the flange section is rotated to reduce the distance between flange sections 22 and 24 until the wire coil is securely held between flange sections 22 and 24.
Once the wire installation on reel 20 is complete, reel 20 is then mounted on support member 70 by slidingly eng~ging bore 65 with reel support bar 73. Reel 20 is secured on reel support bar 73 by inserting retaining pin 78 into bore 76. Reel 20 and support member 70 can then conveniently be attached to a support structure using either clamp 95 or flange 97 and opening 98 as shown in Figs. 6-7. Once fixedly or rotatably attached to a support structure, wire can be easily stored and dispensed as necessary. Optionally, a handle may be attached to reel 20 to further ease the storage and dispense of the wire.
Although in the present embodiment, the outer diarneter of flange sections 22, 24 is 14 inches, the length of extension 56 is 3.75 inches, the inner diameter of hub 30 is 1.25 inches, the outer diameter of collars 32 and 42 is 1.75 inches, and the thickness of spikes 28 and 38 is 0.125 inches, it is possible for these parts to be differently sized to accommodate a wide range of coil sizes and wire gauges.
This application is intended to encompass any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles and can be modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, any one of a number of retaining and stopping devices may be used to secure reel 20 onto support bar 73. Also, a second center support bar may be added opposite center support bar 71 to provide additional structural integrity. Additionally, the clarnp surfaces may be disposed parallel to the axis of center support bar 73. Further, locking notches 50 may be included on the inside surface of flange sections 22, 24 to secure one end of the wire coil to reel 20 so that as the wire is retracted from reel 20, reel 20 rotates with ~ 1 q7~9~
the moving wire and allows the wire to be pulled and installed efficiently without snarls and twists. Therefore, this application is intended to encompass such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.
In addition to the problem of being pulled along with the wire, the cardboard and/or plastic containers also result in twisting of the wire as it is installed. Since the wire is not removed from the box in a uniform and orderly manner, and is allowed to twist and rotate within the box, the wire itself becomes twisted. This then requires that the electrician discontinue the installation process while the wire is readjusted and straightened.
Finally, the material construction of traditional paper or plastic containers often results in only a temporarily usable device. The in~t~ tion sites are often subject to the natural elements, and the paper boxes therefore often get wet anddisintegrate. Moreover, the boxes are often jostled and thrown about during 2 ~ 97592 transport to the installation site and the force of such action often renders the paper or plastic container unusable.
Therefore, what is needed is an improved al)palal~ls for storing, transporting and dispensing wire from a large coil, especially an appalalus which can be fixedly or rotatably attached to a support structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a wire reel and support member that solves the above-identified problems by providing a rotatable unit which may be coupledto a support structure from which the wire can be smoothly, continuously, and uniformly removed and pulled throughout an in~t~ ion site with efficiency, durability and speed. The reel is rotatably mounted on a support bar of the support member which can be either fixedly or rotatably attached to a support structure.The reel rotates about the axis of the support bar as the wire is pulled and installed.
The reel is comprised of first and second circular flange sections having hub portions which functionally engage threaded portions disposed on the ends of a cylindrical sleeve. Each hub portion includes a threaded bore which extends through the hub and operationally engages the respective threaded portion of thesleeve. The threaded bore of the first flange section may be constructed to limit the travel of the flange section to a predetermined depth along the axis of the sleeve.
The threaded bore of the second flange section may be constructed to permit the travel of the flange section along the axis of the sleeve until the second flange section comes in contact with the first flange section.
The support member comprises a plurality of support bars connected to provide a suitable mechanism for rotatably supporting the reel assembly. One support bar includes an ~ chment mechanism comprising a flange portion having an opening for attaching the support member to an overhead beam, wire or the like.
Another support bar includes a clamping mechanism comprising a pair of spaced apart plates and a fastening device for attaching the support member to an upright beam, stud, or the like.
Before the present invention is operational, a wire coil is removed from its original package and placed on the first flange section which has been fully engaged onto the cylindrical sleeve. To ensure that one end of the wire coil is secured to the ~1 9 1~92 reel, one end is inserted into locking notches provided on the flange sections. The second flange section is then placed over the first flange section with the coiltherebetween and secured with the first flange section by eng~ging the threaded bore with the threads of the cylindrical sleeve and rotating the second flange section until a tight fit is established between the first flange section, wire coil and second flange section.
Once the second flange section is rotated to a sufficient depth to secure both flange sections and securely hold the coil between the two flange sections, the reel is mounted and secured on a support bar of the support member. The support member is then fixedly or rotatably attached to a support structure and in~t~ tion of the wire can begin.
An advantage of the present invention is that it provides for quick installation of wiring without the costly down time associated with prior art designs which are pulled along with the wire.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for the efficient installation of wiring in that the wire itself will not become twisted as it is drawn from the coil or spool.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a durable means for installing of wire due to its plastic construction.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it allows the reel to be conveniently mounted in a number of positions onto a number of suitable support structures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above-identified and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of ~tt~ining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is an exploded view of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4;
~ 1 97592 Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the present invention attached to a vertically disposed support structure, and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the present invention attached to a horizontally disposed support structure.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the various views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one embodiment of the invention and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, the present apparatus for storing, transporting and dispensing a wire coil comprises reel 20 rotatably mounted on support member70. Support member 70 may be fixedly or rotatably attached to a support structure, for example an overhead beam or a stud, while reel 20 is permitted to rotate about an axis of support member 70 to allow the wire to be easily spooled out from reel 20.
As shown in Figs. 1-5, reel 20 comprises circular flange sections 22, 24 operatively coupled to cylindrical sleeve 62. Each flange section 22, 24 includes annular rim 26 and hub 30 connected by spokes 28 which radiate outwardly from hub 30 to meet annular rim 26. Spokes 28 are integral with hub 30 and provided with support braces 46. Support braces 46 not only increase the overall strength of reel 20, but also provide a taper which engages and securely holds a wide range of wire coil sizes and gauges. Support braces 46 decrease in thickness from hub 30 in the outward radial direction. Openings 50 are also provided on flange sections 22, 24 to reduce the amount of required material and permit the operator to easily observe the amount of wire retained on reel 20.
Each hub 30 of flange sections 22, 24 comprises exterior collar portion 32 and interior collar portion 33. Interior collar portion 33 is disposed on the respective side of flange sections 22, 24 which contacts the wire coil during operation, while exterior collar 32 is disposed on the side opposite interior collar 33. Each hub 30 also includes threaded bore 34 which extends through the axis of hub 30 for eng~ging threaded ends 63 of sleeve 62. Threaded bore 34 on either flange section 22 or 24 may be configured to permit the flange section to travel a predetermined -distance along sleeve 62 such that either flange section 22 or 24 may first be fully and tightly engaged with sleeve 62 to form half of reel 20 before mounting the wire coil.
Sleeve 62 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes bore 65 which extends 5 through the longitudinal axis of sleeve 62 for eng~ging a support device, such as a mounting bar or rod. Threaded ends 63 are disposed on the outer surface of each end of sleeve 62 between smooth portion 64 to engage threaded bores 34 of flangesections 22, 24.
As shown in Figs. 2-3, both flange sections 22, 24 are provided with beads 48 10 around their respective outer circumferences to provide a smooth surface which will not catch or cut the hands of the operator using reel 20. To enhance the durability of reel 20, flange sections 22, 24 are both manufactured from polypropylene, or other suitably durable, yet flexible plastics. In the present embodiment, the flange sections are made by an injection molding process.
Support member 70 includes a plurality of substantially straight-line support bars joined together. As shown in Fig. 1, support member 70 comprises reel support bar 73, center support bar 71 and upper support bar 72 integrally joined together to form a generally C-shaped structure having an elongated leg. Support member 70 is formed of a material with sufficient strength, such as metals or reinforced plastic, to 20 provide sufficient structural support for a fully loaded reel 20. As shown in Fig. 5, reel support bar 73 is formed with a cross-shaped cross section with flange portions 75 to provide structural integrity and reduce the required amount of material. Center support bar 71 and upper support bar 72 are formed with a "T"
shaped cross section to provide structural integrity and reduce the required amount 25 of material.
As shown in Figs. 4-5, reel support bar 73 may be inserted into bore 65 of sleeve 62 to support reel 20 and to allow reel 20 to rotate about the axis of reel support bar 73. The relatively smooth contact between the inner surface of bore 65 and outer edge surfaces 77 of reel support bar 73 allows sleeve 62, and thus reel 20, 30 to easily rotate about the axis of reel support bar 73. Reel support bar 73 is sized long enough for bar 73 to accommodate a variety of coil sizes.
~1 97592 Reel support bar 73 includes reel stop 74 at the end adjacent center support bar 71 to define the movement limit of reel 20 toward center support bar 71. Reel stop 74 has a larger cross-sectional area than reel support bar 73 to prevent the insertion of sleeve 62 past reel stop 74. Reel support bar 73 also includes bore 76 S which is disposed at the end opposite center support bar 71 and extends transversely to the axis of reel support bar 73. Retaining pin 78 is provided to engage bore 76 and form a stop mechanism spaced apart from reel stop 74 to secure reel 20 onto reel stop bar 73, thus preventing reel 20 from inadvertently falling off bar 73.Retaining pin 78 includes straight portion 79 which engages bore 76 and a plurality of curved portions 80-83 to resist the outward movement of pin 78, once pin 78 has been inserted into bore 76. It is to be understood that any suitable device for preventing the movement of reel 20 along the axis of reel support bar 73 may be used in place of retaining pin 78.
Center support bar 71 includes clamp 95 for fixedly attaching center support bar 71 to a support structure, as shown in Fig. 6. Clamp 95 comprises plates 87, 88 disposed in a spaced apart relationship and transverse to the axis of center support bar 71. Plates 87, 88 are integrally connected to center support bar 71 by connecting pieces 85, 86, respectively. Further, each plate 87, 88 is generally rectangular in shape and includes corrugated inner surface 89 to enhance the 20 grippage between each projection plate 87, 88 and the support structure.
Tight engagement between clamp 95 and the support structure is ensured by using fastener member 92 with plate 87. As shown in Fig. 1, one surface of plate87 is provided with collar 93 having a threaded bore 91 which extends through collar 93 and plate 87. Collar 93 is also integrally connected to extension 90 which 25 is integrally connected to center support bar 71. Fastener member 92 comprises knob 94 fixedly connected to threaded shaft 96. Threaded shaft 96 fittingly engages threaded bore 91 such that as the user turns knob 94, threaded shaft 96 travels downwardly through the plane of plate 87 to engage the surface of the support structure. Fastener member 92 may be tightened as desired to ensure that support30 member 70 is securely attached to the support structure.
Clamp 95 is particularly suitable for fixedly attaching the present apparatus to a vertically disposed support structure having a substantially rectangular cross section, 21 975q2 -such as a stud. An example of such an arrangement using clamp 95 is shown in Fig. 6, wherein clamp 95 has been fixedly attached to stud 106. However, it is to be understood that clamp 95 may be used to fixedly attach the present app~L~Lus to any support structure having a cross section suitable for engagement by a clamp mechanism and a fastener member and is not limited to use with a stud. Also as shown in Fig. 6, handle 68 may be attached to reel 20 to manually rotate reel 20 to easily and efficiently dispense wire or to reel in previously dispensed wire. It is to be understood that handle 68 may be attached to reel 20 using a number of methods, for example, integral attachment of handle 68 to sleeve 62, to ensure that reel 20 rotates as handle 68 is rotated.
Upper support bar 72 is also connected to center support bar 71 and provides a second attachment mechanism for attaching the present apparatus to a support structure, particularly horizontally disposed support structures such as overhead beams. As shown in Fig. 1, upper support bar 72 is disposed generally parallel to reel support bar 73, but is shorter in length than reel support bar 73. The end of upper support bar 72, opposite center support bar 71, is provided with flange 97having opening 98. As shown in Fig. 2, flange 97 and opening 98 are aligned withan offset with respect to the middle of reel 20 to provide a counterbalance arrangement for support member 70. As upper support bar 72 is particularly suitable for ~ ching the present apparatus to an overhead support structure, thecounterbalance arrangement provides balance to prevent the reel and support member from tilting when reel 20 and support member 70 are used in a h:~nging configuration.
Such a configuration is shown in Fig. 7, wherein support member 70 and reel 20 are supported from overhead beam 101 through hook member 102, S-shaped connector 103 and swivel connector 104. The use of swivel connector 104 allows reel 20 and support member 70 to rotate through 360~ thereby allowing the wire to be dispensed in all directions without entanglement and without ch~nging the attachment of support member 70. Again, handle 68 is attached to reel 20 to allow a user to dispense or reel in wire as desired. It is to be understood that uppersupport bar 72 may be used to attach support member 70 to any horizontally disposed support structure, for example, a cable or wire placed between any two spaced apart support members, and is not limited to use with overhead support beams.
In operation, reel 20 and support member 70 are used by separating flange sections 22, 24, eng~ging sleeve 62 with either flange section 22 or 24 and placing a coil of wire stock onto either flange section 22 or 24 with the center of the wire coil substantially concentric with the hub of the flange section. The other flange section is then placed over the wire coil such that the other flange section engages sleeve 62, and the flange section is rotated to reduce the distance between flange sections 22 and 24 until the wire coil is securely held between flange sections 22 and 24.
Once the wire installation on reel 20 is complete, reel 20 is then mounted on support member 70 by slidingly eng~ging bore 65 with reel support bar 73. Reel 20 is secured on reel support bar 73 by inserting retaining pin 78 into bore 76. Reel 20 and support member 70 can then conveniently be attached to a support structure using either clamp 95 or flange 97 and opening 98 as shown in Figs. 6-7. Once fixedly or rotatably attached to a support structure, wire can be easily stored and dispensed as necessary. Optionally, a handle may be attached to reel 20 to further ease the storage and dispense of the wire.
Although in the present embodiment, the outer diarneter of flange sections 22, 24 is 14 inches, the length of extension 56 is 3.75 inches, the inner diameter of hub 30 is 1.25 inches, the outer diameter of collars 32 and 42 is 1.75 inches, and the thickness of spikes 28 and 38 is 0.125 inches, it is possible for these parts to be differently sized to accommodate a wide range of coil sizes and wire gauges.
This application is intended to encompass any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles and can be modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, any one of a number of retaining and stopping devices may be used to secure reel 20 onto support bar 73. Also, a second center support bar may be added opposite center support bar 71 to provide additional structural integrity. Additionally, the clarnp surfaces may be disposed parallel to the axis of center support bar 73. Further, locking notches 50 may be included on the inside surface of flange sections 22, 24 to secure one end of the wire coil to reel 20 so that as the wire is retracted from reel 20, reel 20 rotates with ~ 1 q7~9~
the moving wire and allows the wire to be pulled and installed efficiently without snarls and twists. Therefore, this application is intended to encompass such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.
Claims (7)
1. A reel for storing, transporting and dispensing coiled wire, comprising:
a sleeve adapted to fit over a rod, a bar or the like, said sleeve having first and second ends, each said end having a threaded surface formed thereon; and first and second flange sections respectively connected to said first and second sleeve ends, each said flange section having a hub with a threaded bore extending through said hub, each said threaded bore operatively engaging said respective threaded surface whereby said first and second flange sections are rotatable with respect to said sleeve, wherein the engagement of said flange sections with said sleeve forms an adjustable storage area between said flange sections for storing coiled wire, the volume of said adjustable storage area adjusted by rotating one of said first and second flange sections with respect to said sleeve.
a sleeve adapted to fit over a rod, a bar or the like, said sleeve having first and second ends, each said end having a threaded surface formed thereon; and first and second flange sections respectively connected to said first and second sleeve ends, each said flange section having a hub with a threaded bore extending through said hub, each said threaded bore operatively engaging said respective threaded surface whereby said first and second flange sections are rotatable with respect to said sleeve, wherein the engagement of said flange sections with said sleeve forms an adjustable storage area between said flange sections for storing coiled wire, the volume of said adjustable storage area adjusted by rotating one of said first and second flange sections with respect to said sleeve.
2. The reel according to Claim 1, wherein said sleeve comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a bore extending through said sleeve adapted to receive a rod, bar or the like, and a smooth surface interconnecting said first and secondthreaded exterior surfaces.
3. The reel according to Claim 1, wherein said threaded bore of said first flange section is configured to limit the travel of said first flange section on said sleeve to a predetermined depth.
4. The reel according to Claim 1, wherein said first and second flange sections each comprise a substantially circular flange section having a bead portion disposed about the outer circumference, and sloped surfaces such that said adjustable storage area narrows in the vicinity of said hubs.
5. The reel according to Claim 4, wherein said first and second flange sections each include an annular rim and a plurality of spokes interconnecting said hub with said annular rim and forming said sloped surfaces.
6. An apparatus for handling coiled wire, especially storing, transporting and dispensing coiled wire, comprising:
a reel having first and second flange sections rotatably coupled to first and second ends, respectively, of a sleeve, the distance between said first and second flange sections adjusted by rotating one of said first and second flange sections; and a reel support member having first and second support bars interconnected by a center support bar, said first support bar adapted to be inserted into said sleeve, said sleeve adapted to rotate about the axis of said first support bar, said second support bar having a flange with a bore for attaching said second support bar to a support structure, said center support bar having a clamp for attaching said center support bar to a support structure.
a reel having first and second flange sections rotatably coupled to first and second ends, respectively, of a sleeve, the distance between said first and second flange sections adjusted by rotating one of said first and second flange sections; and a reel support member having first and second support bars interconnected by a center support bar, said first support bar adapted to be inserted into said sleeve, said sleeve adapted to rotate about the axis of said first support bar, said second support bar having a flange with a bore for attaching said second support bar to a support structure, said center support bar having a clamp for attaching said center support bar to a support structure.
7. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 6, wherein said first and second support bars are perpendicular to said center support bar.8. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 6, wherein said clamp comprises first and second plates integrally connected to said centersupport bar, said first and second plates having surfaces disposed in a spaced apart manner, said first plate having a fastener adapted to engage the surface of a support structure.
9. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 8, wherein said first and second plates are disposed perpendicular to the axis of said center support bar.
10. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 8, wherein said first plate includes a threaded bore extending through said first plate andperpendicular to the plane of said first plate, said fastener comprises a threaded shaft adapted to operatively engage said threaded bore on said first plate.
11. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 6, wherein said first support bar comprises a stop portion, said stop portion having a cross section adapted to limit the movement of said sleeve along said first support bar toward said center support bar whereby said stop portion defines the limit of travel of said sleeve in the direction toward said center support bar.
12. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 6, further comprising a retaining pin, wherein said first support bar comprises a bore disposed perpendicular to the axis of said first support bar and adapted to engage said retaining pin to define the limit of travel of said sleeve in the direction away from said center support bar.
13. An apparatus for handling coiled wire, especially storing, transporting and dispensing coiled wire, comprising:
a reel having first and second flange sections rotatably engaging first and second ends of a sleeve, respectively, each said flange section having a hub with a threaded bore extending through said hub, said sleeve having a bore extending though the axis of said sleeve, each said sleeve end having a threaded surface, said threaded bores of said first and second flange sections operatively engaging therespective threaded surfaces of said first and second sleeve ends, wherein the engagement of said flange sections with said sleeve forms an adjustable storage area between said flange sections for storing coiled wire, the volume of said adjustable storage area adjusted by rotating one of said first and second flange sections with respect to said sleeve; and a reel support member having first and second support bars interconnected by a center support bar, said first support bar adapted to be inserted into said sleeve, said sleeve adapted to rotate about the axis of said first support bar, said second support bar having a flange with a bore for attaching said second support bar to a support structure, said center support bar having a clamp for attaching said center support bar to a support structure.
14. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 13, wherein each said flange section includes an inner surface having a notch disposed thereon, said notch adapted to engage an end of the wire whereby the engagement of said notch and the wire end secures the wire coil on said reel.
15. The reel according to Claim 13, wherein said threaded bore of said first flange section is configured to limit the travel of said first flange section on said sleeve to a predetermined depth.
16. The reel according to Claim 13, wherein said first and second flange sections each comprise a substantially circular flange section having a bead portion disposed about the outer circumference, and sloped surfaces such that said adjustable storage area narrows in the vicinity of said hubs.
17. The reel according to Claim 16, wherein said first and second flange sections each include an annular rim and a plurality of spokes interconnecting said hub with said annular rim and forming said sloped surfaces.
18. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 13, further comprising a handle operatively connected to said reel for manually rotating said reel to dispense and retract the wire.
19. An apparatus for handling coiled wire, especially storing, transporting and dispensing coiled wire, comprising:
a reel having first and second flange sections rotatably engaging first and second ends of a sleeve, respectively, each said flange section having a hub with a threaded bore extending through said hub, said sleeve having a bore extending though the axis of said sleeve, each said sleeve end having a threaded surface, said threaded bores of said first and second flange sections operatively engaging therespective threaded surfaces of said first and second sleeve ends, wherein the engagement of said flange sections with said sleeve forms an adjustable storage area between said flange sections for storing coiled wire, the volume of said adjustable storage area adjusted by rotating one of said first and second flange sections with respect to said sleeve; and a reel support member having first and second support bars interconnected by a center support bar, said sleeve adapted to fit over said first support bar, said sleeve adapted to rotate about the axis of said first support bar, said first support bar comprising a stop portion, said stop portion having a cross section adapted to limit the movement of said sleeve along said first support bar toward said center support bar whereby said stop portion defines the limit of travel of said sleeve in the direction toward said center support bar, said second support bar having a flange portion with a second bore for attaching said second support bar to a support structure, said center support bar having a clamp for attaching said center support bar to a support structure, said clamp comprising first and second plates integrally connected to said center support bar and disposed in a spaced apart manner, and a fastener adapted to move along an axis perpendicular to said firstplate surface to engage the surface of a support structure.
20. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 19, wherein said first plate includes a threaded bore extending through said first plate andperpendicular to the plane of said first plate, said fastener comprises a threaded shaft adapted to operatively engage said first plate threaded bore.
21. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 19, further including a handle operatively connected to said reel for manually rotating said reel to dispense and retract the wire.
22. A method for installing electrical wire or cable from a coil, comprising:
providing a reel and support member, the reel having first and second flange portions adapted to be rotatably coupled to the ends of a sleeve, the sleeve adapted to be inserted into a reel support member disposed on the support memberwhereby the reel rotates about the axis of the reel support member, the support member having a clamp and a flange with an opening for securing the support member to a support structure;
mounting the coil on the reel by forming one half of the reel by engaging the first flange portion with the sleeve, placing the coil on the partially formed reel, engaging the second flange portion on the sleeve and tightly securing the coil between the first and second flanges;
inserting the reel support member into the sleeve and securing the ends of the sleeve on the reel support member;
mounting the support member to a support structure; and rotating the reel about the axis of the reel support member to dispense the wire from the reel.
23. The method for installing electrical wire or cable according to Claim 22, wherein said step of mounting the support member comprises using the clamp to mount the support member to a vertically disposed support structure, and said step of rotating the reel comprises attaching a handle to the reel and rotating the handle to rotate the reel and dispense or reel in the wire.
24. The method for installing electrical wire or cable according to Claim 22, wherein said step of mounting the support member comprises using the flange and opening to a horizontally disposed support structure, and said step of rotating the reel comprises attaching a handle to the reel and rotating the handle to rotate the reel and dispense or reel in the wire.
25. The method for installing electrical wire or cable according to Claim 24, wherein said step of mounting the support member comprises mounting the support member through a swivel connection such that the reel support member can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the reel.
9. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 8, wherein said first and second plates are disposed perpendicular to the axis of said center support bar.
10. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 8, wherein said first plate includes a threaded bore extending through said first plate andperpendicular to the plane of said first plate, said fastener comprises a threaded shaft adapted to operatively engage said threaded bore on said first plate.
11. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 6, wherein said first support bar comprises a stop portion, said stop portion having a cross section adapted to limit the movement of said sleeve along said first support bar toward said center support bar whereby said stop portion defines the limit of travel of said sleeve in the direction toward said center support bar.
12. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 6, further comprising a retaining pin, wherein said first support bar comprises a bore disposed perpendicular to the axis of said first support bar and adapted to engage said retaining pin to define the limit of travel of said sleeve in the direction away from said center support bar.
13. An apparatus for handling coiled wire, especially storing, transporting and dispensing coiled wire, comprising:
a reel having first and second flange sections rotatably engaging first and second ends of a sleeve, respectively, each said flange section having a hub with a threaded bore extending through said hub, said sleeve having a bore extending though the axis of said sleeve, each said sleeve end having a threaded surface, said threaded bores of said first and second flange sections operatively engaging therespective threaded surfaces of said first and second sleeve ends, wherein the engagement of said flange sections with said sleeve forms an adjustable storage area between said flange sections for storing coiled wire, the volume of said adjustable storage area adjusted by rotating one of said first and second flange sections with respect to said sleeve; and a reel support member having first and second support bars interconnected by a center support bar, said first support bar adapted to be inserted into said sleeve, said sleeve adapted to rotate about the axis of said first support bar, said second support bar having a flange with a bore for attaching said second support bar to a support structure, said center support bar having a clamp for attaching said center support bar to a support structure.
14. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 13, wherein each said flange section includes an inner surface having a notch disposed thereon, said notch adapted to engage an end of the wire whereby the engagement of said notch and the wire end secures the wire coil on said reel.
15. The reel according to Claim 13, wherein said threaded bore of said first flange section is configured to limit the travel of said first flange section on said sleeve to a predetermined depth.
16. The reel according to Claim 13, wherein said first and second flange sections each comprise a substantially circular flange section having a bead portion disposed about the outer circumference, and sloped surfaces such that said adjustable storage area narrows in the vicinity of said hubs.
17. The reel according to Claim 16, wherein said first and second flange sections each include an annular rim and a plurality of spokes interconnecting said hub with said annular rim and forming said sloped surfaces.
18. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 13, further comprising a handle operatively connected to said reel for manually rotating said reel to dispense and retract the wire.
19. An apparatus for handling coiled wire, especially storing, transporting and dispensing coiled wire, comprising:
a reel having first and second flange sections rotatably engaging first and second ends of a sleeve, respectively, each said flange section having a hub with a threaded bore extending through said hub, said sleeve having a bore extending though the axis of said sleeve, each said sleeve end having a threaded surface, said threaded bores of said first and second flange sections operatively engaging therespective threaded surfaces of said first and second sleeve ends, wherein the engagement of said flange sections with said sleeve forms an adjustable storage area between said flange sections for storing coiled wire, the volume of said adjustable storage area adjusted by rotating one of said first and second flange sections with respect to said sleeve; and a reel support member having first and second support bars interconnected by a center support bar, said sleeve adapted to fit over said first support bar, said sleeve adapted to rotate about the axis of said first support bar, said first support bar comprising a stop portion, said stop portion having a cross section adapted to limit the movement of said sleeve along said first support bar toward said center support bar whereby said stop portion defines the limit of travel of said sleeve in the direction toward said center support bar, said second support bar having a flange portion with a second bore for attaching said second support bar to a support structure, said center support bar having a clamp for attaching said center support bar to a support structure, said clamp comprising first and second plates integrally connected to said center support bar and disposed in a spaced apart manner, and a fastener adapted to move along an axis perpendicular to said firstplate surface to engage the surface of a support structure.
20. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 19, wherein said first plate includes a threaded bore extending through said first plate andperpendicular to the plane of said first plate, said fastener comprises a threaded shaft adapted to operatively engage said first plate threaded bore.
21. The apparatus for handling coiled wire according to Claim 19, further including a handle operatively connected to said reel for manually rotating said reel to dispense and retract the wire.
22. A method for installing electrical wire or cable from a coil, comprising:
providing a reel and support member, the reel having first and second flange portions adapted to be rotatably coupled to the ends of a sleeve, the sleeve adapted to be inserted into a reel support member disposed on the support memberwhereby the reel rotates about the axis of the reel support member, the support member having a clamp and a flange with an opening for securing the support member to a support structure;
mounting the coil on the reel by forming one half of the reel by engaging the first flange portion with the sleeve, placing the coil on the partially formed reel, engaging the second flange portion on the sleeve and tightly securing the coil between the first and second flanges;
inserting the reel support member into the sleeve and securing the ends of the sleeve on the reel support member;
mounting the support member to a support structure; and rotating the reel about the axis of the reel support member to dispense the wire from the reel.
23. The method for installing electrical wire or cable according to Claim 22, wherein said step of mounting the support member comprises using the clamp to mount the support member to a vertically disposed support structure, and said step of rotating the reel comprises attaching a handle to the reel and rotating the handle to rotate the reel and dispense or reel in the wire.
24. The method for installing electrical wire or cable according to Claim 22, wherein said step of mounting the support member comprises using the flange and opening to a horizontally disposed support structure, and said step of rotating the reel comprises attaching a handle to the reel and rotating the handle to rotate the reel and dispense or reel in the wire.
25. The method for installing electrical wire or cable according to Claim 24, wherein said step of mounting the support member comprises mounting the support member through a swivel connection such that the reel support member can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the reel.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US1171696P | 1996-02-15 | 1996-02-15 | |
| US60/011,716 | 1996-02-15 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2197592A1 true CA2197592A1 (en) | 1997-08-16 |
Family
ID=21751674
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002197592A Abandoned CA2197592A1 (en) | 1996-02-15 | 1997-02-14 | Wire master reel |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2197592A1 (en) |
-
1997
- 1997-02-14 CA CA002197592A patent/CA2197592A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |