REEL FOR LINE BRAKING SYSTEM

Abstract

A reel for a brake line system includes a central metal keyed hub with a plurality of metal spokes extending from the hub to C-shaped members. The C-shaped members are, in turn, welded to first and second rims. The C-shaped members and the rims combine to form an annular channel that will support and hold rope or line for use by electrical utilities. The spokes, C-shaped members and rims are all formed from metal rod, which allows the structure to be repaired if damaged.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/744,641, filed on Apr. 11, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Line braking systems are used by utility companies to run electrical lines. The line braking system usually includes a controller supporting a reel of rope or other line. The controller is fixed to a support such as a telephone pole. The line is pulled from the controller under slight tension and is used to lead new power lines.

The reels that have typically been used in such line braking systems have been formed from cast metal. They include a central cylinder with cast annular side walls. A central hub extends to the cylinder, again with cast metal walls.

When the reels are inadvertently dropped, the side walls can crack and break. Because of their method of construction, they cannot be repaired, and must be replaced. Further, due to their design, these reels are very heavy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is premised on the realization that reels for a line braking system can be formed from rod stock utilizing a central hub with rod spokes extending from the hub to line supporting C-shaped rods in turn connected to annular rims. Because the rod is made from rod stock, the overall weight of the reel is reduced while at the same time maintaining the same or greater strength. Further, the reels of the present invention, when dropped, are less likely to break, and, if they break, can be easily repaired. Thus, the reels of the present invention are less expensive, lighter, and easier to repair.

The objects and advantages of the present invention will be further appreciated in light of the following detailed description and drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the reel of the present invention with a line braking system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reel of the present invention attached to a line braking system;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reel of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1 the present invention comprises a reel 20 which holds rope, wire or other line 22, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The reel 20 is designed to be attached to a controller 24 which generally would be attached to a telephone pole 26, or other support.

Reel 20 includes a hub 30 having a central keyed passageway 32. A series of spokes 34 extend radially outward from hub 30 to C-shaped line holders 36. C-shaped line holders 36 include first and second ends 38 and 40 which are welded to rims 42 and 44.

As shown in FIG. 3, there are a series of single spokes 46 as well as a plurality of double spokes 48 which extend from the hub 30 to the respective C-shaped members 36. By employing multiple spokes to the same C-shaped member 36, the rigidity and strength of the reel 20 is improved.

Reel 20 is formed from rod stock. Rod stock for use in the present invention would include solid and hollow rods. Preferably, these would be solid rods with a circular cross section. However, the rod can have any geometric cross section.

The spokes 46 and 48 are welded to the hub 30 and, in turn welded to the central portion 50 of the C-shaped members 36. The ends 38 and 40 of the C-shaped members are in turn welded to their respective rims 42 and 44.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, line 22 is wound between the rims 42 and 44 on the central members 50 of C-shaped members 36. The C-shaped members combined provide an annular channel for the line 22. Reel 20 includes open spaces 51 between the adjacent spokes 34, and also open spaces 53 between adjacent C-shaped members which significantly reduces the weight of the reel 20.

Reel 20 is used, as shown in FIG. 1, by placing the hub 30 onto the axle 52 of the controller 21. A pin 54 is inserted through the axle to hold the reel in position. Line 22 is fed through the arm 56 of the controller 24 for use. The controller can be any commercially available controller. One commercially available system is the Spider System sold by Sherman and Riley, Inc., of Chattanooga Tenn.

In the event that reel 20 falls and is damaged, individual rods (spokes, rims or C-shaped members) can be straightened. If these cannot be straightened, they can be cut from the reel and replaced. Thus, the present invention allows for repair of most any part of the reel. Further, due to the fact that most of the reel is open, the weight of the reel is significantly less than a cast reel.

This has been a description of the present invention along with the preferred method of practicing the present invention. However, the invention itself should only be defined by the appended claims, WHEREIN I CLAIM:

Claims

1. A reel adapted to hold line and attach to a line braking system comprising:

a hub adapted to attach to an axle of a line braking system;

a plurality of spaced metal rods extended radially from said hub;

a plurality of metal C-shaped members fixed to ends of said rods, said C-shaped members having two opposed ends, one each of said ends fixed to a first and second metal rim;

said C-shaped members combining to provide an annular channel supporting said line.

2. The reel claimed in claim 1 having two rods extended from said hub to at least one C-shaped member.

3. The reel claimed in claim 2 wherein said reel includes four pairs of rods extending from said hub radially outward to four separate of said C-shaped members.

4. The reel claimed in claim 3 further comprising a plurality of single rods extending from said hub to separate of said C-shaped members.

5. The reel claimed in claim 1 attached to a pilot line system with an axle of said pilot line system extended through said hub.