US20050087645A1 - Hand crank assembly for a reel - Google Patents
Hand crank assembly for a reel Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050087645A1 US20050087645A1 US10/962,905 US96290504A US2005087645A1 US 20050087645 A1 US20050087645 A1 US 20050087645A1 US 96290504 A US96290504 A US 96290504A US 2005087645 A1 US2005087645 A1 US 2005087645A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lever
- reel
- shaft
- pulley member
- rotational direction
- Prior art date
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- Abandoned
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- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
- B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
- B65H75/44—Constructional details
- B65H75/4481—Arrangements or adaptations for driving the reel or the material
- B65H75/4492—Manual drives
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/70—Clutches; Couplings
- B65H2403/72—Clutches, brakes, e.g. one-way clutch +F204
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/90—Machine drive
- B65H2403/94—Other features of machine drive
- B65H2403/941—Manually powered handling device
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to reels for spooling linear material, and specifically to hand cranks for reels.
- Reels for spooling linear materials typically comprise a cylindrical drum and a means for rotating the drum.
- the linear material is spooled onto the drum as it is rotated.
- a typical hand crank comprises an L-shaped handle coupled to a shaft.
- the shaft is ordinarily coupled to the reel such that the shaft is co-linear with the rotation axis of the drum. In this configuration, spinning of the shaft causes the drum to rotate about the drum rotation axis.
- the reel is rotated by moving the L-shaped handle in a circle to spin the shaft and thus rotate the drum.
- a system for spooling linear material comprising a reel drum onto which linear material can be spooled and a lever pivotable about an axis. Additionally, the system comprises a torque transfer mechanism comprising an engagement clutch configured to engage and transfer a torque to the reel drum when operated in a first rotational direction, but configured to not operate nor transfer a torque to the reel drum when operated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
- the torque transfer mechanism is configured to convert back and forth pivoting of the lever into the rotation of the reel drum in the first rotational direction.
- a method for rotating a reel drum onto which linear material can be spooled comprises the step of providing a lever pivotable in a first lever direction and a second lever direction opposite the first lever direction.
- the method also comprises the step of providing a torque transfer mechanism operatively coupled to the lever and to a reel drum. Additionally, the method comprises the steps of pivoting the lever in the first lever direction to transfer a torque generated form said pivoting of the lever onto the reel drum to rotate the reel drum in the first rotational direction, and pivoting the lever in the second lever direction to transfer a torque generated from said pivoting of the lever onto the reel drum to rotate the reel drum in the first rotational direction.
- a system for spooling linear material comprising a reel drum onto which a linear material can be spooled and a lever movable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction.
- the system also comprises means for converting the movement of the lever in said first and second directions into the rotation of the reel drum in a first rotational direction to spool said linear material onto the reel drum.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reel for spooling linear material
- FIG. 2 is a side view of a reel having a preferred embodiment of a hand crank assembly.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the hand crank assembly of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a reel having another preferred embodiment of a hand crank assembly.
- FIG. 4A is an enlarged front view of an engagement clutch of the hand crank assembly shown in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 4B is a side view of a portion of the engagement clutch shown in FIG. 4A .
- FIG. 4C is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an engagement clutch for use with an embodiment of the hand crank assembly.
- FIG. 5A is a front view of the hand crank assembly of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 5B is a schematic configuration of a portion of one embodiment of a hand crank assembly.
- FIG. 5C is a schematic configuration of a portion of another embodiment of a hand crank assembly.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic drawings of the operation of the hand crank embodiment shown in FIG. 5B .
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic drawings of the operation of the hand crank embodiment shown in FIG. 5C .
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a reel having another preferred embodiment of a hand crank assembly.
- FIG. 8A is a front view of the hand crank assembly of FIG. 8 .
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic drawings of the operation of the hand crank embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 8 A.
- FIG. 1 shows a reel 5 of the type that can be equipped with a hand crank assembly, in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.
- the reel 5 comprises a preferably cylindrical drum 10 and two disc-shaped side plates 12 and 14 .
- the side plates 12 and 14 are affixed to opposite ends of the drum 10 .
- the side plates 12 and 14 are rigidly affixed to the drum 10 , such that the elements 10 , 12 , and 14 rotate in unison about a rotation axis 16 .
- a linear material such as hose or wire, is spooled onto the drum 10 by rotating the reel 5 about the rotation axis 16 and simultaneously causing the linear material to be wrapped around the drum 10 .
- Such rotation can be effected by means of a hand crank coupled to the reel 5 .
- the reel 5 is typically enclosed or housed inside a stable outer frame (not shown).
- FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a hand crank assembly 20 .
- FIG. 2 shows a side view of the reel 5 of FIG. 1 , wherein the hand crank assembly 20 is coupled to the reel 5 and positioned on the outer side of the side plate 14 (in the view of FIG. 1 , to the right side of the side plate 14 ).
- FIG. 3 shows a front view of the hand crank assembly 20 .
- the drum 10 and side plate 12 are omitted for clarity. If shown, the drum 10 and side plate 12 would be positioned to the left of the side plate 14 .
- the reel 5 can advantageously be rotated continually in one direction about the rotation axis 16 by reciprocal back and forth pivoting movement of a lever 30 in the direction of the arrows 36 and 38 .
- FIG. 3 depicts a frame portion 40 , which can be a plate or crossbar.
- the housing or frame structure is preferably configured such that the frame portion 40 remains parallel to the side plate 14 as the side plate 14 rotates about the rotation axis 16 .
- the top and bottom ends of the frame portion 40 are shown broken to indicate that the frame portion 40 extends as part of a larger structure. It will be understood that the housing and the illustrated frame portion 40 can have any of a large variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations.
- the frame portion 40 is omitted from FIG. 2 for clarity.
- the hand crank assembly 20 comprises a first gear 22 , a second gear 24 , a first sprocket 26 , a second sprocket 28 , the lever 30 , a chain 32 , and a spring 34 .
- the first gear 22 is coupled to the side plate 14 so that rotation of the first gear 22 in either direction about the axis 16 ( FIG. 1 ) causes the side plate 14 , and hence the entire reel 5 , to rotate in the same direction about the axis 16 .
- the first gear 22 is rigidly affixed to the side plate 14 so that they rotate together in unison.
- the first sprocket 26 is coupled to the first gear 22 via a first one-way clutch mechanism.
- the first one-way clutch is configured so that when the first sprocket 26 is rotated counter-clockwise, the first one-way clutch is engaged, thereby causing the first gear 22 to rotate counter-clockwise in unison with the first sprocket 26 . However, when the first sprocket 26 is rotated clockwise, the first one-way clutch is disengaged, permitting the first sprocket 26 to rotate clockwise freely with respect to the first gear 22 .
- the second sprocket 28 is rotatably mounted onto the inner side of the frame portion 40 (as shown in FIG. 3 , to the left side of the frame portion 40 ).
- the second gear 24 is coupled to the second sprocket 28 by a second one-way clutch mechanism.
- the directions of engagement and disengagement of the second one-way clutch are opposite to those of the first one-way clutch.
- the second one-way clutch is configured so that the second one-way clutch is engaged when the second sprocket 28 is rotated clockwise, thereby causing the second gear 24 to rotate clockwise in unison with the second sprocket 28 .
- the second one-way clutch is disengaged, permitting the second sprocket 28 to rotate counter-clockwise freely with respect to the second gear 24 .
- An end of the lever 30 is coupled to the second sprocket 28 (in the illustrated embodiment, via a rod 31 extending through the frame portion 40 ), so that pivoting of the lever 30 in either of the directions 36 or 38 produces rotation of the second sprocket 28 in the same direction.
- the frame portion 40 could be on the other side of the lever 30 or on the other side of part or all of the hand crank assembly 20 .
- the first and second gears 22 and 24 have teeth that mesh together. Thus, rotation of one of the gears in one direction produces rotation of the other gear in the opposite direction.
- the sprockets 26 and 28 also have teeth, which engage the links of the chain 32 .
- the chain 32 has a first end fixed to the second sprocket 28 . From that point, the chain 32 wraps around the first sprocket 26 and has a second end attached to a first end of the spring 34 .
- the spring 34 has a second end fixed to the reel housing, perhaps to the frame portion 40 .
- the chain 32 and the spring 34 are sized and configured so that, during normal operation of the crank assembly 20 , the spring 34 is always somewhat stretched.
- the illustrated spring 34 is a coil spring. However, other suitable springs could be used alternatively.
- reciprocal back and forth movement, or pivoting, of the lever 30 causes the reel 5 to rotate continually in one direction and preferably drives the reel in that direction with each back movement and each forth movement.
- pivoting of the lever 30 in either direction 36 or 38 causes the reel 5 to rotate counter-clockwise.
- the second sprocket 28 rotates clockwise. This causes the second one-way clutch to engage.
- the second gear 24 rotates clockwise in unison with the second sprocket 28 .
- the clockwise rotation of the second gear 24 produces counter-clockwise rotation of the first gear 22 , due to the meshing of the teeth of the two gears.
- the first gear 22 is coupled to the reel 5 , producing counter-clockwise rotation of the reel.
- the counter-clockwise rotation of the first gear 22 does not cause the first one-way clutch to engage. Rather, the first one-way clutch remains disengaged.
- the counter-clockwise rotation of the first gear 22 does not affect the first sprocket 26 , which is free to rotate clockwise.
- the chain 32 tends to become slackened in the region between the two sprockets.
- the spring 34 which is always somewhat stretched, pulls the chain 32 (to the right in FIG. 2 ) until the chain becomes taut.
- the first sprocket 26 rotates clockwise to permit the tautening of the chain 32 .
- the second sprocket 28 rotates counter-clockwise. This causes the second one-way clutch to disengage, so that the rotation of the second sprocket 28 does not affect the second gear 24 .
- the counter-clockwise rotation of the second sprocket 28 pulls the chain 32 (which is taut as explained above), producing counter-clockwise rotation of the first sprocket 26 .
- the counter-clockwise rotation of the first sprocket 26 causes the first one-way clutch to engage.
- This causes the first gear 22 to rotate counter-clockwise in unison with the first sprocket 26 . Since the first gear 22 is coupled to the reel 5 , the reel rotates counter-clockwise. It will be appreciated that the counter-clockwise rotation of the first gear 22 produces clockwise rotation of the second gear 24 . However, this clockwise rotation of the second gear 24 does not affect the second sprocket 28 , because the second one-way clutch remains disengaged.
- the hand crank assembly 20 permits continual rotation of the reel 5 in one direction, driven by each stroke of reciprocal back and forth movement of the lever 30 .
- This hand crank configuration is considerably easier to operate than prior art hand cranks, such as an L-shaped handle coupled to the center of one of the side plates 12 and 14 .
- the chain 32 can comprise a continuous loop and be looped around the two sprockets 26 and 28 .
- the spring 34 is omitted from the design.
- the chain 32 is looped around both sprockets so that the chain is always relatively taut.
- the reel 5 is provided with a disengaging mechanism for disengaging the lever 30 from the second sprocket 28 when the linear material is unwound from the reel.
- a disengaging mechanism for disengaging the lever 30 from the second sprocket 28 when the linear material is unwound from the reel. This permits the linear material to be freely unwound without causing movement of the lever 30 .
- FIG. 2 To appreciate the need for such a disengaging mechanism, consider FIG. 2 . If the linear material is unwound from the reel 5 , the reel begins to rotate clockwise. This causes the first gear 22 to rotate clockwise and engage the first sprocket 26 . The resultant clockwise rotation of the first sprocket 26 pulls the chain 32 and causes the second sprocket 28 and lever 30 to also rotate clockwise (in the direction of arrow 36 ).
- the lever 30 may hit the ground during unwinding. At the very least, the lever 30 will continually rotate as the linear material is unwound from the reel 5 .
- the above-mentioned disengaging mechanism overcomes this problem.
- one suitable type of disengaging mechanism involves employing a spline and groove interconnection between the rod 31 and the second sprocket 28 .
- the rod 31 can include a spline receivable within a groove on the inside of the second sprocket 28 , such that the two elements transfer torque to one another only when the spline and groove are engaged.
- a pair of cam-type washers are employed, one connected to the rod 31 and the other set against the frame portion 40 so that their inclined or cam surfaces confront one another.
- the hand crank assembly 20 can easily be configured to produce continual clockwise (as opposed to counter-clockwise) rotation of the reel 5 (with reference to the view of FIG. 2 ). This can be accomplished simply by substituting oppositely configured one-way clutches (i.e., using one-way clutches that engage and disengage in the opposite directions) or simply by swapping the first gear 22 /first sprocket 26 combination with the second gear 24 /second sprocket 28 combination.
- the chain 32 and spring 34 would have to be inverted so that (with reference to FIG. 2 ) the spring 34 is on the left side of the gears and sprockets, and the chain 32 extends along the right sides of the two sprockets.
- the reel may be configured to have a second hand crank assembly or a motor to drive the unwinding rotation of the reel.
- the second hand crank assembly or motor could be positioned on the opposite side of the reel (in FIG. 1 , to the left of the side plate 12 ) and would be operatively coupled to the reel drum 10 .
- a second hand crank assembly or motor would be especially useful for heavier linear materials, such as fire hose.
- the reel 5 can also have a reciprocating mechanism for converting rotation of the reel drum 10 into reciprocal back and forth translation of a guide aperture for the linear material, the guide aperture being within the reel housing or frame. Translation of such a guide aperture across the reel drum 10 can facilitate more uniform spooling of the linear material onto the drum.
- the previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,848 discloses a reciprocating mechanism for such a guide aperture. Specifically, this patent discloses a spiral groove within one of the side plates (e.g., side plate 12 or 14 of FIG. 1 of the present application), wherein the groove interacts with other elements to produce the aforementioned reciprocal translation of the guide aperture. With reference to FIG. 1 , the spiral groove mechanism of U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,848 could be employed on side plate 12 . It should be noted that any of a variety of different types of reciprocating mechanisms, such as the spiral groove design of U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,848, can be employed.
- the extent and rate of rotation of the reel 5 per each back and forth stroke of the lever 30 are determined by the relative sizes of the first and second gears and the first and second sprockets.
- the extent and rate of rotation of the reel 5 can be increased by selecting a second gear 24 and a second sprocket 28 that are relatively large compared to the first gear 22 and the first sprocket 26 .
- the specific sizes and gear ratios of the gears and sprockets are a matter of design choice, which should be based upon the desired rotation displacement and speed characteristics of the reel 5 .
- FIGS. 4 through 5 A illustrate another preferred embodiment of a hand crank assembly 50 for use with a reel 60 onto which linear material may be spooled.
- the reel 60 has two side plates 62 , 64 on either side of a reel drum 66 .
- the reel 60 also preferably has a reel shaft 68 extending along the rotation axis of the reel R.
- at least one end 68 a of the reel shaft has a hollow portion 69 .
- the reel shaft 68 preferably selectively couples to a twisting engagement clutch 100 on one end of the reel shaft 68 .
- the twisting engagement clutch 100 preferably comprises a driven part 102 fixed onto the reel shaft 68 and a driving part 104 fixed onto a first or driven shaft 110 , wherein the driven shaft 110 is rotatably coupled to the reel shaft 68 .
- the driven shaft 110 has a bushing 112 on one end 110 a , said bushing 112 configured to be inserted through a hole (not shown) in the driven part 102 of the twisting engagement clutch 100 and into the hollow portion 69 of the real shaft 68 .
- the bushing 112 preferably rotates freely within the hollow portion 69 .
- the driving part 104 of the twisting engagement clutch 100 is preferably configured to move relative to the driven shaft 110 without rotating relative to the driven shaft 110 .
- the driving part 104 is preferably movably coupled to the driven shaft 110 so as to be laterally movable along the driven shaft 110 .
- a spline 110 b on the driven shaft 110 slides within a key hole 104 a in the driving part 104 , thus substantially preventing the rotation of the driving part 104 relative to the driven shaft 110 as the driven shaft 110 rotates.
- other suitable mechanisms can be used to substantially prevent the rotation of the driving part 104 relative to the driven shaft 110 .
- a spring 114 such as a coil spring, is preferably disposed between the driving part 104 of the engagement clutch 100 and a frame portion 116 of a housing that encloses the reel 60 , a section of which is shown.
- the spring 114 is configured to apply a generally constant lateral force onto the driving part 104 , so as to push the driven part 104 into a position substantially adjacent the driven part 102 of the engagement clutch 100 .
- the driving and driven parts 104 , 102 of the engagement clutch 100 are substantially adjacent each other during the use of the hand crank assembly 50 .
- the spring 114 is preferably strong enough to constantly maintain the driving part 104 substantially adjacent the driven part 102 .
- the driving part 104 of the engagement clutch 100 preferably has teeth 104 b configured to engage with teeth 102 b of the driven part 102 when the driving and driven parts 104 , 102 are generally adjacent each other.
- the teeth 102 b , 104 b of the driven and driving parts 102 , 104 are angled so that the driving part 104 meshes and transfers torque to the driven part 102 when rotated in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise), but does not mesh nor transfer torque when rotated in a second rotational direction (e.g., counter clockwise) opposite the first rotational direction.
- a first rotational direction e.g., clockwise
- a second rotational direction e.g., counter clockwise
- the driving part 104 When the driven shaft 100 is rotated in a clockwise direction (from the vantage of the right side of the drawing looking leftward), the driving part 104 also rotates in a clockwise direction due to the spline 110 b and key hole 104 a connection between the driving part 104 and the driven shaft 110 .
- the teeth 104 b of the driving part 104 mesh with the teeth 102 b of the driven part so as to transfer clockwise torque to the driven part 102 , causing the driven part 102 , and the reel shaft 68 attached to it, to rotate clockwise. Accordingly, the torque from the driving part 104 is transferred to the reel shaft 68 to rotate the reel drum 66 .
- the engagement clutch 100 described above may be used with the embodiment of the hand crank assembly described above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the first gear 22 may be coupled to the driving part 104 of the engagement clutch 100 , while the driven part 102 of the engagement clutch 100 is coupled to a reel shaft of the reel 5 .
- FIG. 4C illustrates another embodiment of a twisting engagement clutch 100 .
- the engagement clutch 100 includes a collar 106 , which is disposed about a portion of the driving part 104 .
- the collar 106 preferably houses a one-way clutch 108 configured to engage in the first rotational direction, but spin freely, or slip, in the second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
- the one way clutch 108 is configured to engage when rotated in the clockwise direction (from the vantage of the right side of the drawing looking leftward), but to spin freely or slip in the counter clockwise direction.
- the one-way clutch 108 couples to a resistance bushing 108 a disposed about a portion of the driving part 104 .
- the resistance bushing 108 a preferably has a surface that substantially contacts the portion of the driving part 104 , and which provides resistance to the rotation of the driving part 104 relative to the bushing 108 a . Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the driving part 104 and the one-way clutch 108 rotate at generally the same rate. More preferably, the surface of the resistance bushing 108 a readily allows translation of the driving part 104 therethrough.
- the driven shaft 110 has a threaded portion 10 b , which engages with threads 104 c on the driving part of the engagement clutch 100 .
- the threads on the threaded portion 110 and the threads 104 c on the driving part 104 are oriented such that rotation of the threaded portion 110 in the first rotational direction applies a forward driving force to the driving part 104 .
- a spring 109 such as a torsion spring, couples the driven shaft 110 to the driving part 104 , with one end 109 a of the spring 109 fastened to the driven shaft 110 and the other end 109 b of the spring 109 fastened to the driving part 104 .
- the hand crank assembly 50 is operated to rotate the driven shaft 110 in the first rotational direction, as discussed below.
- the first rotational direction is the clockwise direction.
- rotation of the driven shaft 110 in a clockwise direction rotates the threaded portion 110 b clockwise.
- the threaded portion 110 b engages the threads 104 c of the driven part 104 and exerts a forward driving force on the driving part 104 .
- the surface of the bushing 108 a provides sufficient resistance to the clockwise rotation of the driving part 104 to allow the driving part 104 to translate forward relative to the threaded portion 110 as the driving part 104 rotates along with the one-way clutch 108 . Moreover, the resistance provided by the bushing 108 a , along with the forward driving force provided by the threaded portion 110 , overcomes a retraction force applied by the spring 109 in a direction opposite the forward driving force, so that the driving part 104 moves forward into substantial engagement with the driven part 102 . Once the driving and driven parts 104 , 102 are substantially engaged, the torque applied to the driven shaft 110 to rotate it clockwise is transferred to the driven part 102 and onto the reel shaft 68 for rotation of the reel drum 66 in the clockwise direction.
- the forward driving force provided by the threaded portion 110 along with the resistance provided by the bushing 108 a overcome the retraction force applied by the spring 109 to move the driving part 104 forward.
- the retraction force applied by the spring 109 overcomes the resistance force applied by the bushing 108 a and retracts the driving part 104 through the bushing 108 a , rotating the driving part 104 counter clockwise out of engagement with the driven part 102 .
- the one-way clutch 108 slips or spins in the counter clockwise direction, thus allowing the driving part to be readily retracted onto the threaded portion 110 b.
- the embodiment of the engagement clutch 100 illustrated in FIG. 4C can be used with any of the embodiments disclosed herein for a hand crank assembly 50 .
- the illustrated embodiment of the engagement clutch 100 can be used with the embodiments of the hand crank assembly 50 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 8A , without the need to use the spring 114 to urge the driving and driven 104 , 102 parts into engagement.
- suitable means can be used for transferring torque from the driven shaft 110 to the reel shaft 68 when rotated in the first rotational direction, but to disengage the driven shaft 110 from the reel shaft 68 when the driven shaft 110 is not rotated.
- a first pulley member 150 and a second pulley member 152 are preferably rigidly coupled to the driven shaft 110 , each of said first and second pulley members 150 , 152 configured to transfer a torque onto the driven shaft 110 , as discussed further below.
- the first pulley member 150 is operatively coupled to a third pulley member 154 via a first belt 160 .
- the second pulley member 152 is operatively coupled to a fourth pulley member 156 via a second belt 162 .
- the third and fourth pulley members 154 , 156 are coupled to a second or driving shaft 170 .
- a lever 180 is coupled to one end 170 a of the driving shaft 170 .
- the first and second pulley members 150 , 152 are disposed on either side of a first one-way clutch 200 coupled to the driven shaft 110 .
- the first one-way clutch 200 is configured to operate in a first rotational direction, but not in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction.
- the first one-way clutch 200 is configured to engage and operate in a clockwise (CW) direction, but not in a counter-clockwise (CCW) direction.
- the third and fourth pulley members 154 , 156 are disposed on either side of a second one-way clutch 210 coupled to the driving shaft 170 .
- the second one-way clutch 210 is configured to engage and operate in a counter-clockwise (CCW) direction, but not in a clockwise (CW) direction.
- the fourth pulley member 156 rotates in the clockwise direction as well because it is coupled to the driving shaft 170 .
- the second one-way clutch 210 only operates in the counter clock-wise direction, rotation of the section of the driving shaft 170 to which the fourth pulley member 156 is attached is not transferred onto a second section of the driving shaft 170 to which the third pulley member 154 is coupled. Accordingly, the third pulley member 154 is not affected by the clockwise rotation of the lever 180 .
- the clockwise rotation of the fourth pulley member 156 results in the clockwise rotation of the second pulley member 152 via the motion of the second belt 162 , which converts the clockwise rotation of the fourth pulley member 156 into the clockwise rotation of the second pulley member 152 .
- the clockwise rotation of the second pulley member 152 is subsequently transferred to the first pulley member 150 via the first one-way clutch 200 , which transfers the torque from the second pulley member 152 onto the first pulley member 150 .
- the driven shaft 110 also rotates clockwise since it is coupled to the first one-way clutch 200 .
- the clockwise rotation is then transferred to the reel shaft 68 via the engagement clutch 100 (see FIG.
- the clockwise rotation of the first pulley member 150 causes the third pulley member 154 to rotate counter clockwise due to the belt 160 .
- the second one-way clutch 210 remains disengaged as the third pulley member 154 rotates counter clockwise and the fourth pulley member 156 rotates clockwise.
- the fourth pulley member 156 rotates in the counter clockwise direction as well because it is coupled to the driving shaft 170 .
- the second one-way clutch 210 operates in the counter clock-wise direction, the rotation of the section of the driving shaft 170 to which the fourth pulley member 156 is attached is transferred onto a second section of the driving shaft 170 to which the third pulley member 154 is coupled. Accordingly, the third pulley member 154 also rotates counter clockwise.
- the counter clockwise rotation of the fourth pulley member 156 results in the counter clockwise rotation of the second pulley member 152 via the motion of the second belt 162 .
- the counter clockwise rotation of the second pulley member 152 is not transferred to the first pulley member 150 via the first one-way clutch 200 , which engages and operates only in a clockwise direction.
- the counter clockwise rotation of the third pulley member 154 results in the clockwise rotation of the first pulley member 150 via the motion of the first belt 160 , which converts the counter clockwise rotation of the third pulley member 156 into the clockwise rotation of the first pulley member 150 .
- the clockwise rotation is then transferred to the reel shaft 68 via the engagement clutch 100 (see FIG.
- first rotational direction i.e., clockwise
- the clockwise rotation of the first pulley member 150 does not affect the second pulley member 152 because the first one-way clutch 200 remains disengaged as the first pulley member 150 rotates clockwise and the second pulley member 152 rotates counter clockwise.
- the fourth pulley member 156 is coupled to the driving shaft 170 via the first one way clutch 200
- the third pulley member 154 is coupled to the driving shaft 170 via the second one-way clutch 210 .
- the first one-way clutch 200 is configured to engage and operate in a clockwise (CW) direction, but not in a counter-clockwise (CCW) direction.
- the fourth pulley member 156 rotates in the clockwise direction as well because it is coupled to the driving shaft 170 via the first one-way clutch 200 , which engages and operates in the clockwise direction.
- the second one-way clutch 210 only operates in the counter clock-wise direction, the clockwise rotation of the driving shaft 170 via the lever 180 is not transferred onto the third pulley member 154 . Accordingly, the third pulley member 154 is not affected by the clockwise rotation of the lever 180 .
- the clockwise rotation of the fourth pulley member 156 results in the clockwise rotation of the second pulley member 152 via the motion of the second belt 162 , which converts the clockwise rotation of the fourth pulley member 156 into the clockwise rotation of the second pulley member 152 .
- the clockwise rotation of the second pulley member 152 also results in the clockwise rotation of the first pulley member 150 since both the first and second pulley members 150 , 152 are substantially rigidly fixed on the driven shaft 110 .
- the clockwise rotation is then transferred to the reel shaft 68 via the engagement clutch 100 (see FIG. 5A ) to rotate the reel 60 in the first rotational direction (i.e., clockwise).
- the clockwise rotation of the first pulley member 150 causes the third pulley member 154 to rotate counter clockwise due to the belt 160 .
- the second one-way clutch 210 remains disengaged as the third pulley member 154 rotates counter clockwise and the fourth pulley member 156 rotates clockwise.
- the fourth pulley member 156 does not rotate in the counter clockwise direction because it is coupled to the driving shaft 170 via the first one-way clutch, which does not operate in the counter clockwise direction.
- the second one-way clutch 210 operates in the counter clock-wise direction
- the counter clockwise rotation of the driving shaft 170 via the lever 180 is transferred onto the third pulley member 154 . Accordingly, the third pulley member 154 also rotates counter clockwise.
- the counter clockwise rotation of the third pulley member 154 results in the clockwise rotation of the first pulley member 150 via the motion of the first belt 160 , which converts the counter clockwise rotation of the third pulley member 156 into the clockwise rotation of the first pulley member 150 .
- the clockwise rotation is then transferred to the reel shaft 68 via the engagement clutch 100 (see FIG. 5A ) to rotate the reel 60 in a first rotational direction (i.e., clockwise).
- the clockwise rotation of the first pulley member 150 also causes the second pulley member 152 and fourth pulley member 152 to rotate clockwise.
- the clockwise rotation of the fourth pulley member 156 does not conflict with the counter clockwise rotation of the lever 180 because the first one-way clutch 200 remains disengaged.
- FIGS. 8 and 8 A illustrate still another preferred embodiment of a hand crank assembly 50 for use with a reel 60 onto which linear material may be spooled.
- the illustrated embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 A, except as discussed below.
- the first and second pulley members 150 , 152 are coupled to the driven shaft 110 via a first and second one-way clutch 220 a , 220 b , respectively.
- the one-way clutches 220 a, b are preferably configured to operate in a first rotational direction, but not in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction. That is, the one-way clutches 220 a, b can engage and transfer torque in the first rotational direction, but slip and do not transfer torque in the second rotational direction.
- the one-way clutches 200 a, b are configured to engage and operate in a clockwise (CW) direction, but not in a counter-clockwise (CCW).
- the third and fourth pulley members 154 , 156 are rigidly coupled to the driving shaft 170 .
- the first belt 160 couples the first and third pulley members 150 , 154 .
- the first belt 160 does not extend completely around the first and third pulley members 150 , 154 . Instead, the first belt 160 is fastened at a location on the first and third pulley members 150 , 154 .
- the second belt 162 couples the second and fourth pulley members 152 , 156 . However, the second belt 162 does not extend completely around the second and fourth pulley members 152 , 156 . Instead, the second belt 162 is fastened at a location on the second and fourth pulley members 152 , 156 .
- the first pulley member 150 is preferably coupled to the frame portion 116 of the housing via a first torsion spring 114 b .
- the first torsion spring 114 b is pre-tensioned so as to maintain the first belt 160 in a taut position. For example, if the first belt 160 slackens due to the rotation of the third pulley member 154 , the first torsion spring 114 b applies a torque to the first pulley member 150 , rotating the first pulley member 150 in the same direction as the third pulley member 154 to take up said slack.
- the second pulley member 152 is preferably coupled to a second frame portion 118 of the housing via a second torsion spring 114 c .
- the second torsion spring 114 c is pre-tensioned so as to maintain the second belt 162 in a taut position. For example, if the second belt 162 slackens due to the rotation of the fourth pulley member 156 , the second torsion spring 114 c applies a torque to the second pulley member 152 , rotating the second pulley member 152 in the same direction as the fourth pulley member 156 to take up said slack.
- the fourth pulley member 156 rotates clockwise as well because it is coupled to the driving shaft 170 , which also rotates clockwise.
- the third pulley member 154 also rotates clockwise because it is coupled to the driving shaft 170 , which causes the first belt 160 to slacken.
- the pre-tensioned first torsion spring 114 b takes up the slack by rotating the first pulley member 150 counter clockwise.
- the counter clockwise rotation of the first pulley member 150 is not transferred to the driven shaft 110 because the first one-way clutch 220 a engages in the clockwise direction, but slips in the counter clockwise direction.
- the clockwise rotation of the fourth pulley member 156 pulls the second belt 162 so as to rotate the second pulley member 152 clockwise. This in turn causes the driven shaft 110 to also rotate clockwise since the second one-way clutch 220 b is configured to engage in the clockwise direction.
- the torque from the rotating driven shaft 110 is then transferred to the reel shaft 68 via the twisting engagement clutch 100 as discussed above.
- the fourth pulley member 156 rotates counter clockwise as well because it is coupled to the driving shaft 170 , which also rotates counter clockwise.
- the third pulley member 154 also rotates counter clockwise because it is coupled to the driving shaft 170 , which pulls the first belt 160 , causing the first pulley member 150 to rotate clockwise.
- the clockwise rotation of the first pulley member in turn causes the driven shaft 110 to also rotate clockwise since the first one-way clutch 220 a is configured to engage in the clockwise direction.
- the torque from the rotating driven shaft 110 is then transferred to the reel shaft 68 via the twisting engagement clutch 100 as discussed above.
- the counter clockwise rotation of the fourth pulley member 156 causes the second belt 162 to slacken.
- the pre-tensioned second torsion spring 114 c takes up the slack by rotating the second pulley member 152 counter clockwise.
- the counter clockwise rotation of the second pulley member 152 is not transferred to the driven shaft 110 because the second one-way clutch 220 b engages in the clockwise direction, but slips in the counter clockwise direction.
- the twisting engagement clutch 100 provides for easily unspooling of linear material from the reel drum 66 without affecting the operation of the hand crank assembly 50 . Accordingly, the hand crank assembly advantageously provides for the efficient spooling of linear material onto the reel drum via the movement of a lever, while also allowing the reel to be rotated so as to unspool the linear material from the reel without any effect on the hand crank assembly.
- the hand crank assembly 50 embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or arranged in any suitable way to result in the rotation of the reel drum in a desired direction.
- the embodiments of the hand crank assembly 50 illustrated herein are configured to rotate the reel drum in a clockwise direction upon the pivoting or movement of the lever 180 .
- the hand crank assembly 50 can easily be arranged or modified to result in the counterclockwise rotation of the reel drum 66 .
- first and second one-way clutches 200 , 210 can be chosen such that the movement of the lever 180 in the first and second lever directions results in the counterclockwise rotation of the reel shaft 68 and the resulting counterclockwise rotation of the reel drum 66 .
- the belts connecting the first and second pulley members 150 , 152 with the third and fourth pulley members 154 , 156 can be replaced with other suitable means, such as chains, to transfer the rotation of the third and/or fourth pulley members 154 , 156 onto the first and/or second pulley members 150 , 152 .
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Abstract
A hand crank assembly system for spooling linear material onto a reel includes a reel drum onto which the linear material can be spooled and a lever pivotable about an axis. A torque transfer mechanism of the system has an engagement clutch that engages and transfers a torque when it is operated in a first rotational direction, but that does not operate nor transfer a torque when it is operated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The torque transfer mechanism converts the pivoting of the lever into the rotation of the reel drum in the first rotational direction regardless of the direction in which the lever is pivoted.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/510,362, filed Oct. 9, 2003, titled HAND CRANK ASSEMBLY FOR A REEL, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and which should be considered a part of this specification.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to reels for spooling linear material, and specifically to hand cranks for reels.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Reels for spooling linear materials, such as hose or wire, typically comprise a cylindrical drum and a means for rotating the drum. The linear material is spooled onto the drum as it is rotated.
- Some reels are equipped with a motor for rotating the reel. However, in some cases motors add undesired cost, weight, and complexity to the reel. Another means for rotating the drum is a hand crank. A typical hand crank comprises an L-shaped handle coupled to a shaft. The shaft is ordinarily coupled to the reel such that the shaft is co-linear with the rotation axis of the drum. In this configuration, spinning of the shaft causes the drum to rotate about the drum rotation axis. The reel is rotated by moving the L-shaped handle in a circle to spin the shaft and thus rotate the drum.
- Unfortunately, prior art hand cranks, such as the above-described L-shaped handle configuration, are somewhat difficult to use in practice. There is a need for a hand crank that is easier to use.
- In one aspect of the invention, a system for spooling linear material is provided comprising a reel drum onto which linear material can be spooled and a lever pivotable about an axis. Additionally, the system comprises a torque transfer mechanism comprising an engagement clutch configured to engage and transfer a torque to the reel drum when operated in a first rotational direction, but configured to not operate nor transfer a torque to the reel drum when operated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The torque transfer mechanism is configured to convert back and forth pivoting of the lever into the rotation of the reel drum in the first rotational direction.
- In another aspect of the invention, a method for rotating a reel drum onto which linear material can be spooled is provided. The method comprises the step of providing a lever pivotable in a first lever direction and a second lever direction opposite the first lever direction. The method also comprises the step of providing a torque transfer mechanism operatively coupled to the lever and to a reel drum. Additionally, the method comprises the steps of pivoting the lever in the first lever direction to transfer a torque generated form said pivoting of the lever onto the reel drum to rotate the reel drum in the first rotational direction, and pivoting the lever in the second lever direction to transfer a torque generated from said pivoting of the lever onto the reel drum to rotate the reel drum in the first rotational direction.
- In still another aspect of the invention, a system for spooling linear material is provided, comprising a reel drum onto which a linear material can be spooled and a lever movable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. The system also comprises means for converting the movement of the lever in said first and second directions into the rotation of the reel drum in a first rotational direction to spool said linear material onto the reel drum.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reel for spooling linear material; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of a reel having a preferred embodiment of a hand crank assembly. -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the hand crank assembly ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a reel having another preferred embodiment of a hand crank assembly. -
FIG. 4A is an enlarged front view of an engagement clutch of the hand crank assembly shown inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 4B is a side view of a portion of the engagement clutch shown inFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 4C is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an engagement clutch for use with an embodiment of the hand crank assembly. -
FIG. 5A is a front view of the hand crank assembly ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 5B is a schematic configuration of a portion of one embodiment of a hand crank assembly. -
FIG. 5C is a schematic configuration of a portion of another embodiment of a hand crank assembly. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic drawings of the operation of the hand crank embodiment shown inFIG. 5B . -
FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic drawings of the operation of the hand crank embodiment shown inFIG. 5C . -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a reel having another preferred embodiment of a hand crank assembly. -
FIG. 8A is a front view of the hand crank assembly ofFIG. 8 . -
FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic drawings of the operation of the hand crank embodiment shown inFIGS. 8 and 8 A. -
FIG. 1 shows areel 5 of the type that can be equipped with a hand crank assembly, in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. Thereel 5 comprises a preferablycylindrical drum 10 and two disc-shaped side plates side plates drum 10. Preferably, theside plates drum 10, such that theelements rotation axis 16. In use, a linear material, such as hose or wire, is spooled onto thedrum 10 by rotating thereel 5 about therotation axis 16 and simultaneously causing the linear material to be wrapped around thedrum 10. Such rotation can be effected by means of a hand crank coupled to thereel 5. Thereel 5 is typically enclosed or housed inside a stable outer frame (not shown). -
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a hand crankassembly 20.FIG. 2 shows a side view of thereel 5 ofFIG. 1 , wherein the hand crankassembly 20 is coupled to thereel 5 and positioned on the outer side of the side plate 14 (in the view ofFIG. 1 , to the right side of the side plate 14).FIG. 3 shows a front view of the hand crankassembly 20. InFIG. 3 , thedrum 10 andside plate 12 are omitted for clarity. If shown, thedrum 10 andside plate 12 would be positioned to the left of theside plate 14. As described below, thereel 5 can advantageously be rotated continually in one direction about therotation axis 16 by reciprocal back and forth pivoting movement of alever 30 in the direction of thearrows - As mentioned above, the
reel 5 is preferably housed within a stable structure or frame. Examples of suitable housings and frame structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,848, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIG. 3 depicts aframe portion 40, which can be a plate or crossbar. The housing or frame structure is preferably configured such that theframe portion 40 remains parallel to theside plate 14 as theside plate 14 rotates about therotation axis 16. InFIG. 3 , the top and bottom ends of theframe portion 40 are shown broken to indicate that theframe portion 40 extends as part of a larger structure. It will be understood that the housing and the illustratedframe portion 40 can have any of a large variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations. Theframe portion 40 is omitted fromFIG. 2 for clarity. - With reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the hand crankassembly 20 comprises afirst gear 22, asecond gear 24, afirst sprocket 26, asecond sprocket 28, thelever 30, achain 32, and a spring 34. Thefirst gear 22 is coupled to theside plate 14 so that rotation of thefirst gear 22 in either direction about the axis 16 (FIG. 1 ) causes theside plate 14, and hence theentire reel 5, to rotate in the same direction about theaxis 16. Preferably, thefirst gear 22 is rigidly affixed to theside plate 14 so that they rotate together in unison. Thefirst sprocket 26 is coupled to thefirst gear 22 via a first one-way clutch mechanism. With reference toFIG. 2 , the first one-way clutch is configured so that when thefirst sprocket 26 is rotated counter-clockwise, the first one-way clutch is engaged, thereby causing thefirst gear 22 to rotate counter-clockwise in unison with thefirst sprocket 26. However, when thefirst sprocket 26 is rotated clockwise, the first one-way clutch is disengaged, permitting thefirst sprocket 26 to rotate clockwise freely with respect to thefirst gear 22. - The
second sprocket 28 is rotatably mounted onto the inner side of the frame portion 40 (as shown inFIG. 3 , to the left side of the frame portion 40). Thesecond gear 24 is coupled to thesecond sprocket 28 by a second one-way clutch mechanism. The directions of engagement and disengagement of the second one-way clutch are opposite to those of the first one-way clutch. With reference toFIG. 2 , the second one-way clutch is configured so that the second one-way clutch is engaged when thesecond sprocket 28 is rotated clockwise, thereby causing thesecond gear 24 to rotate clockwise in unison with thesecond sprocket 28. However, when thesecond sprocket 28 is rotated counter-clockwise, the second one-way clutch is disengaged, permitting thesecond sprocket 28 to rotate counter-clockwise freely with respect to thesecond gear 24. An end of thelever 30 is coupled to the second sprocket 28 (in the illustrated embodiment, via arod 31 extending through the frame portion 40), so that pivoting of thelever 30 in either of thedirections second sprocket 28 in the same direction. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theframe portion 40 could be on the other side of thelever 30 or on the other side of part or all of the hand crankassembly 20. - The first and
second gears sprockets chain 32. In the illustrated embodiment, thechain 32 has a first end fixed to thesecond sprocket 28. From that point, thechain 32 wraps around thefirst sprocket 26 and has a second end attached to a first end of the spring 34. The spring 34 has a second end fixed to the reel housing, perhaps to theframe portion 40. Thechain 32 and the spring 34 are sized and configured so that, during normal operation of thecrank assembly 20, the spring 34 is always somewhat stretched. The illustrated spring 34 is a coil spring. However, other suitable springs could be used alternatively. - As mentioned above, reciprocal back and forth movement, or pivoting, of the
lever 30 causes thereel 5 to rotate continually in one direction and preferably drives the reel in that direction with each back movement and each forth movement. With respect toFIG. 2 , in the illustrated embodiment, pivoting of thelever 30 in eitherdirection reel 5 to rotate counter-clockwise. In order to appreciate this, consider separately the operation of the hand crankassembly 20 during motion of thelever 30 in thedirection 36 and then in thedirection 38. - With reference to
FIG. 2 , when a user moves thelever 30 in thedirection 36, thesecond sprocket 28 rotates clockwise. This causes the second one-way clutch to engage. As a result, thesecond gear 24 rotates clockwise in unison with thesecond sprocket 28. The clockwise rotation of thesecond gear 24 produces counter-clockwise rotation of thefirst gear 22, due to the meshing of the teeth of the two gears. As mentioned above, thefirst gear 22 is coupled to thereel 5, producing counter-clockwise rotation of the reel. The counter-clockwise rotation of thefirst gear 22 does not cause the first one-way clutch to engage. Rather, the first one-way clutch remains disengaged. Thus, the counter-clockwise rotation of thefirst gear 22 does not affect thefirst sprocket 26, which is free to rotate clockwise. Further, since thesecond sprocket 28 rotates clockwise, thechain 32 tends to become slackened in the region between the two sprockets. However, the spring 34, which is always somewhat stretched, pulls the chain 32 (to the right inFIG. 2 ) until the chain becomes taut. As thechain 32 is pulled by the spring 34, thefirst sprocket 26 rotates clockwise to permit the tautening of thechain 32. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2 , when a user moves thelever 30 in thedirection 38, thesecond sprocket 28 rotates counter-clockwise. This causes the second one-way clutch to disengage, so that the rotation of thesecond sprocket 28 does not affect thesecond gear 24. The counter-clockwise rotation of thesecond sprocket 28 pulls the chain 32 (which is taut as explained above), producing counter-clockwise rotation of thefirst sprocket 26. The counter-clockwise rotation of thefirst sprocket 26 causes the first one-way clutch to engage. This causes thefirst gear 22 to rotate counter-clockwise in unison with thefirst sprocket 26. Since thefirst gear 22 is coupled to thereel 5, the reel rotates counter-clockwise. It will be appreciated that the counter-clockwise rotation of thefirst gear 22 produces clockwise rotation of thesecond gear 24. However, this clockwise rotation of thesecond gear 24 does not affect thesecond sprocket 28, because the second one-way clutch remains disengaged. - Thus it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the hand crank
assembly 20 permits continual rotation of thereel 5 in one direction, driven by each stroke of reciprocal back and forth movement of thelever 30. This hand crank configuration is considerably easier to operate than prior art hand cranks, such as an L-shaped handle coupled to the center of one of theside plates - It will also be appreciated that the
chain 32 can comprise a continuous loop and be looped around the twosprockets chain 32 is looped around both sprockets so that the chain is always relatively taut. - Preferably, the
reel 5 is provided with a disengaging mechanism for disengaging thelever 30 from thesecond sprocket 28 when the linear material is unwound from the reel. This permits the linear material to be freely unwound without causing movement of thelever 30. To appreciate the need for such a disengaging mechanism, considerFIG. 2 . If the linear material is unwound from thereel 5, the reel begins to rotate clockwise. This causes thefirst gear 22 to rotate clockwise and engage thefirst sprocket 26. The resultant clockwise rotation of thefirst sprocket 26 pulls thechain 32 and causes thesecond sprocket 28 andlever 30 to also rotate clockwise (in the direction of arrow 36). If thelever 30 has a large length relative to the reel, as is desirable for greater ease of operation, thelever 30 may hit the ground during unwinding. At the very least, thelever 30 will continually rotate as the linear material is unwound from thereel 5. The above-mentioned disengaging mechanism overcomes this problem. - With reference to
FIG. 3 , one suitable type of disengaging mechanism involves employing a spline and groove interconnection between therod 31 and thesecond sprocket 28. For example, therod 31 can include a spline receivable within a groove on the inside of thesecond sprocket 28, such that the two elements transfer torque to one another only when the spline and groove are engaged. Thus, when the spline of therod 31 is pulled out of thesecond sprocket 28, the unwinding of the linear material from thereel 5 does not affect thelever 30. In one such embodiment, a pair of cam-type washers are employed, one connected to therod 31 and the other set against theframe portion 40 so that their inclined or cam surfaces confront one another. When the linear material begins to unwind, the resultant rotation of thelever 30 causes the cam-type washers to rotate against one another and therod 31 to slide to the right (in the view ofFIG. 3 ). This causes the spline and groove to disengage, permitting free rotation of thereel 5 as the linear material is unwound. When the user wants to subsequently spool the linear onto thereel 5, thelever 30 can then easily be “clicked” back into normal operation. - Skilled artisans will appreciate that the hand crank
assembly 20 can easily be configured to produce continual clockwise (as opposed to counter-clockwise) rotation of the reel 5 (with reference to the view ofFIG. 2 ). This can be accomplished simply by substituting oppositely configured one-way clutches (i.e., using one-way clutches that engage and disengage in the opposite directions) or simply by swapping thefirst gear 22/first sprocket 26 combination with thesecond gear 24/second sprocket 28 combination. In addition, thechain 32 and spring 34 would have to be inverted so that (with reference toFIG. 2 ) the spring 34 is on the left side of the gears and sprockets, and thechain 32 extends along the right sides of the two sprockets. - In an alternative embodiment, the reel may be configured to have a second hand crank assembly or a motor to drive the unwinding rotation of the reel. The second hand crank assembly or motor could be positioned on the opposite side of the reel (in
FIG. 1 , to the left of the side plate 12) and would be operatively coupled to thereel drum 10. A second hand crank assembly or motor would be especially useful for heavier linear materials, such as fire hose. - The
reel 5 can also have a reciprocating mechanism for converting rotation of thereel drum 10 into reciprocal back and forth translation of a guide aperture for the linear material, the guide aperture being within the reel housing or frame. Translation of such a guide aperture across thereel drum 10 can facilitate more uniform spooling of the linear material onto the drum. The previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,848 discloses a reciprocating mechanism for such a guide aperture. Specifically, this patent discloses a spiral groove within one of the side plates (e.g.,side plate FIG. 1 of the present application), wherein the groove interacts with other elements to produce the aforementioned reciprocal translation of the guide aperture. With reference toFIG. 1 , the spiral groove mechanism of U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,848 could be employed onside plate 12. It should be noted that any of a variety of different types of reciprocating mechanisms, such as the spiral groove design of U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,848, can be employed. - The extent and rate of rotation of the
reel 5 per each back and forth stroke of thelever 30 are determined by the relative sizes of the first and second gears and the first and second sprockets. The extent and rate of rotation of thereel 5 can be increased by selecting asecond gear 24 and asecond sprocket 28 that are relatively large compared to thefirst gear 22 and thefirst sprocket 26. The specific sizes and gear ratios of the gears and sprockets are a matter of design choice, which should be based upon the desired rotation displacement and speed characteristics of thereel 5. -
FIGS. 4 through 5 A illustrate another preferred embodiment of a hand crankassembly 50 for use with areel 60 onto which linear material may be spooled. In the illustrated embodiment, thereel 60 has twoside plates reel drum 66. Thereel 60 also preferably has areel shaft 68 extending along the rotation axis of the reel R. Preferably, at least oneend 68 a of the reel shaft has ahollow portion 69. - The
reel shaft 68 preferably selectively couples to a twistingengagement clutch 100 on one end of thereel shaft 68. The twistingengagement clutch 100 preferably comprises a drivenpart 102 fixed onto thereel shaft 68 and a drivingpart 104 fixed onto a first or drivenshaft 110, wherein the drivenshaft 110 is rotatably coupled to thereel shaft 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the drivenshaft 110 has abushing 112 on oneend 110 a, saidbushing 112 configured to be inserted through a hole (not shown) in the drivenpart 102 of the twistingengagement clutch 100 and into thehollow portion 69 of thereal shaft 68. Thebushing 112 preferably rotates freely within thehollow portion 69. - In a preferred embodiment, the driving
part 104 of the twistingengagement clutch 100 is preferably configured to move relative to the drivenshaft 110 without rotating relative to the drivenshaft 110. As illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B , the drivingpart 104 is preferably movably coupled to the drivenshaft 110 so as to be laterally movable along the drivenshaft 110. In one embodiment, aspline 110 b on the drivenshaft 110 slides within akey hole 104 a in the drivingpart 104, thus substantially preventing the rotation of the drivingpart 104 relative to the drivenshaft 110 as the drivenshaft 110 rotates. However, other suitable mechanisms can be used to substantially prevent the rotation of the drivingpart 104 relative to the drivenshaft 110. - With respect to
FIGS. 4A and 5A , the operation of theengagement clutch 100 is now discussed. As shown inFIG. 5A , aspring 114, such as a coil spring, is preferably disposed between the drivingpart 104 of theengagement clutch 100 and aframe portion 116 of a housing that encloses thereel 60, a section of which is shown. Thespring 114 is configured to apply a generally constant lateral force onto the drivingpart 104, so as to push the drivenpart 104 into a position substantially adjacent the drivenpart 102 of theengagement clutch 100. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the driving and drivenparts engagement clutch 100 are substantially adjacent each other during the use of the hand crankassembly 50. Thespring 114 is preferably strong enough to constantly maintain the drivingpart 104 substantially adjacent the drivenpart 102. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 4A-5A , the drivingpart 104 of theengagement clutch 100 preferably hasteeth 104 b configured to engage withteeth 102 b of the drivenpart 102 when the driving and drivenparts teeth parts part 104 meshes and transfers torque to the drivenpart 102 when rotated in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise), but does not mesh nor transfer torque when rotated in a second rotational direction (e.g., counter clockwise) opposite the first rotational direction. For example, consider the embodiment shown inFIG. 4A . When the drivenshaft 100 is rotated in a clockwise direction (from the vantage of the right side of the drawing looking leftward), the drivingpart 104 also rotates in a clockwise direction due to thespline 110 b andkey hole 104 a connection between the drivingpart 104 and the drivenshaft 110. When rotated clockwise and while adjacent the drivenpart 102, theteeth 104 b of the drivingpart 104 mesh with theteeth 102 b of the driven part so as to transfer clockwise torque to the drivenpart 102, causing the drivenpart 102, and thereel shaft 68 attached to it, to rotate clockwise. Accordingly, the torque from the drivingpart 104 is transferred to thereel shaft 68 to rotate thereel drum 66. However, even when adjacent the drivenpart 102, if the drivingpart 104 rotates counter clockwise relative to the drivenpart 102, the teeth of the drivingpart 104 will slip relative to the teeth 102 a of the drivenpart 102, so that no torque is transferred between the driving and drivenparts engagement clutch 100 described above may be used with the embodiment of the hand crank assembly described above with respect toFIGS. 2 and 3 . For example, instead of having thefirst gear 22 coupled to theside plate 14, thefirst gear 22 may be coupled to the drivingpart 104 of theengagement clutch 100, while the drivenpart 102 of theengagement clutch 100 is coupled to a reel shaft of thereel 5. -
FIG. 4C illustrates another embodiment of a twistingengagement clutch 100. Theengagement clutch 100 includes acollar 106, which is disposed about a portion of the drivingpart 104. Thecollar 106 preferably houses a one-way clutch 108 configured to engage in the first rotational direction, but spin freely, or slip, in the second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the oneway clutch 108 is configured to engage when rotated in the clockwise direction (from the vantage of the right side of the drawing looking leftward), but to spin freely or slip in the counter clockwise direction. - The one-way clutch 108 couples to a resistance bushing 108 a disposed about a portion of the driving
part 104. Theresistance bushing 108 a preferably has a surface that substantially contacts the portion of the drivingpart 104, and which provides resistance to the rotation of the drivingpart 104 relative to thebushing 108 a. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the drivingpart 104 and the one-way clutch 108 rotate at generally the same rate. More preferably, the surface of the resistance bushing 108 a readily allows translation of the drivingpart 104 therethrough. - In the illustrated embodiment, the driven
shaft 110 has a threaded portion 10 b, which engages withthreads 104 c on the driving part of theengagement clutch 100. Preferably, the threads on the threadedportion 110 and thethreads 104 c on the drivingpart 104 are oriented such that rotation of the threadedportion 110 in the first rotational direction applies a forward driving force to the drivingpart 104. Additionally, aspring 109, such as a torsion spring, couples the drivenshaft 110 to the drivingpart 104, with oneend 109 a of thespring 109 fastened to the drivenshaft 110 and theother end 109 b of thespring 109 fastened to the drivingpart 104. - With further reference to
FIG. 4C , the operation of the illustrated embodiment of theengagement clutch 100 is discussed below. The hand crankassembly 50 is operated to rotate the drivenshaft 110 in the first rotational direction, as discussed below. In one embodiment, the first rotational direction is the clockwise direction. As illustrated inFIG. 4C , rotation of the drivenshaft 110 in a clockwise direction rotates the threadedportion 110 b clockwise. The threadedportion 110 b engages thethreads 104 c of the drivenpart 104 and exerts a forward driving force on the drivingpart 104. The surface of thebushing 108 a provides sufficient resistance to the clockwise rotation of the drivingpart 104 to allow the drivingpart 104 to translate forward relative to the threadedportion 110 as the drivingpart 104 rotates along with the one-way clutch 108. Moreover, the resistance provided by thebushing 108 a, along with the forward driving force provided by the threadedportion 110, overcomes a retraction force applied by thespring 109 in a direction opposite the forward driving force, so that the drivingpart 104 moves forward into substantial engagement with the drivenpart 102. Once the driving and drivenparts shaft 110 to rotate it clockwise is transferred to the drivenpart 102 and onto thereel shaft 68 for rotation of thereel drum 66 in the clockwise direction. - As noted above, in a preferred embodiment, the forward driving force provided by the threaded
portion 110 along with the resistance provided by thebushing 108 a overcome the retraction force applied by thespring 109 to move the drivingpart 104 forward. Once the drivenshaft 110 is no longer rotated, the retraction force applied by thespring 109 overcomes the resistance force applied by thebushing 108 a and retracts the drivingpart 104 through thebushing 108 a, rotating the drivingpart 104 counter clockwise out of engagement with the drivenpart 102. The one-way clutch 108 slips or spins in the counter clockwise direction, thus allowing the driving part to be readily retracted onto the threadedportion 110 b. - One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the embodiment of the
engagement clutch 100 illustrated inFIG. 4C , and discussed above, can be used with any of the embodiments disclosed herein for a hand crankassembly 50. For example, the illustrated embodiment of theengagement clutch 100 can be used with the embodiments of the hand crankassembly 50 illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 8A , without the need to use thespring 114 to urge the driving and driven 104, 102 parts into engagement. One of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that other suitable means can be used for transferring torque from the drivenshaft 110 to thereel shaft 68 when rotated in the first rotational direction, but to disengage the drivenshaft 110 from thereel shaft 68 when the drivenshaft 110 is not rotated. - As shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5 a, afirst pulley member 150 and asecond pulley member 152 are preferably rigidly coupled to the drivenshaft 110, each of said first andsecond pulley members shaft 110, as discussed further below. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst pulley member 150 is operatively coupled to athird pulley member 154 via afirst belt 160. Similarly, thesecond pulley member 152 is operatively coupled to afourth pulley member 156 via asecond belt 162. The third andfourth pulley members shaft 170. Alever 180 is coupled to oneend 170 a of the drivingshaft 170. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 5B, 6A and 6B, in one embodiment of the hand crankassembly 50, the first andsecond pulley members shaft 110. The first one-way clutch 200 is configured to operate in a first rotational direction, but not in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first one-way clutch 200 is configured to engage and operate in a clockwise (CW) direction, but not in a counter-clockwise (CCW) direction. Similarly, the third andfourth pulley members shaft 170. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second one-way clutch 210 is configured to engage and operate in a counter-clockwise (CCW) direction, but not in a clockwise (CW) direction. - As shown in
FIG. 6A , when thelever 180 is moved or pivoted in a first lever direction (e.g., a clockwise direction), thefourth pulley member 156 rotates in the clockwise direction as well because it is coupled to the drivingshaft 170. However, because the second one-way clutch 210 only operates in the counter clock-wise direction, rotation of the section of the drivingshaft 170 to which thefourth pulley member 156 is attached is not transferred onto a second section of the drivingshaft 170 to which thethird pulley member 154 is coupled. Accordingly, thethird pulley member 154 is not affected by the clockwise rotation of thelever 180. The clockwise rotation of thefourth pulley member 156 results in the clockwise rotation of thesecond pulley member 152 via the motion of thesecond belt 162, which converts the clockwise rotation of thefourth pulley member 156 into the clockwise rotation of thesecond pulley member 152. The clockwise rotation of thesecond pulley member 152 is subsequently transferred to thefirst pulley member 150 via the first one-way clutch 200, which transfers the torque from thesecond pulley member 152 onto thefirst pulley member 150. The drivenshaft 110 also rotates clockwise since it is coupled to the first one-way clutch 200. The clockwise rotation is then transferred to thereel shaft 68 via the engagement clutch 100 (seeFIG. 5A ) to rotate thereel 60 in the first rotational direction (i.e., clockwise). The clockwise rotation of thefirst pulley member 150 causes thethird pulley member 154 to rotate counter clockwise due to thebelt 160. The second one-way clutch 210 remains disengaged as thethird pulley member 154 rotates counter clockwise and thefourth pulley member 156 rotates clockwise. - As shown in
FIG. 6B , when thelever 180 is moved or pivoted in a second lever direction (e.g., a counter clockwise direction), thefourth pulley member 156 rotates in the counter clockwise direction as well because it is coupled to the drivingshaft 170. However, because the second one-way clutch 210 operates in the counter clock-wise direction, the rotation of the section of the drivingshaft 170 to which thefourth pulley member 156 is attached is transferred onto a second section of the drivingshaft 170 to which thethird pulley member 154 is coupled. Accordingly, thethird pulley member 154 also rotates counter clockwise. The counter clockwise rotation of thefourth pulley member 156 results in the counter clockwise rotation of thesecond pulley member 152 via the motion of thesecond belt 162. However, the counter clockwise rotation of thesecond pulley member 152 is not transferred to thefirst pulley member 150 via the first one-way clutch 200, which engages and operates only in a clockwise direction. The counter clockwise rotation of thethird pulley member 154 results in the clockwise rotation of thefirst pulley member 150 via the motion of thefirst belt 160, which converts the counter clockwise rotation of thethird pulley member 156 into the clockwise rotation of thefirst pulley member 150. The clockwise rotation is then transferred to thereel shaft 68 via the engagement clutch 100 (seeFIG. 5A ) to rotate thereel 60 in a first rotational direction (i.e., clockwise). The clockwise rotation of thefirst pulley member 150 does not affect thesecond pulley member 152 because the first one-way clutch 200 remains disengaged as thefirst pulley member 150 rotates clockwise and thesecond pulley member 152 rotates counter clockwise. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 5C, 7A and 7B, in another embodiment of the hand crankassembly 50, thefourth pulley member 156 is coupled to the drivingshaft 170 via the first oneway clutch 200, while thethird pulley member 154 is coupled to the drivingshaft 170 via the second one-way clutch 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the first one-way clutch 200 is configured to engage and operate in a clockwise (CW) direction, but not in a counter-clockwise (CCW) direction. - As shown in
FIG. 7A , when thelever 180 is moved or pivoted in a first lever direction (e.g., a clockwise direction), thefourth pulley member 156 rotates in the clockwise direction as well because it is coupled to the drivingshaft 170 via the first one-way clutch 200, which engages and operates in the clockwise direction. However, because the second one-way clutch 210 only operates in the counter clock-wise direction, the clockwise rotation of the drivingshaft 170 via thelever 180 is not transferred onto thethird pulley member 154. Accordingly, thethird pulley member 154 is not affected by the clockwise rotation of thelever 180. The clockwise rotation of thefourth pulley member 156 results in the clockwise rotation of thesecond pulley member 152 via the motion of thesecond belt 162, which converts the clockwise rotation of thefourth pulley member 156 into the clockwise rotation of thesecond pulley member 152. The clockwise rotation of thesecond pulley member 152 also results in the clockwise rotation of thefirst pulley member 150 since both the first andsecond pulley members shaft 110. The clockwise rotation is then transferred to thereel shaft 68 via the engagement clutch 100 (seeFIG. 5A ) to rotate thereel 60 in the first rotational direction (i.e., clockwise). The clockwise rotation of thefirst pulley member 150 causes thethird pulley member 154 to rotate counter clockwise due to thebelt 160. The second one-way clutch 210 remains disengaged as thethird pulley member 154 rotates counter clockwise and thefourth pulley member 156 rotates clockwise. - As shown in
FIG. 7B , when thelever 180 is moved or pivoted in a second lever direction (e.g., a counter clockwise direction), thefourth pulley member 156 does not rotate in the counter clockwise direction because it is coupled to the drivingshaft 170 via the first one-way clutch, which does not operate in the counter clockwise direction. However, because the second one-way clutch 210 operates in the counter clock-wise direction, the counter clockwise rotation of the drivingshaft 170 via thelever 180 is transferred onto thethird pulley member 154. Accordingly, thethird pulley member 154 also rotates counter clockwise. The counter clockwise rotation of thethird pulley member 154 results in the clockwise rotation of thefirst pulley member 150 via the motion of thefirst belt 160, which converts the counter clockwise rotation of thethird pulley member 156 into the clockwise rotation of thefirst pulley member 150. The clockwise rotation is then transferred to thereel shaft 68 via the engagement clutch 100 (seeFIG. 5A ) to rotate thereel 60 in a first rotational direction (i.e., clockwise). The clockwise rotation of thefirst pulley member 150 also causes thesecond pulley member 152 andfourth pulley member 152 to rotate clockwise. The clockwise rotation of thefourth pulley member 156 does not conflict with the counter clockwise rotation of thelever 180 because the first one-way clutch 200 remains disengaged. -
FIGS. 8 and 8 A illustrate still another preferred embodiment of a hand crankassembly 50 for use with areel 60 onto which linear material may be spooled. The illustrated embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5 A, except as discussed below. - As illustrated in the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 8A, 9A and 9B, the first andsecond pulley members shaft 110 via a first and second one-way clutch 220 a, 220 b, respectively. The one-way clutches 220 a, b are preferably configured to operate in a first rotational direction, but not in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction. That is, the one-way clutches 220 a, b can engage and transfer torque in the first rotational direction, but slip and do not transfer torque in the second rotational direction. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the one-way clutches 200 a, b are configured to engage and operate in a clockwise (CW) direction, but not in a counter-clockwise (CCW). The third andfourth pulley members shaft 170. - With further reference to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 8 and 8 A, thefirst belt 160 couples the first andthird pulley members FIG. 4 , thefirst belt 160 does not extend completely around the first andthird pulley members first belt 160 is fastened at a location on the first andthird pulley members second belt 162 couples the second andfourth pulley members second belt 162 does not extend completely around the second andfourth pulley members second belt 162 is fastened at a location on the second andfourth pulley members - As shown in
FIG. 8 a, thefirst pulley member 150 is preferably coupled to theframe portion 116 of the housing via afirst torsion spring 114 b. Preferably, thefirst torsion spring 114 b is pre-tensioned so as to maintain thefirst belt 160 in a taut position. For example, if thefirst belt 160 slackens due to the rotation of thethird pulley member 154, thefirst torsion spring 114 b applies a torque to thefirst pulley member 150, rotating thefirst pulley member 150 in the same direction as thethird pulley member 154 to take up said slack. Similarly, thesecond pulley member 152 is preferably coupled to asecond frame portion 118 of the housing via asecond torsion spring 114 c. Preferably, thesecond torsion spring 114 c is pre-tensioned so as to maintain thesecond belt 162 in a taut position. For example, if thesecond belt 162 slackens due to the rotation of thefourth pulley member 156, thesecond torsion spring 114 c applies a torque to thesecond pulley member 152, rotating thesecond pulley member 152 in the same direction as thefourth pulley member 156 to take up said slack. - As shown in
FIG. 9A , when thelever 180 is moved or pivoted in a first lever direction (e.g., a clockwise direction), thefourth pulley member 156 rotates clockwise as well because it is coupled to the drivingshaft 170, which also rotates clockwise. Thethird pulley member 154 also rotates clockwise because it is coupled to the drivingshaft 170, which causes thefirst belt 160 to slacken. However, the pre-tensionedfirst torsion spring 114 b takes up the slack by rotating thefirst pulley member 150 counter clockwise. The counter clockwise rotation of thefirst pulley member 150 is not transferred to the drivenshaft 110 because the first one-way clutch 220 a engages in the clockwise direction, but slips in the counter clockwise direction. The clockwise rotation of thefourth pulley member 156 pulls thesecond belt 162 so as to rotate thesecond pulley member 152 clockwise. This in turn causes the drivenshaft 110 to also rotate clockwise since the second one-way clutch 220 b is configured to engage in the clockwise direction. The torque from the rotating drivenshaft 110 is then transferred to thereel shaft 68 via the twistingengagement clutch 100 as discussed above. - As shown in
FIG. 9B , when thelever 180 is moved or pivoted in a second rotational direction (e.g., a counter clockwise direction), thefourth pulley member 156 rotates counter clockwise as well because it is coupled to the drivingshaft 170, which also rotates counter clockwise. Thethird pulley member 154 also rotates counter clockwise because it is coupled to the drivingshaft 170, which pulls thefirst belt 160, causing thefirst pulley member 150 to rotate clockwise. The clockwise rotation of the first pulley member in turn causes the drivenshaft 110 to also rotate clockwise since the first one-way clutch 220 a is configured to engage in the clockwise direction. The torque from the rotating drivenshaft 110 is then transferred to thereel shaft 68 via the twistingengagement clutch 100 as discussed above. The counter clockwise rotation of thefourth pulley member 156 causes thesecond belt 162 to slacken. However, the pre-tensionedsecond torsion spring 114 c takes up the slack by rotating thesecond pulley member 152 counter clockwise. The counter clockwise rotation of thesecond pulley member 152 is not transferred to the drivenshaft 110 because the second one-way clutch 220 b engages in the clockwise direction, but slips in the counter clockwise direction. - One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the twisting
engagement clutch 100 provides for easily unspooling of linear material from thereel drum 66 without affecting the operation of the hand crankassembly 50. Accordingly, the hand crank assembly advantageously provides for the efficient spooling of linear material onto the reel drum via the movement of a lever, while also allowing the reel to be rotated so as to unspool the linear material from the reel without any effect on the hand crank assembly. - One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the hand crank
assembly 50 embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or arranged in any suitable way to result in the rotation of the reel drum in a desired direction. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 6A through 7B , the embodiments of the hand crankassembly 50 illustrated herein are configured to rotate the reel drum in a clockwise direction upon the pivoting or movement of thelever 180. However, the hand crankassembly 50 can easily be arranged or modified to result in the counterclockwise rotation of thereel drum 66. For example, the first and second one-way clutches lever 180 in the first and second lever directions results in the counterclockwise rotation of thereel shaft 68 and the resulting counterclockwise rotation of thereel drum 66. Additionally, the belts connecting the first andsecond pulley members fourth pulley members fourth pulley members second pulley members - Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Further, the various features of this invention can be used alone, or in combination with other features of this invention other than as expressly described above. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
Claims (15)
1. A reel comprising:
a reel drum onto which linear material can be spooled;
a lever pivotably secured to a portion of the reel, the lever configured to pivot in a first lever direction and in a second lever direction opposite to said first lever direction; and
a mechanism configured to convert pivoting of the lever in the first lever direction into rotation of the reel drum in a first rotational direction of the reel drum, the mechanism also configured to convert pivoting of the lever in the second lever direction into rotation of the reel drum in the first rotational direction of the reel drum.
2. A reel comprising:
a reel drum onto which linear material can be spooled;
a lever pivotably secured to a portion of the reel, the lever configured to pivot in a first lever direction and in a second lever direction opposite to said first lever direction; and
a mechanism configured to convert back and forth pivoting of the lever in the first and second lever directions into rotation of the reel drum in only one direction.
3. A system for spooling linear material, comprising:
a reel drum onto which a linear material can be spooled;
a lever movable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction; and
means for converting the movement of the lever in said first and second directions into rotation of the reel drum in a first rotational direction to spool said linear material onto the reel drum.
4. A system for spooling linear material, comprising:
a reel drum onto which a linear material can be spooled;
a lever pivotable about an axis; and
a torque transfer mechanism comprising an engagement clutch configured to engage and transfer a torque to the reel drum when operated in a first rotational direction and configured to not engage nor transfer a torque to the reel drum when operated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, the torque transfer mechanism configured to convert back and forth pivoting of the lever into rotation of the reel drum in the first rotational direction.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the torque transfer mechanism further comprises a first pulley member and a second pulley member, each of said first and second pulley members disposed on a first shaft, the first shaft movably coupled to a reel shaft extending along an axis of the reel drum via the engagement clutch, wherein the first and second pulley members are coupled to each other via a first one-way clutch configured to engage when operated in the first rotational direction.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the torque transfer mechanism further comprises a third pulley member and a fourth pulley member, each of said third and fourth pulley members disposed on a second shaft, the third pulley member operatively coupled to the first pulley member, the fourth pulley member operatively coupled to the second pulley member, the third and fourth pulley members coupled to each other via a second one-way clutch configured to engage when operated in the second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, the lever coupled to the second shaft, wherein pivoting of the lever rotates at least one of the third and fourth pulley members, which in turn rotates at least one of the first and second pulley members to transfer a torque onto the first shaft, said torque transferred to the reel shaft to rotate the reel drum.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the first and third pulley members are operatively coupled to each other via a first belt, and wherein the second and fourth pulley members are operatively coupled to each other via a second belt.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the first belt has a figure eight shape.
9. A system for spooling linear material comprising:
a reel drum onto which a linear material can be spooled, the reel drum having a reel shaft extending along an axis of the reel drum;
first and second pulley members disposed on a first shaft, the first shaft movably coupled to the reel shaft;
third and fourth pulley members disposed on a second shaft, the third pulley member operatively coupled to the first pulley member, the fourth pulley member operatively coupled to the second pulley member, the fourth pulley member coupled to the second shaft via a first one-way clutch configured to transfer torque in a first rotational direction, the third pulley member coupled to the second shaft via a second one-way clutch configured to operate in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction; and
a lever coupled to the second shaft, the lever pivotable in a first lever direction and a second lever direction opposite said first lever direction,
wherein pivoting said lever in the first and second lever directions rotates at least one of the third and fourth pulley members to rotate at least one of the first and second pulley members in order to rotate the reel drum in the first rotational direction.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the first shaft is operatively coupled to the reel shaft via an engagement clutch configured to transfer a torque from the rotation of at least one of the first and second pulley members onto the reel shaft to rotate the reel drum in the first rotational direction.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the engagement clutch comprises a driving part and a driven part, each of said parts having a plurality of angled teeth, wherein the rotation of at least one of the first and second pulley members causes the engagement clutch to engage and transfer a torque from the first shaft to the reel shaft.
12. The system of claim 9 , wherein pivoting said lever in the first lever direction rotates the second shaft in the first rotational direction, which causes the first one-way clutch to engage and rotate the fourth pulley member in the first rotational direction, which in turn rotates the first pulley member in the first rotational direction.
13. The system of claim 9 , wherein pivoting said lever in the second lever direction rotates the second shaft in the second rotational direction, which causes the second one-way clutch to engage and rotate the third pulley member in the second rotational direction, which in turn rotates the first pulley member in the first rotational direction.
14. The system of claim 9 , wherein the first pulley member is coupled to the third pulley member by a first belt in a manner such that the first and third pulley members rotate in opposite directions, and wherein the second pulley member is coupled to the fourth pulley member by a second belt in a manner such that the second and fourth pulley members rotate in the same direction.
15. A method for rotating a reel drum onto which a linear material can be spooled, comprising:
providing a lever pivotable in a first lever direction and a second lever direction opposite the first lever direction;
providing a torque transfer mechanism operatively coupled to the lever and to a reel drum;
pivoting the lever in the first lever direction to transfer a torque generated from said pivoting of the lever to the reel drum to rotate the reel drum in a first rotational direction; and
pivoting the lever in the second lever direction to transfer the torque generated from said pivoting of the lever to the reel drum to rotate the reel drum in the first rotational direction.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/962,905 US20050087645A1 (en) | 2003-10-09 | 2004-10-12 | Hand crank assembly for a reel |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US51036203P | 2003-10-09 | 2003-10-09 | |
US10/962,905 US20050087645A1 (en) | 2003-10-09 | 2004-10-12 | Hand crank assembly for a reel |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050087645A1 true US20050087645A1 (en) | 2005-04-28 |
Family
ID=34435088
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/962,905 Abandoned US20050087645A1 (en) | 2003-10-09 | 2004-10-12 | Hand crank assembly for a reel |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050087645A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1680344A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2004279872A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0415095A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2541070A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL174768A0 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA06003885A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2006114171A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005035416A1 (en) |
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US20130006211A1 (en) * | 2010-03-30 | 2013-01-03 | Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha | Connector and connector assembly |
US20160096396A1 (en) * | 2014-10-02 | 2016-04-07 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Chalk line device |
CN112027809A (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2020-12-04 | 周贯忠 | Cutting device for spinning of braking rolling and application thereof |
CN112850345A (en) * | 2021-03-03 | 2021-05-28 | 孙路路 | Remote control hosepipe winder |
US20220151198A1 (en) * | 2020-11-19 | 2022-05-19 | Datamars Sa | Electric Fence Reel |
US11873188B2 (en) | 2020-04-28 | 2024-01-16 | Great Stuff, Inc. | Reel unwinding and winding control |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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FR2952045B1 (en) * | 2009-11-05 | 2011-11-11 | Schneider Electric Ind Sas | MANUAL CONTROL WINDING DEVICE |
DE102011080084A1 (en) * | 2011-07-29 | 2013-01-31 | Kiekert Ag | Bearing device with coupling for an electric vehicle |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1680344A1 (en) | 2006-07-19 |
CA2541070A1 (en) | 2005-04-21 |
AU2004279872A1 (en) | 2005-04-21 |
RU2006114171A (en) | 2007-11-20 |
IL174768A0 (en) | 2006-08-20 |
WO2005035416A1 (en) | 2005-04-21 |
MXPA06003885A (en) | 2006-07-03 |
BRPI0415095A (en) | 2006-12-26 |
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Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GREAT STUFF, INC., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TRACEY, JAMES B.;CAAMANO, RAMON ANTHONY;HAGGERTY, LOUIS D.;REEL/FRAME:018144/0962;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060531 TO 20060808 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |