Spool

Abstract

A spool is provided for winding a coil of material. The spool includes a first flange and a second flange. A hub extends between the first flange and the second flange to define a channel around the hub upon which the coil may reside. A support structure is found along an inside of the hub and a first handle and a second handle are rotatably mounted to the support structure and each are independently rotatable relative to the other.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to the field of spools, and more particularly to driven spools for manually winding a coil of material such as winding and storing air hose.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hose reels are known and are in general of the type depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 8,403,250 or European patent number EP 1491480.

The invention provides a simple manual means of winding and storing a coil of material. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a spool for winding a coil of material. An embodiment of this aspect includes a first flange and a second flange. A hub extends between the first flange and the second flange to define the channels around the hub upon which the coil may reside. A support structure is found along an inside of the hub and a first handle and a second handle are rotatably mounted to the support structure and each are independently rotatable relative to the other.

The support structure may include a first gusset and a second gusset in spaced relation wherein the first gusset includes a first annular aperture and the second gusset includes a second annular aperture. Each aperture defines a bearing support surface.

The first handle can include a ring rotatably mounted within the annular aperture of the first gusset. The ring can further include a grip spanning an inner diameter of the ring and may be fixedly attached thereto. The outer surface of the ring comprises a bearing surface in relation to the annular aperture of the first gusset.

The second handle can include a ring rotatably mounted within the annular aperture of the second gusset. The ring can further include a grip spanning an inner diameter of the ring and may be fixedly attached thereto. The outer surface of the ring comprises a bearing surface in relation to the annular aperture of the second gusset.

The first and second handles when rotated impart driving rotation to the hub to wind the spool. The handles follow the same path about an axis of rotation of the spool.

The hub and flanges may be oval.

The first handle has a first axis of rotation. The second handle has a second axis of rotation. The spool has an axis of rotation. The first and second handle axes of rotation are parallel to the spool axis rotation.

In certain embodiments the first fixed handle spans the first flange and a second fixed handle spans the second flange. The first and second fixed handles bisect the spools axis of rotation and the first and second fixed handles are between the handles. The flanged sides can include at least one notch for receiving an end of the coil material. The flange side can have two diametrically opposed hose notches.

The support structure can include first and second apertures which define first and second circular bearing surfaces. The first and second handles are mounted for rotation of the first and second circular bearing surfaces respectively.

In certain embodiments a transport handle extends across and inside of the hub and between the first and second handles. The transport handle may be fixed and unitarily formed with the flanges.

Each of the first and second handles can include a ring, body and a grip traversing the ring body wherein each ring body engages one of the bearing surfaces.

The grips can split the ring body with first and second semi-circular aperture segments defined on opposite sides of the grip and being sized to receive a hand therethrough for grasping the grip.

The first handle and the second handle may include a handle axis of rotation. The handles when in rotation simultaneously rotate about a spool axis of rotation.

In another aspect, the invention provides a spool for winding a coil of material. An embodiment of this aspect includes a first flange and a second flange. A hub extends between the first flange and the second flange to define a channel around the hub upon which the coil may reside. A support structure is located along an inside of the hub. A first handle and a second handle are carried by the support structure on opposite sides of a spool axis. The handles when simultaneously rotated in a first direction rotate the spool about the spool axis in a first spool rotation direction. The handles when simultaneously rotated in a second direction rotate the spool about the spool axis of rotation in a second spool rotation direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite one another and the first spool rotation direction and the second spool rotation direction are opposite.

The first and second handles are rotatably mounted to the support structure and each are independently rotatable relative to the other. The hub is symmetric about the spool axis.

The support structure may comprise a first gusset and a second gusset in spaced relation. Each gusset can include an annular aperture and each annular aperture defines a bearing support surface.

The first handle may include a ring rotatably mounted within the annular aperture of the first gusset. The ring may further comprise a grip spanning an inner diameter of the ring and fixedly attached thereto. An outer surface of the ring comprises a bearing surface in relation to the annular aperture of the first gusset. The second handle may comprise a ring rotatably mounted within the annular aperture of the second gusset. The ring may further comprise a grip spanning an inner diameter of the ring and fixedly attached thereto. An outer surface of the ring comprises a bearing surface in relation to the annular aperture of the second gusset.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a spool for winding a coil of material that may include a first flange and a second flange. A hub can extend between the first flange and the second flange to define a channel around the hub upon which the coil may reside. There may be a support structure along an inside of the hub that comprises a first gusset and a second gusset. A first handle may be located within an annular aperture of the first gusset. A second handle may be within an aperture of the second gusset. Each handle is rotatable. Each annular aperture includes a center axis that is offset a center spool axis of the spool.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a spool according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another isometric view thereof;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a top view thereof illustrating the motion of the spool and handles;

FIG. 8 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 10 is a back view thereof;

FIG. 11 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 12 is a side view thereof showing the side opposite that shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view thereof.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a spool 10 with a hose 60 coiled about the hub 16. Although illustrated with a coil of hose 60 wound about the hub 16, it will be readily recognized that the invention is not limited to winding only a coil of hose 60. Rather, those skilled in the art will recognize from the disclosure herein that the various embodiments of the spool 10 can be used for different of coils of material from cord to wire to air hose or the like.

A spool 10 for winding a coil of material 60 is shown. The hub 16 extends between a first flange 12 and a second flange 14. The support structure 20 is found along the inside of the hub 16 and a first handle 22 and a second handle 24 are rotatably mounted to the support structure 20 and are each independently rotatable relative to the other 48, 50.

With reference to FIG. 2, the spool axis of rotation 26 is parallel with the first handle axis of rotation 28, which in turn is parallel with the second handle axis of rotation 30. It can be readily seen that the handles parallel axes of rotation 28, 30 permit the handles to travel about the same path 58 while the spool rotates about its axis 26.

For transport of the spool 10 a first fixed handle 52 is illustrated spanning the first flange 12. Likewise a second fixed handle 54 spans the second flange 14. Because the fixed handles 52 and 54 are merely used for convenient transport of the spool 10 it is not the intent to limit then handles construction or mounting to the spool 10 as shown here. Rather, it can be readily appreciated that the fixed handles 52, 54 may be made of plastics, wood, or even metal to name just a few materials. The spool 10 though shown with fixed handles 52, 54 may also be produced without fixed handles or may just include just one fixed handle. The handles maybe formed in molds integral with the flanges or might be later fixedly attached to the spool 10 through any number of means such as fasteners for example. Further, the fixed handles, though illustrated here with an integral and centered rectangular grip portion might include grips with rubber or wood or various ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing materials for example.

Turning now FIG. 3 an exploded assembly view of the spool 10 is shown. Two sections are illustrated that come together to form the spool. It can be readily appreciated that in certain embodiments the first flange 12, part of the hub 16 and the support structure 20 comprise one section of the spool while the second section of the spool comprises the second flange 14, part of the hub 16 and support structure 20. As shown in this embodiment the two sections are joined together to form the hub 16 and the support structure 20 there between.

FIG. 3 illustrates greater detail of the support structure 20 and the handles 22, 24. The support structure 20 includes the first gusset 32 and second gusset 34. The first gusset 32 includes a first annular aperture 36 while the second gusset 34 includes a second annular aperture 38. Each annular aperture 36, 38 includes a bearing support surface 40 for the rings 42 of the handles 22, 24. The support structure 20 is illustrated with the first and the second gusset with aperture 64 there between. However, as can be readily appreciated the support structure 20 may be for example an entire integral plate without the aperture 64 or may be constructed so as to, for example, snap into position within an annular support channel (not shown) within the hub 16.

Further illustrated in FIG. 3's assembly view are the handles 22, 24 formed in two sections 42a, 42b which hold together the two sections of the spool previously discussed which include the flanges 12, 14, hub 14, and support structure 20. The handle sections 42a, 42b are fixedly attached to one another by a fastener means 62. Screws 62 are illustrated as the fastening means but certainly other fastening means for example rivets may be used or the two handle section might be made so as to just snap together for example. In certain embodiments the two sections of the spool come together and are secured to one another via the handles 22, 24 but the two spool sections could be formed together and not as separated section or they might be as shown here in two sections and joined using any known means such as fasteners, glue, plastic weld or even snapped together to give just a few examples.

The handles 22, 24 include hand grips 44 which are used to manually impart rotational force to the handles 22, 24 which in turn rotate the entire spool 10. In one embodiment grips 22, 24 may span the inner diameter of the rings 42 but can be fixed on the ring in various configurations so as to permit the necessary rotation of the handles about their axes of rotation 28, 30.

Hose notches 56 may be located on the flanges 12, 14 as desired. Shown here is one envisioned embodiment with diametrically opposed hose notches 56 on the flanges 12, 14. Although four hose notches 56 are shown it can be readily seen that the spool 10 might be made without any hose notches 56 or may be made with number of hose notches 56 from one to four or more depending on the desired aesthetic presentation or depending functionally on the coil of material 60 to be wound upon the hub 16.

The flanges 12, 14 the hub 16 and the support structure 20 may be oval as illustrated, but might just as well be circular or of any shape provided the handles 22, 24 are rotatable relative to the hub 16 so as to permit driving rotation to be applied thereto so as to rotate the spool 10 to wind a coil of material 60. Likewise, the annular apertures 36, 38 may be annular or circular or of a shape provided they can receive the handles 22, 24 so as to permit rotational force to be applied thereto for winding the coil of material 60 in the channel 18 about the hub 16.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the spool 10. Illustrated are the handles 22, 24 with the first handle axis of rotation 28 and the second handle axis of rotation 30. Further shown is the spool axis of rotation 26.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the front view and side view, respectively, of the spool 10. Greater detail of the channel 18 of the hub 16 is shown. As illustrated the channel is of a concave “C” shape as a result of the oval spool 10 embodiment depicted. However, it can be readily appreciated the channel might take a variety of shape from rectangular to circular depending on the functional intent for use of the spool 10 or the desired aesthetic.

FIG. 7 illustrates the spool in clockwise rotation of ninety degrees. The spool 10 is gripped with a hand on each handle 22, 24. Rotational force is manually applied to each handle 22, 24 so as to rotate the handles 22, 24 in a clockwise manner. Thus, the first handle 22 turns clockwise about its first handle axis of rotation 28 while the second handle 24 turns clockwise about its second handle axis of rotation 30. Thus, the handles follow the same clockwise path of rotation 58 about the spool axis of rotation 26. In turn, the spool 10 rotates clockwise 46 to wind a coil of material 60 about the hub 16.

Likewise rotational force may be applied to each handle 22, 24 so as to rotate the handles 22, 24 in a counter-clockwise manner. Thus, the first handle 22 turns counter-clockwise about its first handle axis of rotation 28 while the second handle 24 turns counter-clockwise about its second handle axis of rotation 30. Thus, the handles follow the same counter-clockwise path of rotation about the spool axis of rotation 26. In turn, the spool 10 rotates counter-clockwise to wind a coil of material 60 about the hub 16.

The spool 10 may be may be made various materials and of such dimension and weight so as to permit an operator to lift the spool 10 with both hands, apply rotation force thereto, and coil a winding of material upon the hub for storage and transport for example.

The remaining FIGS. 8-13 further illustrate without character references the front, side, back top, side and bottom views of the spool 10.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A spool for winding a coil of material comprising:

a first flange;

a second flange;

a hub extending between the first flange and the second flange to define a channel around the hub upon which the coil may reside;

2. The spool of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a first gusset and a second gusset in spaced relation, wherein each gusset includes an annular aperture and wherein each annular aperture defines a bearing support surface.

3. The spool of claim 2 wherein the first handle comprises:

a ring rotatably mounted within the annular aperture of the first gusset;

wherein the ring further comprises a grip spanning an inner diameter of the ring and fixedly attached thereto;

wherein an outer surface of the ring comprises a bearing surface in relation to the annular aperture of the first gusset; and

wherein the second handle comprises:

a ring rotatably mounted within the annular aperture of the second gusset;

wherein the ring further comprises a grip spanning an inner diameter of the ring and fixedly attached thereto; and

wherein an outer surface of the ring comprises a bearing surface in relation to the annular aperture of the second gusset.

4. The spool of claim 1 wherein the first and second handles when rotated impart driving rotation to the hub to wind the spool and wherein the handles follow the same path about an axis of rotation of the spool.

5. The spool of claim 1, wherein the hub and flanges are oval.

6. The spool of claim 2, wherein the first handle has a first axis of rotation, the second handle has a second axis of rotation, the spool has an axis of rotation and wherein the first and second handle axis of rotation are parallel to the spool axis of rotation.

7. The spool of claim 2, wherein a first fixed handle spans the first flange and a second fixed handle spans the second flange, the fixed handles bisect the spools axis of rotation and wherein the fixed handles are between the handles.

8. The spool of claim 2, wherein the flanged sides each have an at least one notch for receiving an end of the coil of material.

9. The spool of claim 8, wherein the flanged sides each have two diametrically opposed hose notches.

10. The spool of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises first and second apertures defining first and second circular bearing surfaces, the first and second handles mounted for rotation of the first and second circular bearing surfaces, respectfully.

11. The spool of claim 10, further comprising a transport handle extending across an inside of the hub and between the first and second handles, the transport handle being fixed and unitarily formed with the flanges.

12. The spool of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second handles include a ring body and a grip traversing the ring body, each ring body engaging one of the bearing surfaces.

13. The spool of claim 12, wherein the grips split the ring body with first and second semi-circular aperture segments defined on opposite sides of the grip being sized to receive a hand therethrough for grasping the grip.

14. The spool of claim 1, wherein the first handle and the second handle each have a handle axis of rotation and wherein the handles when in rotation simultaneously rotate about a spool axis of rotation.

15. A spool for winding a coil of material comprising:

a first flange;

a second flange;

a hub extending between the first flange and the second flange to define a channel around the hub upon which the coil may reside;

a support structure along an inside of the hub;

a first handle and a second handle carried by the support structure on opposite sides of a spool axis, wherein the handles when simultaneously rotated in a first direction rotate the spool about a the spool axis in a first spool rotation direction, and wherein the handles when simultaneously rotated in a second direction rotate the spool about a spool axis of rotation in a second spool rotation direction, the first direction and the second direction being opposite and the first spool rotation direction and the second spool rotation direction being oppose.

16. The spool of claim 15, wherein the handles are rotatably mounted to the support structure and each are independently rotatable relative to the other, and wherein the hub is symmetric about the spool axis.

17. The spool of claim 15, wherein the support structure comprises a first gusset and a second gusset in spaced relation wherein each gusset includes an annular aperture and wherein each annular aperture defines a bearing support surface.

18. The spool of claim 17, wherein the first handle comprises:

a ring rotatably mounted within the annular aperture of the first gusset;

wherein the ring further comprises a grip spanning an inner diameter of the ring and fixedly attached thereto;

wherein an outer surface of the ring comprises a bearing surface in relation to the annular aperture of the first gusset; and

wherein the second handle comprises:

a ring rotatably mounted within the annular aperture of the second gusset;

wherein the ring further comprises a grip spanning an inner diameter of the ring and fixedly attached thereto; and

wherein an outer surface of the ring comprises a bearing surface in relation to the annular aperture of the second gusset.

19. A spool for winding a coil of material comprising:

a first flange;

a second flange;

a hub extending between the first flange and the second flange to define a channel around the hub upon which the coil may reside;

a support structure along an inside of the hub comprising a first gusset and a second gusset;

a first handle within an annular aperture of the first gusset and a second handle within an aperture of the second gusset, each handle is rotatable; and

wherein each annular aperture includes a center axis that is offset a center spool axis of the spool.

20. The spool of claim 19, wherein each handle when in rotation simultaneously rotate about a spool axis of rotation.

21. The spool of claim 19, wherein the gussets are in spaced relation and wherein the annular aperture of each gusset defines a bearing support surface.

22. The spool of claim 19, wherein the first handle comprises:

a ring rotatably mounted within the annular aperture of the first gusset;

wherein the ring further comprises a grip spanning an inner diameter of the ring and fixedly attached thereto;

wherein an outer surface of the ring comprises a bearing surface in relation to the annular aperture of the first gusset; and

wherein the second handle comprises:

a ring rotatably mounted within the annular aperture of the second gusset;

wherein the ring further comprises a grip spanning an inner diameter of the ring and fixedly attached thereto;

wherein an outer surface of the ring comprises a bearing surface in relation to the annular aperture of the second gusset.

23. The spool of claim 19, wherein the first and second handles when rotated impart driving rotation to the hub to wind the spool and wherein the handles follow the same path about an axis of rotation of the spool.

24. The spool of claim 19 wherein the first handle has a first axis of rotation, the second handle has a second axis of rotation, and wherein the first and second handle axis of rotation are parallel to the axis of rotation of the spool.