Line tensioner

Abstract

A line tensioner having a spool table disposed on one axial side of a takeup drum and a brake table disposed on a second axial side of the takeup drum. A torque-receiving plane is disposed on the spooling table, forming one side of receiving channel. The bottom edge of the torque-receiving plane intersects the underside of the spooling table, forming a roof or spooling guide. As the roof traverses angularly away from the receiving channel, the roof lowers in a downward direction towards the brake table. The roof forms an inclined plane screw surface about the takeup drum. Traversing angularly about half a rotation, the roof approaches the receiving channel on the opposite side of the spooling table. Continuing to traverse angularly, the roof continues in a downward direction, while a capture or locking bed is disposed on the spooling table, forming an opposite side of the receiving channel. The roof terminates, generally at its closest approach to the floor of the brake table, forming a hitching fang. The capture bed forms one side of the receiving channel, opposite the side of the receiving channel formed by the torque-receiving plane. Continuing to traverse angularly across the receiving channel, the structure of the spooling table is repeated.

Description

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional Application 11/346,099, filed Feb. 2^{nd, 2006}, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/653,195, filed Feb. 2^nd, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices applied to lines and, more specifically is directed to a device for repairing fences and other line tensioning applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lines, including wire lines used for fences or guying applications, become stretched or otherwise longer than required for adequate support or blocking. For example, a wire fence may droop between fence posts, allowing animals or trespassers easy access across the fence. In another example, a guy wire supporting a vertical structure may become slack, placing the vertical structure at risk of excessive movement. It is desirable to provide a convenient, in-field or on-the-spot solution to reduce the excessive length of a line and thereby place the line in a state providing adequate support or blocking. It is further desirable to provide a spottable marker to indicate the location of such a repair, such as to for the purpose of returning to the location to make a more permanent repair or replacement of the line.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first set of examples of the invention, there is provided a method for line tensioning comprising the steps of: receiving a first portion of a line for tensioning; applying a torque to the received line about an axis of rotation; spooling portions of the line extending from the received portion of the line about the axis of rotation; and capturing portions of the line extending from the spooled portion of the line.

In another example, the torque application step of the above-described method includes applying torque to a torque socket.

In another example, the spooling step of the above-described method includes disposing the line along an inclined plane disposed about a cylindrical surface, the inclined plane in communication with a receiving plane.

In another example, the capturing step of the above-described method includes disposing the line onto a capture bed, the capture bed disposed at the terminus of an inclined plane disposed about a cylindrical surface, thereby forming a hitching fang.

In another example, the torque application step of the above-described method includes applying torque to a torque socket. In a further example, the spooling step includes disposing the line along an inclined plane disposed about a cylindrical surface, the inclined plane in communication with a receiving plane. In a further example, the capturing step includes disposing the line onto a capture bed, the capture bed disposed at the terminus of an inclined plane disposed about a cylindrical surface, thereby forming a hitching fang.

According to a second set of examples of the invention, there is provided a system for line tensioning comprising: means for receiving a first portion of a line for tensioning; means for applying a torque to the received line about an axis of rotation; means for spooling portions of the line extending from the received portion of the line about the axis of rotation; and means for capturing portions of the line extending from the spooled portion of the line.

In another example, the receiving means of the above-described system includes: a spool table; a receiving channel disposed along a surface of the spool table; and a torque-receiving plane disposed on a portion of a first wall of the receiving channel.

In another example, the torque applying means of the above-described system includes a torque socket.

In another example, the spooling means of the above-described system includes: a takeup drum; a spool table disposed on a first axial side of the takeup drum; a brake table disposed on a second axial side of the takeup drum; and a spooling guide disposed about the takeup drum, forming an inclined plane screw surface about the takeup drum from the spool table towards the brake table.

In another example, the capture means of the above-described system includes: a hitching fang disposed at the terminus of the spooling means; and a capture bed in communication with the hitching fang.

In another example, the receiving means of the above-described system includes: a spool table; a receiving channel disposed along a surface of the spool table; and a torque receiving plane disposed on a portion of a first wall of the receiving channel. In a further example, the torque applying means includes a torque socket. In a further example, the spooling means includes: a takeup drum; a spool table disposed on a first axial side of the takeup drum; a brake table disposed on a second axial side of the takeup drum; and a spooling guide disposed about the takeup drum, forming an inclined plane screw surface about the takeup drum from the spool table towards the brake table. In a further example, the capture means includes: a hitching fang disposed at the terminus of the spooling means; and a capture bed in communication with the hitching fang.

According to a third set of examples of the invention, there is provided a line tensioner comprising: a takeup drum; a spool table disposed on a first axial side of the takeup drum; a brake table disposed on a second axial side of the takeup drum; a receiving channel having a wall disposed along a surface of the spool table; a torque receiving plane disposed on a first portion of the wall of the receiving channel; a capture bed disposed on a second portion of the first wall of the receiving channel; and a spooling guide disposed about the takeup drum, forming an inclined plane screw surface about the takeup drum from the torque receiving plane of the spool table to the capture bed.

In another example, the intersection of the capture bed with the spooling guide of the above-described line tensioner forms a hitching fang.

In another example, the above-described line tensioner further includes a torque socket disposed along an axis of rotation of the line tensioner.

In another example, the torque-receiving plane of the above-described line tensioner enters the spooling guide at the top of the outer rim of the takeup drum and the outer diameter of the torque-receiving plane is positionally higher than the top of the outer rim of the takeup drum at the receiving channel.

In another example, the bottom surface of the receiving channel at the outer rim of the takeup drum of the above-described line tensioner is lower than the intersection of the spooling guide with the outer rim of the takeup drum.

In another example, the brake table of the above-described line tensioner includes a torque socket.

In another example, the capture bed of the above-described line tensioner forms a three dimensional surface having a partial helical rotation about the major axis of the capture bed, the intersection of the capture bed with the spooling guide thereby forming a hitching fang.

In another example, the approximate top edge of the capture bed at the approximate outer rim of the spool table to the approximate bottom edge of the capture bed at the approximate outer rim of the spool table at the intersection of the spooling guide of the above-described line tensioner is at an angle between approximately fifteen degrees and approximately thirty degrees, as referenced from the axis of the line tensioner.

In another example, the approximate top edge of the torque receiving plane at the approximate outer rim of the spool table to the approximate bottom edge of the torque receiving plane at the approximate outer rim of the spool table at the intersection of the spooling guide of the above-described line tensioner is at an angle between approximately forty-five degrees to approximately sixty degrees, as referenced from the axis of the line tensioner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a 3-D perspective view of the line tensioner of the prevent invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the line tensioner of the prevent invention.

FIG. 3 is side view of the line tensioner of the prevent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Each of FIGS. 1-3 illustrates a line tensioner embodying various aspects of the present invention, though these particular embodiments are illustrated and described herein only for exemplary purposes. Moreover, variations of the line tensioner system and methods of utilizing the same will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant structural and mechanical arts upon reading the following disclosure. Thus, the present invention is not to be considered limited to only the structures, systems, and methods described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, there is provided a 3-D perspective view of line tensioner 1. Line tensioner 1 is made up of three main components: a spool table 10 is disposed on one axial side of a takeup drum 20, and a brake table 30 is disposed on a second axial side of takeup drum 20. Spool table 10 is further made up of six subcomponents: spool table 10 is separated into two pieces by a receiving channel 11 and a torque socket 12. A torque receiving plane 13, a roof or spooling guide 14, hitching fang 15, and capture or locking bed 16 are disposed on spool table 10. Line tensioner 1 may be composed of any of a wide variety of materials, such as plastics, metal, composites, or wood. Line tensioner 1 may be constructed in a single composite piece, or various components may be brought together and affixed to one another to form a unitary structure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, there is provided a top plan view of line tensioner 1. The top plan view shows the top face of spool table 10, which is generally flat and circular about a perpendicular axis. The present invention uses a means for receiving a first portion of a line for tensioning. Receiving channel 11 is formed by separating spool table 10 into two pieces through a diameter and about the perpendicular axis. The bottom face of spool table 10 contacts with the top surface of takeup drum 20. The floor of receiving channel 11 is generally formed by the top surface of takeup drum 20. The present invention uses a means for applying a torque to the received line about an axis of rotation. Many devices and methods may be employed to apply a torque. In one example, torque socket 12 interects spool table 10 and receiving channel 11 about the perpendicular axis, thus forming a receiving socket to receive a socket wrench or breakover bar. Typically, torque socket 12 is a square-shaped opening of three-quarter's of an inch per side, so as to receive a standard English-measurement socket wrench. The present invention uses a means for spooling portions of the line that is extending from the received portion of the line wound about the axis of rotation. Takeup drum 20 is generally a cylinder of diameter less than the diameter of spool table 10. The bottom surface of takeup drum 20 contacts with a top surface, or floor 31, of brake table 30. Brake table 30 is typically generally flat and circular about a perpendicular axis having a diameter greater than takeup drum 20. Brake table 30 is typically of similar size and shape as spool table 10, albeit of a singular piece construction and typically having a flat surface, floor 31, in contact with the bottom surface of takeup drum 20. The present invention uses a means for capturing portions of the line that extend from the spooled portion of the line. In the present example, a capture or locking bed 16 is disposed in on spool table 10, generally on the side of receiving channel 11 opposite torque receiving plane 13 (illustrated in FIG. 1). Capture or locking bed 16 resists unwinding of the line from the tensioner.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, there is provided a side view of line tensioner 1. A torque receiving plane 13 is disposed on spooling table 10 along a chord from approximately the central perpendicular axis or intersection with torque socket 12 to the outer perimeter of spooling table 10, forming one side of receiving channel 11. The surface of torque receiving plane 13 may be slightly angled towards the underside of spooling table 10 and represents generally the thinnest thickness of spooling table 10. The bottom edge of torque receiving plane 13 intersects the underside of spooling table 10, which forms a roof or spooling guide 14. Taking receiving channel 11 as a reference for angular rotation about the axis of line tensioner 1, as roof or spooling guide 14 traverses angularly away from receiving channel 11, the thickness of spooling table 10 increases, thereby lowering roof 14 in a downward direction towards brake table 30. Roof 14 forms an inclined plane screw surface about takeup drum 20. Traversing angularly about half a rotation, roof 14 approaches receiving channel 11 on the opposite side of spooling table 10. Spooling table 10 is generally the thickest thickness at this point and roof 14 is now approaching its closest position towards brake table 30.

Continuing to traverse angularly, roof 14 continues in a downward direction, while a capture or locking bed 16 is disposed on spooling table 10 along a chord from approximately the central perpendicular axis or intersection with torque socket 12 to the outer perimeter of spooling table 10, forming an opposite side of receiving channel 11. As the angular traversal approaches receiving channel 11 on the opposite side of spooling table 10, roof 14 terminates, generally at its closest approach to the floor 31 of brake table 30. The portion of spooling table 10 between the terminal end of roof 14 and the top surface of spooling table 10, that portion also enclosed by capture or locking bed 16, forms a hitching fang 15. Capture or locking bed 16 forms one side of receiving channel 11, opposite the side of receiving channel 11 formed by torque receiving plane 13.

Continuing to traverse angularly across receiving channel 11, the structure of spooling table 10 is repeated. A torque receiving plane 13 forms one side of receiving channel 11, opposite capture or locking bed 16 forming the opposite side of receiving channel 11. The bottom edge of torque receiving plane 13 intersects roof 14 of spool table 10. Roof 14 forms an inclined planar screw surface. Roof 14 lowers away from the top surface of spool table 10 as it angularly traverses about the axis of line tensioner 1. Roof 14 terminates at the lower edge of capture or locking bed 16, forming hitching fang 15. The upper edge of capture or locking bed 16 intersects the top surface of spool table 10, generally at an angular traversal that is less than the angular traversal of the lower edge of capture or locking bed 16, where the lower edge of capture or locking bed 16 intersects roof 14, forming hitching fang 15.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, in a preferred example of the present invention, the following structural details are noted. Torque receiving plane 13 enters roof or spooling guide 14 at the top of the outer rim of takeup drum 20. The outer diameter of torque receiving plane 13 is positionally higher than the top of the outer rim of takeup drum 20 at receiving channel 11. The bottom of receiving channel 11 at the outer rim of takeup drum 20 is lower than the intersection of roof 14 with the outer rim of takeup drum 20. The outer diameter of roof 14 is lowest at hitching fang 15. The edge of capture or locking bed 16 intersecting takeup drum 20 is retreated from capture or locking bed 16 at hitching fang 15. In this sense, the term “retreated” refers to a reverse angular direction relative to an angular point of reference about the axis of the line tensioner. Roof 14 progresses lower, towards brake table 30, as roof 14 is advanced. In this sense, the term “advanced” refers to a progressive or forward angular direction relative to an angular point of reference about the axis of the line tensioner.

In a further example of the present invention, the bottom of hitching fang 15 has a clearance from the top surface of brake table 30, the top surface of brake table 30 being floor 31. For typical line wire applications, a one-eighth inch (⅛″) clearance is sufficient.

In a further example of the present invention, torque socket 12 may traverse the axis of line tensioner 1, through spool table 10, takeup drum 20, and brake table 30 such that torque socket 12 is accessible from either the top side of spool table 10 or the bottom side of brake table 30. This allows tensioning to be performed from either face of line tensioner 1.

In a further example of the present invention, hitching fang 15 is shaped so as to provide a ribbon-twist to the surface of capture or locking bed 16. Capture bed 16, in this example, is more than a two-dimensional planar quadrangle, rather it is a three dimensional quadrangular surface exhibiting a partial helical rotation about its major axis.

In a further example of the present invention, hitching fang 15 defines an angle that is approximately fifteen to thirty degrees to the axis of line tensioner 1, as defined approximately by the top edge of capture or locking bed 16 at the outer rim of spooling table 10 to the bottom edge of capture or locking bed 16 at the outer rim of spooling table 10 at the intersection of roof 14.

In a further example of the present invention, torque receiving plane 13 defines an angle that is approximately forty-five to sixty degrees to the axis of line tensioner 1, as defined approximately by the top edge of torque receiving plane 13 at the outer rim of spooling table 10 to the bottom edge of torque receiving plane 13 at the outer rim of spooling table 10 at the intersection of roof 14.

In a further example of the present invention, it can be appreciated the line tensioner as described may be portrayed or manufactured using a mirror image about any axis of symmetry of the line tensioner.

In operation, the wire or line to be tensioned is positioned in receiving channel 11 of line tensioner 1. A wrench, breakover bar, or other means of rotating line tensioner 1 is used to rotate line tensioner 1. In typical practice, a socket wrench or breakover bar is inserted into torque socket 12 for this purpose. Line tensioner 1 is rotated about its axis in a direction causing the line that is to be tensioned to come in contact with torque receiving plane 13. As line tensioner 1 is further rotated, or advanced, the force exerted on the line pushes the line downward to roof or spooling guide 14 where the line may be received by the cylindrical surface of takeup drum 20. As line tensioner 1 is further rotated, or advanced, the line continues to be received by takeup drum 20. As the line is received, roof 14 is inclining downward away from receiving channel 11. This causes line 11 to wind downward on takeup drum 20. Brake table 30 prevents the line from slipping off takeup drum 20. As line tensioner 1 is further rotated, or advanced, the line is nearing the end of roof 14, near the location of hitching fang 15. Approximately half a rotation has now occurred. The line is now at its lowest point on takeup drum 20, as it is continually guided downward by roof 14. As line tensioner 1 is further rotated, or advanced, the line now enters the opposite side of receiving channel 11. The resistance of roof 14 is no longer present, allowing the line to skirt-up onto capture or locking bed 16, which is disposed on spool table 10. Locking bed 16 and hitching fang 15 prevent the line from retreating and unwinding from line tensioner 1. The line is now captured on approximately half a turn of takeup drum 20.

Line tensioner 1 may be further rotated, causing the line to once again come in contact with torque receiving plane 13. As line tensioner 1 is further rotated, or advanced, the force pushes the line downward to roof or spooling guide 14 where the line is once again received by the cylindrical surface of takeup drum 20. As line tensioner 1 is further rotated, or advanced, the line again crosses hitching fang 15 and is captured by locking bed 16. The line is further tensioned by being captured on approximately another half a turn of takeup drum 20.

It may be appreciated that various examples of the line tensioner of the present invention may offer various levels of applicability or features. For example, the present invention may be used to make the presence of a line more noticeable by attaching to the line. In another example, the present invention may be used as a cut-line marker, where a line tensioner is placed on a line for future reference to a location on the line where the line is to be cut. One feature that may be appreciated is that a line tensioner of the present invention may be fairly easy released by twisting and applying a reverse torque. A properly sized model of a line tensioner of the present invention may be used in tensioning barge ropes. In another example, a specially calibrated torque wrench may be employed, and a line tensioner of the present invention used to place a line under a measured amount of tension.

Thus, the foregoing description is presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings and the teaching of the relevant art are within the spirit of the invention. Such variations will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the relevant structural or mechanical art. Further, the embodiments described are also intended to explain the best mode for practicing the invention, and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and such or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent that is permitted by prior art.

Claims

1. A method for line tensioning comprising the steps of:

receiving a first portion of a line for tensioning;

applying a torque to said received line about an axis of rotation;

spooling portions of said line extending from said received portion of said line about said axis of rotation; and

capturing portions of said line extending from said spooled portion of said line.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said torque application step comprises applying torque to a torque socket.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said spooling step comprises disposing the line along an inclined plane disposed about a cylindrical surface, said inclined plane in communication with a receiving plane.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said capturing step comprises disposing the line onto a capture bed, said capture bed disposed at the terminus of an inclined plane disposed about a cylindrical surface, thereby forming a hitching fang.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein:

said torque application step comprises applying torque to a torque socket;

said spooling step comprises disposing the line along an inclined plane disposed about a cylindrical surface, said inclined plane in communication with a receiving plane; and

said capturing step comprises disposing the line onto a capture bed, said capture bed disposed at the terminus of an inclined plane disposed about a cylindrical surface, thereby forming a hitching fang.

6. A system for line tensioning comprising:

means for receiving a first portion of a line for tensioning;

means for applying a torque to said received line about an axis of rotation;

means for spooling portions of said line extending from said received portion of said line about said axis of rotation; and

means for capturing portions of said line extending from said spooled portion of said line.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said receiving means comprises:

a spool table;

a receiving channel disposed along a surface of said spool table; and

a torque receiving plane disposed on a portion of a first wall of said receiving channel.

8. The system of claim 6 wherein said torque applying means comprises a torque socket.

9. The system of claim 6 wherein said spooling means comprises:

a takeup drum;

a spool table disposed on a first axial side of said takeup drum;

a brake table disposed on a second axial side of said takeup drum; and

a spooling guide disposed about said takeup drum, forming an inclined plane screw surface about said takeup drum from said spool table towards said brake table.

10. The system of claim 6 wherein said capture means comprises:

a hitching fang disposed at the terminus of said spooling means; and

a capture bed in communication with said hitching fang.

11. The system of claim 6 wherein:

said receiving means comprises: a spool table; a receiving channel disposed along a surface of said spool table; and a torque receiving plane disposed on a portion of a first wall of said receiving channel;

said torque applying means comprises a torque socket;

said spooling means comprises: a takeup drum; a spool table disposed on a first axial side of said takeup drum; a brake table disposed on a second axial side of said takeup drum; and a spooling guide disposed about said takeup drum, forming an inclined plane screw surface about said takeup drum from said spool table towards said brake table; and

said capture means comprises: a hitching fang disposed at the terminus of said spooling means; and a capture bed in communication with said hitching fang.

12. A line tensioner comprising:

a takeup drum;

a spool table disposed on a first axial side of said takeup drum;

a brake table disposed on a second axial side of said takeup drum;

a receiving channel having a wall disposed along a surface of said spool table;

a torque receiving plane disposed on a first portion of said wall of said receiving channel;

a capture bed disposed on a second portion of said first wall of said receiving channel; and

a spooling guide disposed about said takeup drum, forming an inclined plane screw surface about said takeup drum from said torque receiving plane of said spool table to said capture bed.

13. The line tensioner of claim 12 wherein the intersection of said capture bed with said spooling guide forms a hitching fang.

14. The line tensioner of claim 12 further comprising a torque socket disposed along an axis of rotation of the line tensioner.

15. The line tensioner of claim 12 wherein:

said torque receiving plane enters said spooling guide at the top of the outer rim of said takeup drum; and

the outer diameter of said torque receiving plane is positionally higher than the top of the outer rim of said takeup drum at said receiving channel.

16. The line tensioner of claim 12 wherein the bottom surface of said receiving channel at the outer rim of said takeup drum is lower than the intersection of said spooling guide with the outer rim of said takeup drum.

17. The line tensioner of claim 12 wherein said brake table further comprises a torque socket.

18. The line tensioner of claim 12 wherein said capture bed forms a three dimensional surface having a partial helical rotation about the major axis of said capture bed, the intersection of said capture bed with said spooling guide thereby forming a hitching fang.

19. The line tensioner of claim 12 wherein the approximate top edge of said capture bed at the approximate outer rim of said spool table to the approximate bottom edge of said capture bed at the approximate outer rim of said spool table at the intersection of said spooling guide is at an angle between approximately fifteen degrees and approximately thirty degrees as referenced from the axis of the line tensioner.

20. The line tensioner of claim 12 wherein the approximate top edge of said torque receiving plane at the approximate outer rim of said spool table to the approximate bottom edge of said torque receiving plane at the approximate outer rim of said spool table at the intersection of said spooling guide is at an angle between approximately forty-five degrees to approximately sixty degrees as referenced from the axis of the line tensioner.