CA2810497A1

CA2810497A1 - Automatic coiling machine and combination hauling and coiling machine

Info

Publication number: CA2810497A1
Application number: CA 2810497
Authority: CA
Inventors: Thomas T Zaruba
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-25
Filing date: 2013-03-25
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-25
Also published as: CA2810497C

Abstract

There is provided an automatic coiling machine for coiling an elongate flexible member.
The machine includes a pair of rollers each having a first and second annular edge. The first annular edges of the rollers are positioned adjacent to each other. The second annular edges of the rollers are spaced-apart from each other. A hydraulic actuator is configured to rotate one of the rollers. The actuator has an inlet. The elongate flexible member passes between the edges of the rollers and thereby coils below the rollers. A bypass valve connects to the inlet of the actuator. The valve inhibits hydraulic fluid from reaching the hydraulic actuator when the fluid within the valve exceeds a threshold pressure, inhibiting rotation of said one of the rollers and coiling of the elongate flexible member.

Description

Agent's Ref. 6811P01CA
AUTOMATIC COILING MACHINE AND
COMBINATION HAULING AND COILING MACHINE
Field of the Invention [0001] There is provided a coiling machine. In particular, there is provided an improved, automatic coiling machine and combination hauling and coiling machine.
Description of the Related Art [0002] United States Patent No. 7,690,544 to Zaruba provides an automatic coiling machine for automatically coiling an elongated flexible element, such as a fishing line.
The automatic coiling machine includes a housing adapted for mounting to a support surface, such as a wall of a boat. The housing includes at least one sidewall.
A drive roller is rotatably mounted to the sidewall by a drive shaft. A drive system, such as a motor, is mounted to the sidewall for selectively and controllably driving rotation of the drive shaft and, thus, the drive roller. An idler roller is rotatably mounted to the sidewall adjacent the drive roller and contacting the drive roller so that rotation of the drive roller drives rotation of the idler roller. The sidewall is angled so that an axis of rotation of the drive roller is angled with respect to the axis of rotation of the idler roller.

[0003] While the above described device functions adequately, there is nonetheless a need for an improved automatic coiling machine.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] There is provided accordingly provided an improved coiling machine, and combination hauling and coiling machine, disclosed herein.

100051 According to one aspect, there is provided an automatic coiling machine for coiling an elongate flexible member. The machine includes a pair of rollers each having a first and second annular edge. The first annular edges of the rollers are positioned adjacent to each other. The second annular edges of the rollers are spaced-apart from each other. A hydraulic actuator is configured to rotate one of the rollers. The actuator has an inlet. The elongate flexible member passes between the edges of the rollers and thereby coils below the rollers. A bypass valve connects to the inlet of the actuator.
The valve inhibits hydraulic fluid from reaching the hydraulic actuator when the fluid within the valve exceeds a threshold pressure, inhibiting rotation of said one of the rollers and coiling of the elongate flexible member.
[0006] According to a further aspect, there is provided an automatic coiling machine for coiling an elongate flexible member. The machine includes a mounting unit having a first mounting member, a second mounting member angled from the first mounting member, and a bend between the mounting members. The machine includes a pair of rollers between which the elongate flexible member may be pulled. The rollers are adjacent to each other and angled relative to each other. A first one of the rollers mounts to the first mounting member. A second one of the rollers mounts to the second mounting member. The machine includes a pulley spaced-apart above the rollers and around which the elongate flexible member passes. The pulley mounts to one of the mounting members and is adjacent to the bend.
[0007] According to another aspect, there is provided a combination hauling and automatic coiling machine for hauling and coiling an elongate flexible member.
The combination includes a pair of rollers each having a first annular edge and a second annular edge. The first annular edges of the rollers are positioned adjacent to each other and the second annular edges of the rollers are spaced-apart from each other.
One of the rollers is powered to selectively rotate for passing the elongate flexible member between the edges of the rollers. This thus causes the elongate flexible member to coil below the rollers. The combination includes a sheeve positioned adjacent to the rollers.
The sheeve is positioned adjacent to the rollers. The elongate flexible member may be wrapped around the sheeve for hauling in the elongate flexible member. The sheeve facilitates passage of the elongate flexible member through the rollers and the rollers provide tension to the elongate flexible member about the sheeve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
100081 The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an automatic coiling machine according to one aspect;
Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the coiling machine of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the coiling machine of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the coiling machine of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a schematic view of a hydraulic circuit for the coiling machine of Figure 1, the circuit having an adjustable pressure relief valve shown in a non-actuated position;
Figure 6 is a schematic view of a hydraulic circuit for the coiling machine of Figure 1, the adjustable pressure relief valve being shown in an actuated position;
Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a combination hauling and coiling machine according to a further aspect;
Figure 8 is front elevation view of the combination hauling and coiling machine of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the combination hauling and coiling machine of Figure 7;
Figure 10 is a top plan view of a combination hauling and coiling machine according to another aspect;
Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the combination hauling and coiling machine of Figure 10; and Figure 12 is a schematic view of the combination hauling and coiling machine of Figure 10, the circuit having an adjustable pressure relief valve shown in a non-actuated position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
100091 Referring to the drawings and first to Figure 1, there is shown an automatic coiling machine 20 for coiling an elongate flexible member, such as a rope, wire rope, electrical cables, hoses or other cordage, in this example, a fishing line 22.
The machine includes a mounting unit 23 that is generally plate-like in this example. The mounting unit includes a first side 24, best seen in Figures 1 and 2, and a second side 25, best seen in Figure 4, the second side being opposite the first side. Mounting unit 23 includes a top edge 27 and a bottom edge 29 spaced-apart from the top edge. Sides 24 and 25 extend from bottom edge 29 to top edge 27. The mounting unit has a front 31 and a rear 33 opposite the front. The front and rear extend between edges 27 and 29.
Referring back to Figure 1, the mounting unit 23 includes a first mounting member, in this example a first wall 26, and a second mounting member, in this example a second wall 28 which is angled relative to the first wall by an angle a, as seen in Figure 3. In this example, angle a equals 165 degrees, though this may change in other embodiments. The mounting unit 23 has a bend 30 which intersects and extends between walls 26 and 28. Each of the walls is generally rectangular in shape in this example.

[0010] Machine 20 includes a pair of rollers 32 and 34. Roller 32 is rotatably mounted to the wall 26 on side 24 of the mounting unit 23 and roller 34 is rotatably mounted to the wall 28 on side 24 of the mounting unit. The rollers 32 and 34 have axes of rotation 36 and 38 as seen in Figure 3 that are angled relative to each other by an angle o that is equal to 8 degrees, in this example. However, in other embodiments angle 0 may range from between 0 and 90 degrees. As seen in Figure 2, axis 36 of roller 32 is preferably positioned above axis 38 of roller 34. A line segment 39 extending between axes 36 and 38 is angled from the horizontal by an angle 0 equal to 20 degrees in this example. In another embodiment, angle 13 may preferably be equal to 17 degrees below the horizontal plane, for example. Roller 34 is positioned adjacent to the bottom edge 29 of the mounting unit 23.
[0011] Each of the rollers 32 and 34 has a cylindrical shape in this example with circular walls 40 and 42, as seen in Figure 1, which face each other where line 22 extends between the rollers. Roller 32 is radially larger than roller 34 in this example. The rollers 32 and 34 have first annular edges 44 and 46, respectively, which are positioned adjacent to each other. The rollers 32 and 34 have second annular edges 48 and 50, respectively, which are spaced-apart from each other. A v-shaped recess 52, seen in Figure 3, is thus formed between the walls 40 and 42 of the rollers so positioned.
[0012] The machine 20 includes an arcuate-shaped guard 54 that connects to and is integral with wall 26. The guard is shaped to partially extend around roller 32 and thus inhibit objects from being entangled with the roller. The guard 54 extends adjacent to front 31 and top edge 27 of the mounting unit 23.
[0013] The machine 20 includes a pulley 56 which is rotatably mounted to the wall 28 on side 24 of the mounting unit 23 and around which line 22 passes. The pulley is an off-the-shelf item and is spaced-apart above the rollers 32 and 34. Pulley 56 has an outer annular wall 57 a portion 59 of which aligns above where the rollers 32 and 34 come together. Portion 59 of pulley 56 is positioned tangential to rollers 32 and 34 at the location where line 22 passes through the rollers. The pulley is positioned adjacent to both top edge 27 of the mounting unit 23 and bend 30 of the mounting unit. The pulley is positioned such that a portion 58 of line 22 in between the pulley and rollers 32 and 34 extends downwards from the pulley and towards the rollers in a substantially vertical direction.
[0014] As seen in Figure 1, the machine 20 includes a guide, in this example a u-shaped guide 60. Line 22 extends through the guide from the front 31 of the mounting unit 23. The guide includes an elongate vertical portion 62 which connects to and extends from wall 28 on side 24 of the mounting unit, and which extends upwards past top edge 27 of the mounting unit in this example. The guide 60 includes an inverse J-shaped portion 64, in this example, spaced-apart from portion 62, that also extends upwards, and a transversely extending connecting portion 66 which connects portions 62 and together.
[0015] The machine 20 includes a guiding plate 68 extending between pulley 56 and guide 60 as seen in Figure 1. The plate is generally rectangular and is shaped to guide and support line 22, including inhibiting the line from looping or sagging downwards between pulley 56 and guide 60. The guiding plate 68 connects to and extends from wall 28 on side 24 of the mounting unit 23. The guiding plate is spaced-apart from roller 34 in this example and angles downwards from pulley 56 towards roller 34. The guiding plate 68 extends downwards from pulley 56 and between the pulley and portion 66 of guide 60.
[0016] Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the machine 20 includes a hydraulic actuator, in this example a hydraulic motor 70. The motor may be powered by hydraulic fluid or air, for example. The motor connects to wall 26 on the second side 25 of the mounting unit 23. The motor 70 is configured to rotate roller 32. As best seen in Figure 4, the motor has an inlet 72 and an outlet 74. Hydraulic motors per se, including their various internal parts and functionings, are well known to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described further.

[0017] The machine 20 includes a bypass valve, in this example an adjustable pressure relief valve 76. The valve has an inlet port 78, an outlet port 80 in communication with the inlet port, and a bypass port 81. In this example, the valve has an adjustable knob 82 and a biasing member, in this example an internal spring 83, as shown schematically in Figures 5 and 6, enclosed within the knob. Also in this example, the valve 76 further includes a valve member, in this example a ball 84, and a valve seat 85 upon which the ball selects is received. Inlet port 78 and outlet port 80 are in communication with the valve seat. The spring 83 biases the ball 84 against seat 85, as seen in Figure 5. Bypass port 81 is in communication with inlet port 78 and outlet port 80 when ball 84 is at least partially dislodged from seat 85. This occurs when hydraulic pressure, or force, as shown by arrow 91 in Figure 6, exerted on ball 84 is greater than the spring force biasing the ball in the opposite direction.
[0018] Thus, the valve 76 is configured such that when hydraulic fluid passing through inlet port 78 of the valve and reaching valve seat 85 exceeds a threshold pressure, the valve is actuated, with said hydraulic pressure compressing spring 83 and dislodging ball 84, as seen in Figure 6. This enables fluid to pass through the valve seat 85 and through the bypass port 81, as seen by arrow 86. The fluid passes out of the valve 76 and to a reservoir 94, which may be a system oil holding tank for example..
[0019] Referring back to Figure 4, adjustment of knob 82 adjusts the pre-compression of spring 83 seen in Figure 5 and thus the amount of pressure needed to dislodge ball 85.
Adjustment of the knob also affects the extent to which the ball 84 is dislodged and fluid bled through bypass port 81, and thus the extent to which fluid passes from inlet port 78 to outlet port 80. This in turn affects the extent of fluid passing through motor 70 and, therefore the speed with which the motor and thus the roller 32 rotate and line 22, seen in Figure 1, is coiled.
[0020] The motor 70 and valve 76 are part of a hydraulic circuit 87 seen in Figures 5 and 6. As part of the circuit, inlet 72 of the actuator is hydraulically connected to the outlet port 80 of valve 76, in this example by way of a conduit, namely a u-shaped tubing 89 seen in Figure 4. Referring back to Figure 5, the machine 20 is connectable to and the circuit 87 further includes a pump 88 which has an inlet 89 and an outlet 90.
The inlet 89 of pump 88, outlet port 81 of valve 76 and outlet 74 of motor 70 are hydraulically connected to the reservoir 94, as well being hydraulically connected together in this example.
[0021] Circuit 87 includes a control valve 93 having an inlet 96, a first outlet 97 and a second outlet 98. Outlet 90 of pump 88 is hydraulically connected to the inlet of the control valve. Outlet 97 of the control valve 93 is hydraulically connected to inlet port 78 of relief valve 76. Outlet 98 of the control valve is hydraulically connected to reservoir 94. The control valve 93 actuated to a first, open position enables hydraulic fluid to pass from pump 88 through inlet 96 of the control valve and through outlet 97 of the control valve to valve 76, as shown by arrow 99. The control valve may be actuated, manually for example, towards a second, closed position in which the valve directs fluid passing within inlet 96 through to outlet 98 and back to reservoir 94, as shown by dotted arrow 101, for shutting down the operations. The control valve 93 is a standard off-the-shelf part, whose functions are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described further.
[0022] Thus, in operation, when the hydraulic pressure within valve 76 is below a threshold pressure, hydraulic fluid from pump 88 passes through inlet port 78 and outlet port 80 of valve 76, as seen by arrow 75, and through inlet 72 and outlet 74 of motor 70, which rotates roller 32 for coiling line 22, seen in Figure 1. Power from the motor is transmitted by the motor drive shaft 37, seen in Figure 1, to roller 32.
Referring to Figure 1, rotation of roller 32 causes the line 22 to move between the edges 44 and 48 of roller 32 and edges 46 and 50 of roller 34 and coil to form a coil 100 below the rollers.
Referring to Figure 4, as the motor 70 rotates, the hydraulic fluid passes from the outlet 74 of the motor, through tubing 89 and returns to reservoir 94, as seen by arrow 77.
[0023] The hydraulic pressure that creates the torque and horsepower transferred through the motor shaft 37, seen in Figure 1, to the roller 32 is regulated by adjusting knob 82 of the valve 76, seen in Figure 4, thus allowing the operator to regulate the power applied to the roller 32. Excess fluid bypasses the drive motor turbine (not shown) and is bled off via the bypass port 81 of valve 76 to the hydraulic fluid return circuit, generally shown by numeral 95 in Figure 4. This facilitates the control of the speed and power of roller 32 which in turn eliminates overrun, burning and spinning on the line 22 being fed thru the machine 20.
[0024] This structure as herein described creates a condition wherein fluid is fully diverted through the bypass port 81 and roller 34 stops turning when the pre-set resistance / pulling power level is exceeded in the event an obstruction jams the headspace between the rollers 32 and 34. In this case, force 91 seen in Figure 6 is greater than the force of spring 83, causing the spring to compress and ball 85 to dislodge from valve seat 85, thereby enabling fluid from inlet port 78 of the valve 76 to pass entirely through bypass port 81. Put another way, when hydraulic fluid at inlet 72 is above the threshold pressure, such as a situation where there is a knot in the line or an object or someone's hand is jammed between the rollers, valve 76, shown in Figure 6, is configured to fully actuate and fully divert fluid away from the motor 70, as shown by arrow 86 in Figure 6. The fully diverted fluid is directed back to reservoir 94, as seen in Figure 6 by arrow 103. This thus inhibits rotation of the rollers 32 and 34 when, for example, a knot is in the line. It also inhibits rotation when an object or a user's hand gets caught between, adjacent to, or entangled with the rollers. The machine 20 as herein described is thus safer and smoother to operate.
[0025] Figures 7 to 9 show a combination hauling and automatic coiling machine 20.1 according to a second aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the machine 20 shown in Figures 1 to 6 with the addition of ".1". Machine 20.1 is substantially the same as machine 20 shown in Figures 1 to 6 with the following exceptions.
[0026] The machine includes a powered sheeve 104 used for hoisting or hauling, such as hauling in a crab trap. The sheeve is rotatably mounted to mounting unit 23.1 and around which line 22 may be attached for pulling the line from right to left, from the perspective of Figure 7, and as generally shown by arrow 105. Wall 28.1 has a partially annular portion 106 extending outwards therefrom. The sheeve 104 is connected to portion 106 of wall 28.1 on side 24.1 of the mounting unit 23.1 adjacent to top edge 27.1 and front 31.1 of the mounting unit 23.1. As seen in Figure 9, an actuator, in this example a motor 108 operatively connects to the sheeve and causes the sheeve to selectively rotate. The sheeve facilitates passing of the line 22 through the rollers 32.1 and 34.1 and the rollers provide tension to the line about the sheeve. The rollers 32.1 and 34.1 may thus act in synergy with the sheeve 104, functioning both as a tension means as well as a coiling means. Sheeves per se, including their various parts and functionings, are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described further.
[0027] As seen in Figures 7 and 8, machine 20.1 includes a plurality of pulleys 56.1, 110, and 112. Pulleys 110 and 112 are spaced-apart from each other and are connected to and extend from wall 28.1 on side 24.1 of the mounting unit. Pulley 110 is positioned adjacent to top edge 27.1 of the mounting unit and adjacent to pulley 56.1.
Pulley 112 is positioned below sheeve 104 between top and bottom edges 27.1 and 29.1 of the mounting unit 23.1. Pulleys 110 and 112 are spaced-apart from the sheeve 104 such that line 22 may wrap around the sheeve in a u-shaped like manner. Line 22 arising from the front 31.1 of the mounting unit extends underneath pulley 112, around sheeve 104, underneath pulley 110, and around pulley 56.1.
[00281 Machine 20.1 as herein described thus provides a compact means for both hauling and coiling line 22. The pulleys 56.1, 110 and 112 may reduce slack in the system, thereby improving the coiling ability of the machine. The pulleys may also act to reduce the forces acting on the rollers 32.1 and 34.1, thereby inhibiting wear on the rollers caused by line 22 and acting to increase their longevity.
[0029] Machine 20.1 includes a hydraulic motor 70.1 in this example.
However, in other embodiments, the coiler may be driven by other means, including air, mechanical, electrical or other hydraulic means.

[0030] Figures 10 to 12 show a combination hauling and automatic coiling machine 20.2 according to a third aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the machine 20 shown in Figures 1 to 6 and machine 20.1 with the addition of ".2"
for parts not previously having a decimal extension for machine 20, and being added for parts not previously having a decimal extension for machine 20.1. Machine 20.2 combines the hydraulic system of machine 20 with the sheeve and related features of machine 20.1.
[0031] As seen in Figure 12, the sheeve 70.2 has an inlet port 114 and an outlet port 116. The inlet port of the sheeve is hydraulically connected to outlet 97.2 of the control valve 93.2. Outlet port 116 of the sheeve 70.2 is hydraulically connected to the inlet port 78.2 of the relief valve 76.2 via a conduit, in this example tubing 118 seen in Figure 11.
Referring back to Figure 12, actuating control valve 93.2 redirects fluid to the reservoir 94.2, as shown by arrow 101.2, thereby inhibiting the sheeve and roller 32.2 from operating. If a jam or the like occurs within the rollers, sheeve 70.2 would still operate but the hydraulic fluid passing from outlet port 116 of the sheeve would be diverted through bypass port 81.2 of valve 76.2 and back to the reservoir 94.2, in this example.
[0032] The machines as herein described may be particularly useful in enabling commercial and sport fishing vessels to coil ground line or pot lines, thus reducing or eliminating the need for a crew member having to do so manually.
[0033] It will be appreciated that many variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein. For example, the bypass valve described herein is by way of example only, and other types of relief valves may be used to the same effect.
[0034] It will also be understood by someone skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is to be determined with reference to at least the following claims.

Claims

1. An automatic coiling machine for coiling an elongate flexible member, the machine comprising:
a pair of rollers each having a first annular edge and a second annular edge spaced-apart from its first annular edge, the first annular edges of the rollers being positioned adjacent to each other and the second annular edges of the rollers being spaced-apart from each other;
a hydraulic actuator configured to rotate one of the rollers, the actuator having an inlet, the elongate flexible member passing between the edges of the rollers and thereby coiling below the rollers; and a bypass valve connected to the inlet of the actuator and through which hydraulic fluid flows, the valve inhibiting hydraulic fluid from reaching the hydraulic actuator when said fluid at the bypass valve exceeds a threshold pressure, thereby inhibiting rotation of said one of the rollers and coiling of the elongate flexible member.

2. The machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, when hydraulic fluid at the bypass valve is below the threshold pressure, the valve promotes passage of said fluid to the actuator, which thereby rotates said one of the rollers and causes the elongate flexible member to pass between the edges of the rollers and collect in the coil below the rollers.

3. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2 wherein, when hydraulic fluid within the bypass valve exceeds the threshold pressure, the valve is configured to actuate and direct fluid passing therethrough to a reservoir.

4. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the valve has an inlet port in communication with pressurized hydraulic fluid, an outlet port in communication with the inlet port of the valve, the outlet port hydraulically connecting to the inlet of the actuator, and a bypass port hydraulically connectable to a reservoir, whereby when said hydraulic fluid in communication with the inlet port of the valve is below the threshold pressure, the hydraulic fluid is directed through the outlet port of the valve, and when the hydraulic fluid in communication with the inlet port of the valve exceeds the threshold pressure, the valve is actuated to promote fluid communication between the inlet port and the bypass port.

5. The machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the valve has a bypass port through which the fluid fully passes when the threshold pressure is exceeded, the bypass port being connectable to a reservoir.

6. The machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein adjustment of the valve adjusts the extent to which hydraulic fluid is diverted from the actuator to the bypass port, thereby adjusting the speed of the roller and therefore the speed with which the elongate flexible member is coiled.

7. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 5 and 6 wherein the outlet of the actuator is hydraulically connectable to the reservoir.

8. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the hydraulic actuator is a hydraulic motor.

9. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 further including a pulley spaced-apart above the rollers and around which the elongate flexible member passes.

10. The machine as claimed in claim 9 wherein the pulley has an outer annular wall a portion of which aligns above where the rollers come together.

11. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 9 and 10 wherein the pulley is positioned such that the elongate flexible member extends downwards from the pulley to the rollers in a substantially vertical direction.

12. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, further including a mounting unit, the rollers connecting to the mounting unit.

13. The machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the mounting unit has a first wall, a second wall angled from the first wall and a bend interposed between and connecting together the first wall and the second wall, a first one of the rollers mounting to the first wall, a second one of the rollers mounting to the second wall, and the pulley mounting to one of the walls and being adjacent to the bend.

14. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 further including a guiding plate upon which the elongate flexible member extends prior to passing between the rollers.

15. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 13, further including a guiding plate upon which the elongate flexible member extends prior to passing between the rollers, the guiding plate extending downwards from the pulley.

16. The machine as claimed in claim 15, further including a u-shaped guide through which the elongate flexible member extends, the guiding plate extending between the pulley and the u-shaped guide.

17. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 further including at least one arcuate-shaped guard that at least partially extends around one of the rollers.

18. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the valve is an adjustable for selectively adjusting the threshold pressure above which fluid is diverted from the actuator.

19. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the valve is an adjustable pressure relief valve.

20. An automatic coiling machine for coiling an elongate flexible member, the machine comprising:
a mounting unit having a first mounting member, a second mounting member angled from the first mounting member, and a bend between the mounting members;
a pair of rollers between which the elongate flexible member may be pulled, the rollers being adjacent to each other and angled relative to each other, with a first one of the rollers mounting to the first mounting member and a second one of the rollers mounting to the second mounting member; and a pulley spaced-apart above the rollers and around which the elongate flexible member passes, the pulley mounting to one of the mounting members and being adjacent to the bend.

21. The machine as claimed in claim 20 wherein the pulley has an outer annular wall a portion of which aligns above where the rollers come together.

22. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 20 and 21 wherein the pulley is positioned such that the elongate flexible member extends downwards from the pulley to the rollers in a substantially vertical direction.

23. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the pair of rollers each has a first annular edge positioned and a second annular edge spaced-apart from its first annular edge, the first annular edges of the rollers being adjacent to each other and the second annular edges of the roller being spaced-apart from each other, one of the rollers being operatively powered to rotate, the elongate flexible member passing between the edges of the rollers and thereby coiling below the rollers.

24. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23 further including a guiding plate upon which the elongate flexible member extends prior to passing between the rollers, the guiding plate connecting to the second mounting member.

25. The machine as claimed in claim 24, the guiding plate extending downwards from the pulley.

26. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25, further including a u-shaped guide through which the elongate flexible member extends, the guide connecting to the second mounting member.

27. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, further including a u-shaped guide through which the elongate flexible member extends, the guide connecting to the second mounting member, the guiding plate extending between the pulley and the u-shaped guide.

28. A combination hauling and automatic coiling machine for hauling and coiling an elongate flexible member, the combination comprising:
a pair of rollers each having a first annular edge and a second annular edge, the first annular edges of the rollers being positioned adjacent to each other and the second annular edges of the rollers being spaced-apart from each other, one of the rollers being powered to selectively rotate for passing the elongate flexible member between the edges of the rollers and thus causing the elongate flexible member to coil below the rollers; and a powered sheeve positioned adjacent to the rollers and around which the elongate flexible member may be wrapped for hauling in the elongate flexible member, the sheeve facilitating passage of the elongate flexible member through the rollers and the rollers providing tension to the elongate flexible member about the sheeve.

29. The combination as claimed in claim 28, further including at least one pulley interposed between the sheeve and the pair of rollers and around which the elongate flexible member extends.

30. The combination as claimed in claim 28, further including a first pulley spaced-apart above where the rollers meet and a second pulley interposed between the first pulley and the sheeve, the elongate flexible member extending around the pulleys.

31. The combination as claimed in claim 30 further including a third pulley spaced-apart from the second pulley, the third pulley being disposed below the sheeve, the elongate flexible member extending around the third pulley.

32. The combination as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 31, further including a mounting unit upon which both the rollers and the sheeve are connected.

33. The combination as claimed in any one of claims 30 and 31, further including a mounting unit upon which the rollers, the sheeve and the pulleys are connected.

34. The combination as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 33 further including at least one arcuate-shaped guard that at least partially extends around one of the rollers.

35. The combination as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 34, further including:
a hydraulic actuator operatively connected to one of the rollers, the actuator having an inlet and an outlet; and an adjustable pressure relief valve connected to the inlet of the actuator, whereby when hydraulic fluid within the relief valve is below a threshold pressure, the valve is configured to promote passage of the fluid through the valve and into the actuator, which thereby rotates said one of the rollers and causes the elongate flexible member to pass between the edges of the rollers and coil below the rollers, and when hydraulic fluid within the relief valve exceeds the threshold pressure, the hydraulic fluid bias a bypass port of the valve towards a fully open position, which thereby fully directs said fluid to the reservoir, thereby inhibiting rotation of said one of the rollers and thus inhibiting coiling of the elongate flexible member.

36. The combination as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 35 wherein the valve is an adjustable for selectively adjusting the threshold pressure above which fluid is diverted away from the actuator.

37. The combination as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 36 wherein the valve is an adjustable pressure relief valve.

38. The combination as claimed in claim 37 wherein adjustment of the valve adjusts the speed with which the elongate flexible member is coiled.

39. The combination as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 38 wherein the sheeve is powered by a hydraulic actuator.