GB2337248A

GB2337248A - Reel device

Info

Publication number: GB2337248A
Application number: GB9810386A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Quentin Phillipps
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-05-14
Filing date: 1998-05-14
Publication date: 1999-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2018-05-14
Also published as: GB9810386D0; GB2337248B

Abstract

A reel device comprises first and second reels 5a,5b and an elongate conductive structure, such as electrical conductor, light guide and/or fluid conduit, which has a first portion wound on the first reel, a second portion wound on the second reel and a third portion connecting its first and second portions, arranged so that withdrawal of the first portion from the first reel coils or twists the third portion 10, and withdrawal of the second portion from the second reel uncoils or untwists the third portion. The reels may have manual or coil spring rewind for the conductive structure, and may have a manually releasable locking pawl to retain the structure in its withdrawn state. The reels are preferably coaxially arranged on a common spindle through or around which the third portion 10 of the conductive structure passes.

Description

Reel Device

Description The present invention relates to a reel device.

2337248 A known cable reeling device is disclosed in GB-A-2148847. The disclosed device has a rotatable reel for paying out or reeling in a cable. The cable extends from a fixed point substantially axially through the red and through a hole in the side wall of the reel and is then wound about the reel- The portion of the cable extending axially io though the reel serves as an interco, and is twisted as the cable is paid out or reeled in. A disadvantage of this arm%ment is that the interconnect normally remains in a twisted state which may compromise electrical performance and limits the number of turns that can be woudd6n the reel.

According to the present invention, tWi is provided a reel device comprising first and second reels and an elongate conve structure, a first portion of the conductive structure being wound ozflb- first reel, a second portion of the conductive structure being wound o second reel and a third portion of the conductive structure connecting the fii and second portions of the conductive structure, wherein the reels and con- e structure are configured such that withdrawal of the first portion of the structure from the first reel coils or twists the third portion of the co stm=re and withdrawal of the second portion of the conductive structure hhe second reel uncoils or untwists the third portion of the conductive structure.

The reels may be arranged co-axially. W-wever, this is not essential and the reels could be eccentrically arranged. The i& may be independently rotatable or they may linked by a gear train so that of one reel is accompanied by rotation of the other.

The conductive structure is preferably -- W The conductive structure may comprise a plurality of parallel conductive paths. For instance, wires for carrying the left and right channels for a hi-fi system or a personal stereo.

The conductive structure may comprise an electrical conductor, a light guide or a fluid conduit, or indeed any combination of these.

The conductive structure may have a transducer connected to one end and a io connector connected to the other end so that the conductive structure provides a signal path between the connector and the transducer.

1 The device may include a body having therein the first reel, the second reel and the third portion of the conductive structure. Each reel may be provided with spring means for retracting the conductive structure. A locking means for selectively locking the first reel or the second reel to prevent rotation thereof may be provided. If a spring or other automatic retraction mechanism is not provided, provision should be made for a user to manually reel in the conductive portion.

The reels may rotate on a common spindle that may be hollow, in which case the third portion of the conductive structure may pass through the spindle. Alternatively, the conductive structure may wrap around the spindle as it is withdrawn from one of the reels.

The body may include a means for mounting the device to the person. For instance a clip for attaching it to clothing or a lanyard.

Embodiments of the present Invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure la is a cut-away front view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1b is an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure la; Figure lc is a sectional view along A-Aof the embodiment of Figure la; Figure ld is a detailed view of the ratchet and pawl arrangement used in the embodiment of Figures la to c; Figure 2 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures la, lb and lc, a red device is generally elliptical in form. A main part of the case comprises a planar, elliptical panel l a and an outwardly bowed side wall l b extending generally perpendiodarly from the elliptical panel fully around its 10 periphery.

An 'H-shaped insert comprises first and second parallel, rectangular walls 2a, 2b attached perpendicularly, midway between their long sides, to either end of a partition 2c. The first wall 2a has a regular portion removed from one corner above the plane of the partition, whik--6e second wall 2b has a similar portion removed in a diametrically opposing r, below the plane of the partition. A hollow cylinder 3 passes normally th the centre of partition 2c. A first flat, constant-force spring 4a is coiled abou;,e cylinder 3, on one side of the plane of the partition 2c and a second spring 4b is about the cylinder 3 on the other side.

First and second reels 5a, 5b are coaxial with the springs. Each reel comprises a flat disc and flanges defining a channel r around the rim of the disc, the channel being wider than the thickness of the &w- The first and second springs 4a, 4b are connected at their outer ends to their j ctive reels and at their inner ends to the cylinder 3. First and second radially fflding flange members 6a, 6b are press-fitted to the ends of the cylinder 3. In this ea& flange member 6a, 6b holds a respective reel 5a, 5b firmly against th- ition 2c and so that the springs 4a, 4b are sandwiched between the reels and the pwition 2c.

The insert sits within the main part ofithe case, between the first panel la and a cover le. The cover lc closes the case boundgd by panel la and the side wall lb. First and second end portions of the cover are 100, 101 to allow access to first and second compartments 13, 14 which are bounded by the internal walls 2a, 2b respectively and the external walls, panel la, the wall 1b and cover lc.

Referring to Figure id, the second reel 5b is radially grooved on the surface adjacent the cover lc. The grooves have a saw-tooth profile 7b. An off-axis pawl 8b extends inwardly from the cover ic and sits in one of the grooves. The saw-tooth profile 7b allows rotation of the reel 5b in only one sense. For rotation in the opposite sense, the pawl 8b must be lifted. The pawl 8b is connected to a buttons 9b via sprung rocker arrangement attached on the inward facing surface of the cover lc. Though 10 not shown, the second reel 5a is similarly grooved 7a and a pawl 8a, which is opperated by a button 9a, extends from the panel la. The case also comprises a pair of eyelets 20 through which a lanyard may be threaded, so the case may be worn around the neck.

During assembly, a cable 10 is threaded from the first compartment 13 and is partially wound onto the second reel 5b. The cable 10 is anchored in the channel of the second reel 5b, then passed through the cylinder 3 and anchored to the channel of the first reel 5a. The rest of the cable 10 is wound onto the first reel 5a, except for the Jack 11 which sits in the second compartment 14.

The operation of the reel device will now be described.

The first and second reels 5a, 5b are set up to rotate in the same sense with an equal length of cable on each reel. As the cable 10 is pulled out from the first reel 5a, the first ratchet and pawl mechanism thereof 7a, 8a allows the reel Sa to rotate. During paying out, the first spring 4a is more tightly wound, storing up potential energy.

The first spring 4a resists paying out, tending to reel in the cable 10. When the user has stopped extending the cable, whether it be fully or partially, the first ratchet and pawl mechanism 7a, 8a prevents the first spring 4a from reeling in the cable 10. Cable 10 is paid out from the second reel 5b in an identical fashion.

-5 Pulling out the jack 11, so that the cable is fully paid out, will twist the cable N times between the reels 5a, 5b. Pulling out the earphones, to full extent, will untwist the cable N times. Thus, the cable is neither twisted when 'parked', nor is it twisted when extended. It is only twisted when one end cable has been pulled out more than the other. This arrangement ensures ilm twisting of the cable is minimised, especially if both ends of the cable are pulled out at the same time.

To reel in the jack end of the cable 10, the user presses the button 9a on the case. This lifts the pawl 8a out of the locking groove 7a. The first reel Sa is rotated by the lo tendency for the first spring 4a to uncoiland in doing so the cable 10 is reeled in.

Referring to Figure 2, a reel device is similar to that shown in Figures la to ld, but for a different spindle arrangement. A snain part of the case comprises a planar, elliptical panel 3 1 a and an outwardly bowed side wall 3 1 b extending generally perpendicularly from the elliptical fully around its periphery. A first post 33a extends inwardly from the centre of the- planar panel 3 la. This first post 33a forms an axis around which a first flat, consta"ree spring 34a is coiled. The outer end of the first spring 34a is attached to the edgeof a first reel 35a. The reel is of similar construction to that of the first embodixnent. The first spring 34a is sandwiched between the first reel 3 Sa and the plaaw-pmel 3 la and this arrangement is held together by a first radially extending A 36a at the end of the post 33a.

A An insert comprises first and second el walls 32a, 32b attached perpendicularly, midway between their long sides, to r end of a partition 32c. The first wall 32a 25 has a rectangular portion removed h--- ne corner above the plane of the partition 32c, while the second wall 32b has a:&"& portion removed in a diametrically opposing corner, below the plane of. %'ition 32c. The partition 32c has a circular aperture in its centre.

The insert sits within the main part of c case and is sandwiched between the first panel 31a and a cover 31c. The cov closes the case bounded by the panel 31a and the side wall 31b. The cover 31c has a second post 33b extending inwardly from, mirroring in the plane of the partition 32c, the first post 33a extending from the first panel 31a. A second spring 34b and a second reel 35b are arranged around the second post 33b in an identical fashion to the first spring 34a and first reel 35a. As in the first embodiment, the cover 3 lc is hinged to allow access to the first and second compartments 43, 4-4.

During assembly, the earphone cable 40 is threaded from the first compartment 43 and is partially wound onto the second reel 35b. The cable 40 is anchored to the io channel of the second reel 35b, on the side of the channel closest to the partition 32c. The cable 40 is passed through the circular aperture in the centre of the partition 32c and anchored to the channel of the first reel 35a, again on the side closest to the partition 32c. The rest of the cable 40 is wound onto the first reel, except for the jack which sits in the second compartment 44. Extension, retraction and locking of the cable is carried out substantially as in the first embodiment described above.

Referring to Figure 3, a reel device has a simpler construction. Similar to the second embodiment of the invention, a main part of the case comprises a planar, elliptical panel 51a and an outwardly bowed side wall 51b extending generally perpendicularly from the elliptical panel fully around its periphery. A post 53 extends perpendicularly from the centre of the planar panel 51a. The post extends so as to be level with the lip of the bowed side wall 5 lb. The diameter of the post is narrower along first and second sections 80a, 80b. This post 53 forms an axis around which a first flat constant-force spring 54a is coiled. The outer edge of the spring is attached to the edge of a first reel 55a. The reel rotates about the first narrow section of the post 80a. The first constant-force spring 54a is sandwiched between the planar panel 51a and the first reel 55a. A second reel 55b is mounted at the second narrow section 80b of the post 53. Mirroring the first reel 55a and spring 54a, outer and inner ends of a second spring 54b are attached to the second reel 55b and the post 53 respectively.

First and second walls 52a, 52b are inserted into slots to define first and second compartments 63, 64 at each end of the case. The internal components are enclosed by a cover 5 lc. Similar to the first and second embodiments of the invention, thi is cover is hinged, to allow access to the first and second compartments 63, 64.

During assembly, the jack-end of the cable 60 is passed from the first compartment 63 to a third compartment 65, between the first and second compartments 63, 64 and is partially wound onto the second reel 55b. The cable 60 is then wound onto the first reel 55a. The jack is then passed into the second chamber 64.

Operation of this reel device is slightly diflerent from that of the previous lo embodiments.

The reels rotate and the springs coil in-an identical fashion. However, pulling out the one end of the cable 60 fully will wind M turns of the cable onto the post 53. Pulling out the other end of the cable 60 wifid= unwind M turns of the cable from the post.

It will be appreciated that many modifications can be made to the embodiments described above.

4 -

Claims

1. A reel device comprising first and second reels and an elongate conductive 5 structure, a first portion of the conductive structure being wound on the first reel, a second portion of the conductive structure being wound on the second reel and a third portion of the conductive structure connecting the first and second portions of the conductive structure, wherein the reels and conductive structure are configured such that withdrawal of the first portion of the conductive structure from the first io reel coils or twists the third portion of the conductive structure and withdrawal of the second portion of the conductive structure from the second reel uncoils or untwists the third portion of the conductive structure.

2. A reel device according to claim 1, wherein the reels are arranged coaxially.

A reel device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reels are rotatable independently.

A reel device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the conductive structure is 20unitary.

5. A reel device according claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the conductive structure comprises a plurality of parallel conductive paths.

6. A reel device according to any preceding claim, wherein the conductive structure comprises an electrical conductor.

7. A reel device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conductive structure comprises a light guide or a fluid conduit.

8. A reel device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conductive structure has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to a transducer and the second end being connected to a connector so that the conductive structure provides a signal path between the connector and the transducer.

9. A reel device according to any preceding claim, including a body having therein the first reel, the second reel and the third portion of the conductive structure.

10. A reel device according to any preceding claim, wherein each reel is provided lo with spring means for retracting the conductive structure.

A reel device according to any preceding claim, including a locking means for selectively locking the first reel or the second reel to prevent rotation thereof.

12.

A reel device according to any preceding claim, wherein the reels rotate on a common spindle.

13. A reel device according to claim 12, wherein the spindle is hollow and the third portion of the conductive structure passes through the spindle.

14. A reel device according to any, one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the conductive structure wraps onto or unwraps frothe spindle.

15. A reel device according to claim 9, wherein the body has means for mounting 25 the device to the person.

16. A reel device substantially as h-&m-before described with reference to Figures la to id of the accompanying drawm 17. A reel device substantially as hirein described with reference to Figure 2.

W 18. A reel device substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 3.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1, ( structure has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to a transducer and the second end being connected to a connector so that the conductive structure provides a signal path between the connector and the transducer.

10. A reel device according tdany preceding claim, wherein-each reel is provided io with spring means for retracting the conductive structure.

1

11. A reel device according to any preceding claim, including a locking means for selectively locking the first reel or the second reel to prevent rotation thereof.

12. A reel device according to any preceding claim, wherein the reels rotate on a common spindle.

13. A reel device according to cWm 12, wherein the spindle is hollow and the third portion of the conductive structure passes through the spindle.

14. A reel device according to claim 12, wherein the conductive structure wraps onto or unwraps from the spindle.

16. A reel device substantially a!i,hominbefore described with reference to Figures la to id of the accompanying dra.

17.A reel device substantially as -herein described with reference to Figure 2.