AU2018102224A4

AU2018102224A4 - Line retrieval device

Info

Publication number: AU2018102224A4
Application number: AU2018102224A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brent Lionel Mackedie; Clint Raymond Mackedie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-09-11
Filing date: 2018-09-11
Publication date: 2021-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-11
Also published as: AU2018229411A2; AU2018229411A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a line retrieval device, for retrieval of line onto a spool. The line retrieval device includes a housing, a spool holder, associated with the housing, and spool engagement means. Also included are a power source associated with the housing, an activation means associated with the housing, and a rotation device, associated with the spool holder, powered by the power source on activation by the activation means. Activation of the activation means, can rotate the spool of line when held on the spool holder and engaged by the spool engagement means, to wind the line onto the spool, until the line is substantially fully wound, and the housing is designed to be comfortably held in the hand. The invention also relates to variants thereof and a method of use. 1/5 122 1610 18 20 14 14 12 28 FIGURE 1 10 16 136 20 32 FIGURE 2

Description

1/5

122 1610

18

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28 FIGURE 1 10 16

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FIGURE 2

PATENTS ACT 1990 Section 29

Standard Patent

Applicants: Clint Raymond Mackedie Address: 193 Picnic Crossing Road North Atherton Queensland 4883 Australia AND

Brent Lionel Mackedie Address: 193 Picnic Crossing Road North Atherton Queensland 4883 Australia

Inventors: Clint Raymond Mackedie AND Brent Lionel Mackedie

Priority claimed: Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2017903681 filed 11 September 2017

Title of Invention: LINE RETRIEVAL DEVICE

The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification:

The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us:

LINE RETRIEVAL DEVICE

[0001] The present invention relates to a line retrieval device, and in particular to a line retrieval device for use to retrieve bricklayer's or builder's line.

[0002] A standard piece of equipment in construction, large or small, is a spool of line. The line is used by bricklayers to set the straight-guide by which the straight row of bricks are laid. Long lengths of line may be run out to keep to lines and boundaries on a constructions site or to ensure walls and structures are formed on the correct line. Generally the line is simply wound by hand from the spool as provided on purchase, orwrapped around a piece of wood or plastic in other cases. Use of a length of string or line in construction in this way, such as simply a piece of string wrapped around a piece of wood has been used in construction since the time of the pyramids, and little has changed past the materials being modern plastics.

[0003] In other uses, line may be used to mark out any straight line, such as when marking out fence lines, boundaries or construction lines. In each of these examples, often long lengths of line are laid out during work, and at the end these long lines must be wound back on to the spool. As a repeated daily chore this job takes time and must be performed carefully to ensure that the line is wound properly onto the spool, ready for use, without kinks or tangles. If the line is wound too quickly or without care it may need to be unwound and wound up again properly before putting away.

[0004] Further, the laborious task of winding requires careful manual dexterity and on long repeated action, the winding can be tiring and wearing on the hands and fingers. Often the job must be repeated many times, for many lines and so takes considerable time and effort. It is easy to tangle the line when hurrying to get the job done, which can damage the line or just make it inconvenient for the next person to unwind and use.

[0005] Therefore, there has long been a desire in the industry to find a solution to the problem, to not only save time by quickly winding up the line efficiently but without tangling, but also to do so in a device that can be comfortably held in the hand, and easily carried as a useful tool.

[0006] The inventors, have themselves long desired to solve these difficult problems. After long research and development the inventors have created a line retrieval device that quickly and easily retrieves the line and in a manner that is comfortable to hold in the hand, and can be easily used and carried about the work site. The invention is a significant advance over a simple spool, and a clever device, well-conceived. The inventive tool provides a convenient and useful addition to the tools of every tradesperson, which can be carried in a tool box or on a belt clip to be ready for use, at any time.

[0007] The present invention solves a problem that has existed in the industry for many, many years, with no solution found, despite it being discussed and ideas thought about. The inventors have now developed a solution, and beyond that, in a highly developed, ergonomic end product, ready to be used by people in the industry.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0008] The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to bricklayer or builder's line, and retrieval thereof. Bricklayers and builders often lay out long lengths of this line and so is a very useful application of the invention. However, other than as limited in the claims, it is not intended for the invention to be limited to use for bricklayer's or builder's line and spools thereof.

[0009] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a line retrieval device that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further and separate object of the invention to provide a method of use of a line retrieval device that at least ameliorates one or more problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention provides a line retrieval device for retrieval of line onto a spool, the line retrieval device including: a housing; a spool holder, associated with the housing, the spool holder including spool engagement means; a power source associated with the housing; an activation means associated with the housing; a rotation device, associated with the spool holder, powered by the power source on activation by the activation means,

wherein, activation of the activation means, can rotate the spool of line when held on the spool holder and engaged by the spool engagement means, to wind the line onto the spool, until the line is substantially fully wound, and the housing is designed to be comfortably held in the hand.

[0012] The line may be any suitable line. The line may be plastic line. The line may be builder's line. The line may be bricklayer's line. The line may be "string"line or similar. The line may be string or other material in other applications of the invention. The line may be line used in construction. The line may be susceptible to tangling. The line may be a very long length of line.

[0013] The spool may be any spool for holding line. Preferably, the spool is a spool of bricklayer's or builder's line. Preferably, the spool is of the form similar to a shallow cotton reel, as a convenient receptacle for storing line. Generally, the spool is circular in cross-section with a standard sized aperture or hole. Preferably, the aperture or hole itself is somewhat cylindrical having a cylindrical wall. It is into this aperture that the spool holder and spool engagement means are used to hold the spool on the apparatus for use. Preferably, the spool has a hole with a cylindrical wall and the spool holder fits within the hole, whereby the spool engagement means can hold the spool in place. Preferably, the spool engagement means engage with the sides of the hole in the spool to hold the spool in place. Preferably, the spool engagement means engage with the sides of the hole, the cylindrical wall, in the spool to hold the spool in place. The spool holder and engagement means may be replaced by any means of holding the spool of line on the apparatus. The example is a useful one for the standard forms of spools of line and it is envisaged that the apparatus will be designed to be easily used and replaced with spools of line without the need for explanation.

[0014] Preferably, the line retrieval device may be used by tradespeople in their day to day work. The line retrieval device may be used in the building or construction industry. The line retrieval device may be used in agriculture or farming.

[0015] Preferably, the housing is ergonomically designed to be held comfortably in the hand. Most preferably, the housing provides a compact housing for the components of the device and can be held very comfortably in the hand during use. Preferably, the housing includes shaped sides for holding in the hand, to assist grip and comfortable use. Most preferably, the housing includes a head part which fits readily in the palm of the hand for ease of holding. The small, convenient size of the housing may makes the use of the device particularly useful and comfortable. Even repeated use to wind more than one line may be completed without wear to the hand, or undue effort. The housing may be particular curved, sized and shaped to fit into the palm of the hand conveniently.

[0016] Most preferably, the housing includes a head part and a skirt. Preferably, the head part is adapted to be held in the hand and the skirt part is adapted to receive the spool thereon. The skirt part may include or be the spool holder. Preferably, the housing may be held by the head part and this enables the line to be wound quickly and safely onto the spool held on the spool holder, separated from the position of the fingers by the skirt part of the housing. Preferably, the housing includes a head portion, waisted portion and skirt portion and the user can hold the head portion comfortably in the hand, during use.

[0017] In other forms of the invention the housing may not be so ergonomically designed but instead may be simply designed to house the components. The ergonomic design of the housing may be omitted on inferior versions of the design. In yet other forms of the invention the housing may be incorporated into something else or form part of another hand held, tool for example.

[0018] The housing is preferably made of a suitable plastics material. Preferably, the housing includes a closure. Preferably, the closure is a door by which the inside of the device can be accessed. Preferably, the closure enables access to the insides such as to replace the power source, or batteries or other components. The closure may be a battery cover of a known form. Preferably, the housing is ergonomic to be held easily in the hand.

[0019] A belt clip may be included. Any suitable clip or attachment may be included so that the device may be carried hands free. Preferably, the belt clip includes a spring or bias portion to bias the device against a belt or similar. The belt clip may be a metal or plastic spring which may be pushed onto the belt of the wearer to suspend the device so it may be carried with the belt. The belt clip may be of a known form. The belt clip may be replaced by any suitable lock or clip mechanism whereby the device may be "worn" by the user. The device may also be readily carried in the pocket as it is small and smooth. The compact device may also be carried in a bag, or tool box with no difficulty and as it is compact it is resistant to damage.

[0020] The spool holder may take any suitable form. Preferably, the spool holder forms part of the housing. There may be more than one spool holder to hold the spool, eg it may be formed in parts. Preferably, there is a single spool holder formed from the housing for receipt of a single spool of line.

[0021] The spool holder may include a post on to which the spool is pushed to fit and engage and the spool rotates with the post on operation of the rotation device. Preferably, the post is adapted to have a suitable size to fit within the hole of a spool, to fit within the cylindrical wall. Preferably, the post is circular in cross section. It is envisaged that other forms of spool, other than the standard could be used and the device adapted to suit these other forms of spool. When used with standard spools the aperture is a standard size and may be pushed onto the post for a snug fit. There may be a push fit for the post and the aperture of the spool, as described further below.

[0022] The spool holder may include a spool recess. The spool recess may be adapted to comfortably receive the spool. Preferably, the spool recess surrounds the spool engagement means on which the spool of line is fitted. The spool recess may be part of the skirt of the housing. Preferably, the spool recess is adapted to facilitate the rotation of the spool. Preferably, the facilitation is for rotation in either direction, in some forms of the invention. The spool recess may include a flat smooth surface on which the spool smoothly rotates. Preferably, the surface of the spool recess is low friction. The spool recess may be a shallow recess, with an edge into which a spool comfortably sits to assist to maintain the spool in position during use.

[0023] Ideally, once the spool is engaged with the spool engagement means, it sits within the spool recess so that it is further held in place. The spool engagement means may include the spool recess or it may be a separate part. Most preferably, once the spool is engaged with the spool engagement means it sits in the spool recess to freely rotate. The spool engagement means preferably includes a post and it is on this post that the spool rotates within the recess. The spool recess is the base of the housing and it here that the line rotates onto the spool. The fingers of the person are held behind the housing and so are protected allowing the line to be wound quickly, and safely. The line may be some extent be restrained or contained by the configuration of the spool recess.

[0024] The spool engagement means may take any suitable form. Preferably, the spool engagement means include one or more prong. There may be any suitable number of prongs extending from a central post. It is through use of the spool engagement means that the spool of line is held on the device for rotation. Preferably, the spool engagement means include a plurality of prongs which are movable between a first state and second state. Preferably, the prongs in the first state are extended out. Preferably, the prongs in the second state are pushed in. Most preferably, as the spool is pushed onto the spool holder the prongs of the spool engagement means are pushed in, and then push out against the sides of the hole of the spool which holds the spool in an engaged state on the spool holder. The prongs may also be springs, or any resilient material that bias against the sides of the spool to firmly hold the spool in place but that may be readily removed or replaced. The spool may be held in place in this way during use. The spool may be removed by a firm pull away from the spool holder to disengage the spool engagement means, which then move back to the first state. Preferably, the user will hold the housing conveniently in one hand and push the spool onto the spool holder and spool engagement means whereby the spool is held on the device and will be rotated so that line will wind on, on activation of the rotation means.

[0025] Preferably, a spool locator is included to conveniently align the spool. The spool locator may take any suitable form. There may be a spool locator, to indicate the preferential location point for installation of the spool. There may be a spool stopper to prevent winding or unwinding of the line beyond a certain point. The spool stopper may be in the form of projection. Other forms of catch, control or projections may also be used to assist with the alignment and winding of the line on to the spool.

[0026] The power source may take any suitable form. Preferably, the power source is a battery. Preferably the battery is a 9 volt battery. There may be more than one battery. Any suitable type of battery may be used. Preferably, the power source provides power which when activated by the activation device operates the rotation device to wind the line on to the spool.

[0027] The power source may be omitted in other forms of the invention. For example, the power source could be or be replaced by a clockwork or wind up mechanism. The power source may include a solar powered battery system. The power source may include a rechargeable battery system. Any suitable form of power to cause rotation on activation may be used. Preferably, light, low voltage batteries are used. Preferably, the device may be used for a very long time without the need to replace the batteries.

[0028] The activation means may take any suitable form. There may be more than one activation means. Preferably, the activation means is an on/off button which on activation causes a circuit to be formed with the power source and the rotation device whereby rotation occurs. On deactivation the reverse occurs to break the circuit with the power source and cease the rotation. There may be further circuitry included and other switching as would be understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0029] The activation device may be chosen from the following group: button; lever; switch; touch screen; or a combination thereof. There may be any suitable number of activations devices of combinations thereof. Preferably, the activation device is accessible by the hand of the person at a convenient position on the housing. The activation device may be a 1 amp push button switch to activate the rotation device.

[0030] Most preferably, the ergonomic design means that the activation device is positioned conveniently to be used while holding the housing. Preferably, the housing includes a head and a waisted portion and the activation may be caused through pressing a button on the head at the natural position of the fingers. Other positions may be used instead. Where the button is situated at the head of the housing the rotation may be caused and spool wound without risk of contact with the spinning spool as the fingers are behind the skirt or base of the housing for protection.

[0031] The rotation device may be any suitable rotation device. The rotation device may be a 6 volt motor with a gearbox attached. Preferably, the rotation device is contained within the housing. Preferably, the rotation device is connected to the spool holder. Preferably, the rotation device may rotate in a single direction. The rotation device may rotate in more than one direction. Preferably, the spool holder holds the spool and the rotation device rotates the held spool to wind up the line. Preferably, the rotation device includes a motor or gearbox to rotate. The rotation device may be a small simple rotation device. In other forms of the invention the rotation device may be more sophisticated.

[0032] Preferably, the association with the spool holder is that the spool holder holds the spool and rotates when driven by the rotation device.

[0033] The association may be any suitable association so that the spool is suitably held and rotated, separate from the held housing.

[0034] The invention also provides a method of winding a spool of line on a line retrieval device, the line retrieval device including a housing, spool holder with spool engagement means, power source, activation means and rotation device, the method including the following steps: a) putting the spool on the spool holder by use of the hole of the spool; b) engaging the spool engagement means with the sides of the hole of the spool so the spool is firmly held; c) activating the rotation means by use of the activation means; d) rotating the spool due to the activation means causing power from the power source to cause rotation of the rotation means, so that line is wound on to the spool; and e) continuing rotation until substantially all the line is wound onto the spool.

[0035] The device of the method may be the device of the invention in any of its forms or variants. The rotation may be quick rotation for quick winding of the line onto the spool. Preferably, the ergonomic design of the device enables the line to be wound quickly and efficiently, without contact with the line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of a line winder according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the spool of line omitted for ease of illustration;

[0038] Figure 2 is a view from above of the line winder of Figure 1;

[0039] Figure 3 is a front view of the line winder of Figures 1 and 2;

[0040] Figure 4 is a side view of the line winder of Figure 1 to 3;

[0041] Figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the inside of the line winder of Figures 1 to 4;

[0042] Figure 6 is a detailed view of the spool holder, in the base of the housing of the invention of Figures 1 to 5;

[0043] Figure 7 is a detailed front perspective view of the spool engagement and spool holder of Figure 6;

[0044] Figure 8 is a detailed view from below of the spool holder of the invention of Figures 6 and 7;

[0045] Figure 9 is perspective view of the battery cover of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8; and

[0046] Figure 10 is a side view of the battery cover of Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS INCLUDING A BEST METHOD

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 to 10, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where line winder 1 has body 10 housing the components. The body or housing has been designed with great care for this useful invention and adds to the invention due to the ergonomic design and careful positioning of the controls, for example. Spool holder 12 would hold a standard spool of line, fitted with a push fit onto spool holder 12, however the spool and line is omitted throughout for ease of illustration. The spool is a standard spool of line used frequently by builders and bricklayers, for example.

[0048] Prongs 14 can be seen on spool holder 12 and it is through use of these that the spool is held upon the device. Spool holder 12 is important as this includes both a "post" on which the spool of line is held but also a recess, the base of body in which the spool of thread smoothly turns, more on this below. It is through use of prongs 14 that by a push fit the spool is replaced onto spool holder 12 ready to be rotated and the line retrieved. Once the line is wound on the spool may be replaced with a further spool to be filled. Prongs 14 are bias outwards by a spring mechanism, easily overcome by a gentle push. Once in place the spring pushes back so the prongs press against the sides of the spool and holding firm.

[0049] Body 10, as can be seen is carefully shaped to be particularly comfortable and useful to use. Body 10 can be seen to include head 16, which fits comfortably in the palm of the hand. The size, curve and shaping have been particularly designed in this regard. Body 10 can be seen to include waist 18 which enables body 10 to be readily held in the hand further as it allows the head to be gripped and the hands grip the waisted part. Skirt 20 is shaped to receive the spool on the spool holder and protect the hand of the person in use, with base 21 (refer Figure 6, the underside to skirt 20). The ergonomic design is important as the line can, through use of the invention be wound very quickly, efficiently but in a comfortable manner. Due the careful ergonomic design which feels good in the hand, it is no problem if more lines need to be wound up, several can be wound up quickly, one after the other.

[0050] Each part of body 10 has been very carefully designed to enable safe and comfortable use by a person. The design enables a very compact tool to be used and easily carried. The small size and compact design makes it light and can be fitted to a belt and carried everywhere, ready for use.

[0051] To this end clip 22 is included, so that the apparatus can be clipped to an item or clothing and readily carried. Clip 22 as shown is a belt clip with a bias part that enables the quick and easy storage and transportation of the winder for when not in use. Then at the end of the day when line is to be wound up, the device is safe to handle, it does not need to be hunted for in a tool box or vehicle. Instead the winder can be taken from the belt, used and then replaced ready for use again the next day. If it is not desired to wear the winder the winder is a compact shape that also can fit easily in a shirt or trouser pocket, in a glove box or compartment of a tool box.

[0052] Referring in particular to Figure 5 the internal workings can be seen including post 24 which drives the rotation of the spool when held on spool holder 12, engaged with prongs 14 of winder 1. Motor 26 and gearbox 27 form the rotation device that is powered by the battery (not shown) that would fit in the battery cavity (not labelled) in the usual manner.

[0053] Operation of the rotation by motor 26 and gearbox 27 is by use of switch 28, in the form of an on off button 28. On operation or activation of the circuit through use of the on/off button rotation is elicited of the held spool on the post, which rotates and winds up the line.

[0054] Holes 30 are for receipt of screws (not shown) for keeping the two parts of the body together in the usual manner. Usual fixings are used to keep the housing secure after assembly.

[0055] Battery cover 32 has prongs 34 and a clip opening 36 in the usual manner.

[0056] Spool stopper 38 is included on spool holder 12 with spool locator 40 and spool recess 42. As mentioned above, spool recess 42 is important as it is a smooth circular recess with an edge, within which the spool smoothly rotates. The configuration is adapted to suit the application of a standard sized spool. Various sizes may be accommodated through the use of different apparatus. Spool stopper 38 assists to prevent overwinding.

[0057] In use, a spool of thread is pushed over prongs 14 whereby these are depressed inside the device. These prongs 14 then push out against the sides of the spool hole, and hold the spool sufficiently in place to be maintained on winder 1 while rotation takes place, within recess 42. The battery (not shown) has already been put in place through opening battery cover 32 accessing using clip 36. After the battery has been pushed into place in the recess (not labelled) battery cover 32 can be pushed back in place with prongs 34 in their corresponding recesses.

[0058] Referring in particular to Figure 6, spool recess 42 below base 20 of winder 1 is important as it is especially designed to enable smooth winding in of the line, under power. Use of a simple, flat surface or post would not work the same as the inventors have carefully designed multiple aspects that allow the line to wind smoothly, without catching or tangling. Spool recess 42 surrounds the post of spool holder 12 generally, with spool stopper 38 and spool locator 40 as can be seen surrounded by spool recess 42. The spool is simply pushed onto spool holder 12 to engage with prongs 14. Prongs 14 being biased out so that on gentle pressure the spool may be pressed onto spool holder 12 and then the bias prongs press against the inner surface of the hole of the spool to maintain the spool on spool holder 12. To remove a gentle tug will override the bias pressing of prongs 14.

[0059] On activation of switch 28 power is now supplied to motor 26 and gearbox 27 so that rotation of post 24 causes rotation of the post of spool holder 12. In this way the spool rotates and line is wound neatly onto the spool, smoothly and efficiently and without tangling.

[0060] The uniform and quick action of the motor speedily performs the winding while the person holds the winder comfortably in their hand. The task takes seconds rather than many minutes and so saves significant time on the work site. Once complete the spool can easily be pulled from the spool holder and put away. The process can quickly be repeated for a number of string lines until they are all wound up and storable.

[0061] Overall the inventors have developed a very clever device, which has multiple applications in a number of industries.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0062] The line retrieval device of the invention may be manufactured industrially and supplied to wholesalers, retailers or direct to the end user.

[0063] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

1 Winder Body 12 Spool holder 14 Prongs 16 Head of 10 18 Waist of 10 Skirt of 10 21 Base of 10 22 Clip 24 Post 26 Motor 27 Gearbox 28 Switch Holes 32 Cover 34 Prongs of32 36 Clip of 32 38 Spool stopper Spool locator 42 Spool recess

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A line retrieval device for retrieval of line onto a spool, the line retrieval device including: a housing; a spool holder, associated with the housing, the spool holder including spool engagement means; a power source associated with the housing; an activation means associated with the housing; a rotation device, associated with the spool holder, powered by the power source on activation by the activation means,

2. The line retrieval device according of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a head part and a skirt where the head part is adapted to be held in the hand and the skirt part is adapted to receive the spool thereon.

3. The line retrieval device according of claim 1 or 2, wherein the spool engagement means includes a plurality of prongs and each prong extends from a central post and the plurality of prongs which are movable between a first state and second state where the prongs in the first state are extended out and the prongs in the second state are pushed in and as the spool is pushed onto the spool holder the prongs of the spool engagement means are pushed in, and then push out against the sides of the hole of the spool which holds the spool in an engaged state on the spool holder.

4. The line retrieval device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a power source is included to provide power which when activated by the activation means operates the rotation device to wind the line on to the spool.

5. A method of winding a spool of line on a line retrieval device, the line retrieval device including a housing, spool holder with spool engagement means, power source, activation means and rotation device, the method including the following steps: a) putting the spool on the spool holder by use of the hole of the spool; b) engaging the spool engagement means with the sides of the hole of the spool so the spool is firmly held; c) activating the rotation means by use of the activation means; d) rotating the spool due to the activation means causing power from the power source to cause rotation of the rotation means, so that line is wound on to the spool; and e) continuing rotation until substantially all the line is wound onto the spool.