GB2276146A - Rewindable cable reel - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric cable-reel is rotated for cable rewinding by rubber bands. Drum "A", Fig. 1, mounted on lawnmower handles, is biased for rewinding by rubber bands 4. Cable from the drum to switch 1 is coiled about fibre glass wand E. Alternatively, Fig. 10, cable is wound about and extends oppositely from two drums G biased by rubber bands 11. The arrangement allows cable extending from the drum(s) in a straight line above the ground to swing through a 360 DEG arc. <IMAGE>

Description

CABLE DRUMS WHICH RETRACT ELECTRIC CABLE AUTOMATICALLY "CABLESLAVES" (ACTIVATED BY ELASTICATED RUBBER STRIP BANDS) This invention relates to devices which dispense and also retract existing or new electric cables, as desired, whilst servicing various electrical appliances including power tools.

The desirability of economical devices which would fulfill the above attributes is well known, particularly for domestic use and D.I.Y. The advantages gained would be as follows: Less snagging and/or cutting of electric cables resulting in less damage to equipment, and fewer accidents to humans, more rapid working, particularly outside where longer cable runs are to be expected.

According to the present invention, characteristics are employed which provide for the following attributes. A sllghtly tensioned cable keeping the latter above surface level, as far as possible, thus reducing frictional resistance with the former. Keeping the cable in a straight line between field of operation and dispenser or power source, ensuring it is more easily avoidable. To accomplish this the electric cable is continually wound out or retracted on to a drum device whichever direction is being worked. The horizontal thrust developed by this is contained by a variety of firm fixing devices or mounting on the apparatus, i.e. a lawnmower, or contained by a mobile drum housing capable of moving in any direction. The invention visualises using in part existing or re-cycled materials, i.e. existing good quality cable, re-cycled vehicle tyre inner tubes. A means of replacing easily the rubber device is incorporated. Also easy storage of complete appliances.

Specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Sheet 1/4 shows: MK5 Plan, Section and elevation layouts.

Sheet 2/4 shows: Continuation detail and applications, i.e. fixings.

Sheet 3/4 shows: MK 6 Plan, Section and elevation layouts.

Sheet 4/4 shows: Continuation detail and further section.

Sheet 4/4A : Addendum Index In place of high cost high tensile steel springs with awkward connections or heavy weights, both used in some other devices, this invention incorporates high quality elasticated rubber strip bands of considerable sectional area, which would have a life of say three years with average use and could then be replaced. The use of a "Ring Connector", which is unreliable, has also been avoided by the arrangement of cable feed and dispense from drums. Both these measures result in a reliable and fairly inexpensive device bearing in mind the advantages gained.

The above observations can be seen illustrated by reference to the drawings which in MK 5 are shown by 'C' rubber banding, 'D' tension toggle and fixing by hooks to drum.

The cable feed to drum enters at the centre and is wound round a fibre glass wand guide in such a way that, say, seven windings clockwise, will give fourteen revolutions of the drum anti-clockwise without undue cable twist.

In MK 6 the rubber bands "11" operate centrally on a spline connecting both cable and composite drum. The cable feed and outlet to the composite drum are wound in a separate direction for each section, as shown, giving a total cable travel of twice the cable drum circumference for each single revolution of the drum brought about by the twisting action of the rubber banding.

By reference to the drawings 1/4 and 2/4 the method of operation of MK 5 is as follows: Fibre glass wand "E" is fixed through cable drum "A" centre, and retained in rubber grommet ensuring that end moves freely within grommet. An existing or new electric cable is fed on to drum as shown, entry at top centre. On the feed side enough cable is left between drum entry and power outlet point or switch 1. to allow winding on to wand as shown. Rubber bands 4 are passed over cast-in hooks at head of shaft at the lower side of drum centre. Hollow plastic pipe "B" is fed on to bands and up into latter.

Large flat washer past up piping. In figure 1 the assembly is passed through angle framing fixed to adjustable arms which are attached to lawnmower handles as shown, see 3, 6 and 7. Special purpose made shaft casing "C" is passed up piping as far as positioning groove and bolt.

Positioning bolts at 6 tightened. Toggle "D" passed through rubber bands and twisted to give required torque and tension then fitted into grooves at base of pipe "B".

Screwed cap 5 fitted to threaded bottom end of piping.

Flexible plastic cover guide "F" including runnlng lugs 2 fitted over top of drum. A locking pin can be fitted as shown if required.

Drawing 2/4 shows possible fixing for various applications using a simpler shaft casing "C". By reference to the drawing 3/4 and 4/4 the method of operation of MK 6 is as follows: At the mid point of a new or existing good quality cable the two halves of the composite drum "G" are placed across the latter with the cable trapped longitudinally in the grooved continuous spline "L". Bolts at 12 are tightened.

Elasticated rubber bands 11 are threaded through central shaft and toggles "K" passed through ends. The rubber bands are twisted to obtain sufficient torque and tension then fitted into holes in "J" of bottom section "H", after winding cable on each drum as shown; the identical top half reversed "I" is fitted. Spring clips 10 put in position and central clip 8 pushed into position and tightened. A locking pin can be incorporated as shown if required. "H" and "I" are pre-assembled as shown to incorporate plastic ball castors able to move in any direction.

Claims (12)

1. Dispensing and retracting cable drums MK 5 and MR 6 activated by elasticated rubber strip bands which allow the electric cable to be kept mainly above surface level, in a straight line to the appliance from the drums or the power source whichever direc tion is being worked within an arc of approximately 3600.

2. Cable drums as claimed in claim 1 wherein a cable length stop check can be incorporated by means of locking pins.

3. Cable drum as claimed in 1 and 2 which can either be fixed to moving apparatus, i.e. a mower, or rigidly fixed at pre-determined points, i.e. a workbench; scaffolding or flat surface including lawns.

4. Cable drum as claimed in 1 and 2 which is within a mobile casing, the latter being able to move laterally at the same time as back and forth by means of strategically positioned castors within an elongated circular casing.

5. Cable drum as claimed in 1, 2 and 4 wherein one revolution of the drum will produce twice the circumference in total travel from a fixed power point source and, in this way, being useful for long cable operation.

6. Cable drum as claimed in 1, 2, 4 and 5 which has a casing of two identical halves which being reverse handed and clipped together make replace ment of activating elasticated rubber strips possible with minimum stripping down.

7. Cable drum as claimed in 1, 2 and 3 which incor porates activating elasticated rubber strips held by hooks and toggle within a tube, the latter being easily removable for replacement of rubber strips when required.

8. Cable drum as claimed in 1, 2, 3 and 7 which incorporates a cable guide shield cover revolving independently of drum rotation, thereby ensuring that the cable does not snag because of sudden retraction.

9. Cable drums as claimed in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 capable of retraction up to a limit of, say, two meters from a fixed point due to predetermined amount of twisting of rubber strips to give required torque and tension safely within a fixed casing.

ADDENDUM

ELASTICATED RUBBER ACTIVATED RECOIL CABLE DRUMS NUMERICAL INDEX MK 5 1/4 2/4 1. Mower Switch.

2. Plastic Running Lug.

3. Aluminium Angles.

4. Heavy Duty Elasticated Rubber Strip Bands.

5. Screw on Cap.

6. Bolts.

7. Purpose Made Clamps, Adjustable Arms.

MK 6 3/4 4/4 8. Metal Closing Clip.

9. Plastic Balls.

10. Stainless Steel Spring Clips.

11. Heavy Duty Elasticated Rubber Strip Bands.

12. Fixing Bolts and Nuts.