US2494525A

US2494525A - Positive action reel for gasoline dispensers

Info

Publication number: US2494525A
Application number: US604148A
Authority: US
Inventors: Arthur B Steuart
Original assignee: Martin & Schwartz Inc
Current assignee: Martin & Schwartz Inc
Priority date: 1945-07-10
Filing date: 1945-07-10
Publication date: 1950-01-10
Anticipated expiration: 1967-01-10

Description

Jan. 10, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 10, 1945 f 3 n E O M m 1 3% m W 1,. m.

Jan. 10, 1950 A. B. STEUART POSITIVE ACTION REEL FOR GASOLINE DISPENSERS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 10, 1945 INVENTOR 072%:0 ,B. Sieuari BY @ffl I III LII ATTORNEY Jan. 10. 1950 A. B. STEUART POSITIVE ACTION REEL FOR GASOLINE DISPENSERS Filed July 10, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 R 4,. of T a N a E e V 7. 5 W a waif Jan. 10, 1950 A. B. STEUART POSITIVE ACTION REEL FOR GASOLINE DISPENSERS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 10, 1945 INVENTOR.

A. B. STEUART POSITIVE ACTION REEL FOR GASOLINE DISPENSERS Jan. 10, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 10, L945 HVVENTUR.

Grfiar B S'Zeaar? UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE POSITIVE ACTION REEL FOR GASOLINE DISPENSERS Arthur B. Steuart, Salisbury, Md, assignor to Martin & Schwartz, 1110., Salisbury, Md, a corporation of Maryland Application July 10, 1945, Serial No. 604,148

18 Claims. (01. 299-78) 1 2 This invention relates to apparatus useful retail sales. It has heretofore been proposed to in dispensing gasoline and other liquids, and it include a hose reel in the cabinets and appahas particular reference to the provision of an ratus commonly employed for transferring gasoimproved reel upon which the dispensing hose line from a storage tank to an automobile, but may be coiled when not in use. ;;the reels heretofore available have been found The invention is primarily concerned with the defective for such service. It is believed that provision of an improved hose reel in which there those acquainted with the operating problems is provided mechanism which either positively and conditions encountered in this service will locks the reel against retrograde movement, or readily appreciate the advantages of'the present which positively unlocks the reel so that a spring .0 invention, and will recognize the features of motor, or other retracting means, may exert its novelty attending the combining of the improved influence to the extent desired. One of the obreel with such dispensing equipment. For illusjectives of the invention is attained by mechatrative purposes, therefore, the present invention nism so organized that a limited unwinding will be presented with this case in mind. movement of the reel causes a latch member to 2-: Various other objects of the invention, and be shifted into a position of disengagement, the advantages to be derived from the attainwhile a subsequent unwinding movement, after ment thereof, will appear from a perusal of the an interval of rest, causes the latch member to following description of a typical embodiment,

be shifted into a position preventing reverse roillustrated in the accompanying drawings, tation of the reel. Stated otherwise, successive [Jr-wherein: pulls on the free end of a hose, to cause rotation Fig. 1 is a front elevation of an improved of the reel, automatically set a latch member gasoline dispensing cabinet, with portions of the alternatively into positive locking and unlocking casing removed, and showing how the reel of this positions, and the engagement or disengagement invention may be organized with the elements of of the latch is independent of the speed of ro- *i-the dispenser;

tation, or the actual force applied. With such Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the equipment means at hand, the hose may be released from shown in Fig. l; tension while in use, and it may be restored to Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the reel, viewed the reel merely by applying a slight tug to it, from the spring motor side; after the dispensing operation is completed. Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the reel;

It is believed that, in this aspect, the principle Fig. 5 is an elevation taken from the opposite of the invention differs from that of known types side of the reel; of reels embodying a self-retracting feature. In Fig. 6 is an enlarged axial section taken some of the prior proposals, it has been sugthrough the hub portion of the reel, and disclosgested to incorporate manually actuated locking mg the positive locking mechanism, taken along devices, while in others it has been proposed to he n o utilize centrifugally actuated fingers whose dis- Fig. '7 is a View partially in section and partially engagement depends upon the speed of rotation in elevation of one end of the hub structure, of the reel. As distinguished from proposals of taken substantially along the line 1--l of Fig. 6; this nature, the reel of the present invention, in Fig. 8 is a view from the other end of the hub its preferred form, embodies a latching means structure, taken substantially along the line 8-8 which is both automatic and fully positive in its of Fig; 6, and showing the mechanism in locking operation. position; and

Other features of the reel of the present ings 9, 10, and 11 are views similar to Fig. vention have to do with the manner in which the 45 'but showing the positions taken by the mechareel is constructed to house the latching mecha--' m a Various Sta es hr u a complete cycle nism, to store the hose, and to supply the liquid Oper tio from a stationary conduit to the hose itself. The Referring fi t to Figs. 1 and 2, there is herein nature of these improvements will be made aD- shown an p v gasoline dispensing apparatus parent as this description proceeds. so i i h h l may e mount s app While reels embodying the features just reratus comprises a sheet metal cabinet 2| having ferred to may be utilized for a great variety of front and

back walls

22 and 23 and end walls 24 purposes, and are by no means restricted to any and 25, secured to a frame indicated in part by specific use, they find one practical application the reference numeral 26, all of which is mounted in the dispensing of gasoline or like liquid at 5 3 on a hollow base casting 21. The upper portion of the cabinet is capped by a sheet metal dome 28 which, if desired, may carry any suitable legend or trade-mark insignia.

A pump 3|, mounted within the cabinet, is

adapted to be operated by a motor 32 to induct 5 of mounting the various elements'of the-dis:

pensing system shifts them from the conventional centralized locations to provide arclearispaceadjacent the bottom of the cabinet, and that it also interconnects such elements into a somewhat unitary sub-assembly.

The'outlet end of the air separator Skis con nected to a transversely extending liquid conduit-1 3B; herein shown asbeing. formed from tubing; which extends to the-inlet side of a liquid-meter.

39; mounted on the frame zfi by brackets Ill;

Liquid passing througlr'the meter is carried Iup= ward through tubing-42 into a sight glass 43? whose windows are visible through the sidewalls 22'and23l' The liquid then flows downwardly" through

tubing

44, 45; into an inlet conduit for a hose reel R; which is adapted to carry a length. of hose 43. As best shown in .Fig. l, the outer portion ofthe hose is normally displayed outside 1= of the cabinet 2!, being supported by a valved discharge nozzle 'l 'from a hook 48.

The-hook or nozzle support '48, in a manner heretofore known in the art, is of the type adapted, by its movement," to control the. operation of the-motor 32i'th'roughasuitable linkage 69.1 In:

order to determine the amount of gasoline'fiow-=Q= ing'through' the dispenser, the meter 39 .is connected, through a trainof gears. 5| ,'to vthe -op+-- crating spindle of aregister. 52.? mounted. on: brackets .53: and 54-1 in. the .upper portion 'ofgthee cabinet 2|. The faces of the register: are-visible;

through the side: walls of the cabinet through

windows

55 and 56. After each operationof the: apparatus;1the register: may-"be reset to a zero position by means of areset' crank 51, enforce+- ment of the-reset operation'being-mandatediby an. interlocking device 58': of 6 known type.

In the operation of the equipment just do. scribed, the-x-servic'e station attendant removes the hose nozzle dl' from its support-48; actuates The motor 32 may be directly lfl consists generally of a rotatable structure having a hub and side walls, which is mounted at an angle to the walls of the cabinet 2| between two bracket members 6! and 62 respectively. The bracket BI is formed as an arched angle iron section whose ends bear on the base casting 21 andare,securedztheretoby suitable bolts 83. This bracketis formed with a bearing aperture 64 (Fig. 4) in which is centered a projection 55 formed on a portion N3 of a hub piece Hi! of the reelvR- (see also-v Fig. 6). The bracket is also formed with other apertures adapted to receive screws 66 entering tapped openings 5? in the hub piece-to secure itagainst rotation.

The bracket 62 (see also Figs. 4 and 6) is formed as'a casting-having a base section 68 adapted to. beboltedfto the'base casting 27, and with an upper cored section having a bore 69 and a pad 'H-"towhich is bolted an inlet fitting 72 con- 0 nected to the end of the tubing 45. The mid portion offthe bracket .62iis transversely bored to providecal socketr13eadapted to be concentrically aligned-.iwiththe bearing aperture .6 on. thebracket 61,;and an. access. opening it which 1 is subsequently tapped to: receive a, threaded plug .15; A hollowsfixedg axle 75, formed at its innerend with a reduced concentric portion 11 having; a xbushed bore'18, iszshrunk, brazed; or otherwise tightly. fittedtinto. the socket '53 to provideia supportingwmember for the reel R proper; A .seriesrof. circumferentially spaced elongated. apertures 19 are also formed in the midportion oft-thegaxle 76to provide a passage for; thexflow of liquid.

Thereel Ramay be further described as includinga-rmain-spideror hubcasting (Figs. 4, 6, and 7), andsideplatesdFi'gs. 3,4, and 5) which extend:::outwardly of the main casting on eitherside thereof to-gprovide auregionfor carrying the convolutions ofawooiledhose, as well as spring; motor; mechanism formetracting the hose when; the :mechanism is so-set as. to permit retrograde rotation:

Ther-main: hub' orspider casting includes and-:84 disposed in substantially-the central plane ofthecastingr- The

members

8 and 83. as shown.

inFig-s 7, are triangular in shape, while the member Msisiormedavith a circumferentially extending-fian ed'seotion- 85-having an arcuate outer margin- 8fixto serve as a gu defor the inner'endoffa hose; The flanges of the section extend from'bothsides oiithe-centerline'of the. memberh pp Start the fil' then 55-84;"to; preserve'adesirable symmetry The cylindraws enough hose from the reel to enable the: insertionoi the nozzle end into the filling opening of the passenger car; As the gasoline flows through the system, upon manually opening-the nozzle valve, the meter 39-operates the register 60v 52*to reflect-the quantity. of gasoline delivered; Thereafter the operator lets the-hosedfi-run backs, on the reel R a suitable distance, and replaces-.- the nozzle 4-1 on. its-support to deenergize the motor. and? thereby stopthe operation. of the-565.1

pump.

It will, of course, be understood by those-skilled; in therart th at 'in ageneral :sense, dispensers including theforegoin elements-are old, and that" the-features of'ncvelt herein presented: are con.-70

cerned in'one' aspect with the 'wav in which they components are organized in'and with thecabinet; and; in another aspect, with the a constructionof the reel Ritself.

- Assbestshown-in Figsel, 2,.,and.:.4; thezreel:

drical blockmerges. atone side. into slightly eccentric boss 81 havingaflared and bored outer end-aayadapted to receive a removable end plate 89-w-hich may be-secured bvbclts 9! The boss 8'! is formed with a tangential spigot portion 92 whose outer end 93 is turned toward the flanged section and'ista-ppedto receive fitting scoured the mar ina-lportionfifi andass iust be ond the'extremitiesofrthe'memhers 82 and 83. so that, u oncomnl tin vone turn: the next con olut on of 7 the hoseswilljoverlietheqfirsti. This construction,

enables liquid to fiow under pressure through portions of the hose remaining on the reel after a suitable length has been withdrawn, without danger of pinching the hose or otherwise interfering with satisfactory operation.

The fiuid path from the tubing 45 and the bore 69 of the bracket 62 may now be further described, reference primarily being had to Figs. 6 and 7. The boss 8'! is internally cored to provide a cavity 95 communicating with the spigot 92, the inner end wall of the boss being defined by the radially located pad 96. The cylindrical block 8| is centrally formed with a stud 9'! which is concentrically bored and counterbored to form a socket 98. The fixed axle I6 projects into the boss 81 for such distance that its discharge apertures communicate with the cavity 95, and the reduced portion 11 fits within the socket 98 to cause the end of the axle I9 to abut the pad 96. The end plate 89 bears on the outer surface of the axle with a running fit, and it is provided with a shoulder 99 engaging packing members IOI which are pressed between the axle and cavity wall by a coiled spring I02, whose opposite end engages the pad 96. A bearing stud bolt I03 having a threaded extremity, and which is accessible through the opening I4 when the plug 15 is removed, passes through the bushing 18 of the reduced axle section I! for engagement in a companion tapped aperture formed in the stud section 91.

As thus far described, it will be seen that the main casting, comprising the cylindrical portion SI and the boss 81, is rotatably mounted on the fixed axle I6 between the end plate 89 at one side, and the socket 98 on the other which has a running fit over the reduced portion TI. Liquid entering the axle I6 through the bore 69 therefore flows into the cavity 95 through the apertures I9, and thence to the hose 46 through the spigot 92. While the

parts

89, 81, 8I, 9'! and I03 are all fixedly interconnected, and therefore are constrained to rotate together, leakage of liquid from the cavity 95 is precluded by the spring-pressed packing IOI on the one hand, and the substantial sealing of the cavity on the other hand by the engagement of the reduced portion 11 in its socket 98.

The

extension members

82, 83, and 84, in addition to being of such height as to accommodate the inner convolutions of the hose, also provide means for mounting the side plates of the reel on the hub casting. As best shown in Fig. 4, the two side plates, respectively generally designated by the reference numerals III and H2, are of circular form and of appreciably greater diameter than the hub member itself. The inner faces of the side plates are formed with horizontally ex tending short fingers H3 and H4, spaced at intervals of 120, and with inwardly extending long fingers H5 and H6 equally located on the same radius between two of the short pairs. Each of these fingers is drilled and tapped to receive a through bolt H1, and the difference between the lengths of the long and short fingers is such that when the short fingers are abutted against the

members

82, 83, and 84, the long fingers abut each other.

The side plates III and H2 are accordingly mounted on the main spider or hub casting by aligning pairs of short fingers with apertures formed at the apices of the

members

82, 83, and 94, and inserting through bolts I H. The several fingers thereby provide a base member upon which the hose may be coiled. Inasmuch as the member 84 is provided with a flanged guide portion 86 for the hose, it will be apparent that no pair of long fingers is required between the

members

83 and 84, although of course as many pairs of fingers may be employed as conditions suggest.

The end plate H2, shown in side elevation in Fig. 5, is cut away centrally to provide an aperture to clear the cylindrical block 8 I formed on the main casting, and it is also reduced in weight by additional openings H9 formed in the side wall. The other end plate III is of somewhat difierent construction, as it is utilized to carry a spring motor mechanism, thereby making the reel selfretracting when its locking member is in disengaged position.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the outer face of the end plate III is formed with a series of concentrically arranged brackets I2I within which is positioned a circular hoop I22 whose periphery is formed with spaeed'slots I23. A pawl I24, pivotally mounted on the outer face of the plate II I by a screw I25, is adapted to drop into whatever slot I23 that may be aligned therewith, thus securing the hoop I22 against rotation relative to the end plate as long as the pawl is engaged. A spiral spring [26 is positioned within the hoop I22, having its outer end secured thereto by means of a catch I21 mounted in the hoop periphery. The inner end of the spring I26 is connected to the bracket 82, so that, upon rotation of the end plate I II and interconnected portions of the reel, a tension is built up in the spring tending to restore the reel to a neutral or starting position.

The bracket 62 is provided with four equally spaced radial arms I3I slightly spaced from the outer edge of the hoop I22, and secured to the bracket by suitable bolts or screws I32. These arms project just beyond the periphery of the hoop, and thus prevent the spring I26 from slipping sideways out of place. One securing bolt, such as that designated by the reference numeral I32a, projects inwardly toward the center of the hoop I22, to provide an anchoring point for the inner end of the spring I26. As with the end plate I I2, the plate I I I is cut away centrally to provide clearance around the main hub casting, and it is also formed with suitable apertures I33, I34.

After the parts are assembled, the pawl I24 is moved to a disengaging position, and the hoop I22 is then rotated within the brackets I2I to impart as much tension to the spring as may be required to assure the return of the hose to an inactive position, such as that indicated in Fig. 1. When the hose is withdrawn from the reel, the rotative motion causes the coils of the spring to be compacted'and thus placed under a tension, thereby to make the reel self-retracting when the hose (and the locking mechanism) is released.

As previously pointed out, the spring I29 constantly tends to restore the reel and hose to its initial or neutral position, and, therefore, unless a latching member is provided to overcome this tendency, the attendant is constantly subjected to the strain of holding the hose during a dispensing operation. In order to lock the reel in any desired position, there is accordingly provided the positive latching mechanism, best shown in Fig. 6 and Figs. 8 to 11 inclusive.

Referring primarily to Fig. 6, it will be recalled that the main spider or hub casting, including the cylindrical portion 8I, is rotatable with respect to the bracket 62 and the fixed axle 76, as well as the previously referred-to hub piece mounted on the bracket BI through the projection 65 and the screws 66. The hub piece itself, generally desig- 7 nated by the reference numeral "I 4 I, :is :formed with a generally cylindricalhody portion which extendsinto a substantially cylindrical cavity I42 formed in the casting portion ;8 I, .and ,a reduced sect-ion I43 which projects from the cavity throu'gha cover plate I44,.s,ecured to the casting 8| by screws I145. The reduced section in turn is mounted on the bracket BI in the manner previouslvdescribed. The inner end of the hub piece MI is formed with a socket I45 which is mounted over the stud 97 through a roller bearing Ml, thus permitting'the. stud and connected main casting BI to have free rotative movement with respect to the hub piece MI. The latching mechanism proper is contained within the cavity 442, being connected between the hubpiece NH and the walls of the cavityitself.

As viewed 'fromleft to right in Fig. 6, the elements within the cavity I42 comprise a plurality of slightly curved, circumferentially spaced, spring-leaves I 5-I which are held on the inner wall of the cavity by dowel pins I52. The projecting ends of the dowels also support a brake ring I53 consisting of an annulus of cork or other suitable material which may be faced with or mounted on alight metal annulus. The brake member, of course, is provided with uniformly arranged apertures to receive the dowels E52. It will be obvious that the springs I5I constantly thrust the brake ring; I53 to the right, and that these parts are always constrained to rotate with the main casting of the reel.

A circular plate I54, preferably made of brass or other material having a relatively low coefficient of friction, is'positioned against the right hand face of the brake ring I53. This plate is formed with an .arcuate slot I55, to-provide suitable clearance for a pinion "I about to be described, and with a segmental slot I56 spaced from the .arcuate slot, into which extends a radially positioned pin I51, secured :to the hub piece Il. It may be noted here that the plate I54 may rotate with the hub casting 8 I, or it may be relatively stationary with respect thereto, de-

pending upon the conditions as more fully described later. The extent of movement of the plate I54 is limited by the engagement of the pin I57 with the radial walls of the slot I56.

The neXt element to be seen in Fig. 6 is an internal ring gear I58, to which is secured, by rivets g I50, a timing ring I59, which, as shown in Fig. 8, is cut on its inner periphery to provide a suitable number of ratchet teeth IBI. The number herein illustrated is twelve, spaced at regular intervals of thirty degrees, but it is to be understood that the numberof teeth may be varied over wide limits. The right hand surface of the timing ring I59 is formed with a groove or race to receive ball bearings IE2, which, as illustrated, may be retm'ned in a cage ring. As in the case of the plate I54, the ring gear I58 and the timing ring I5Q may rotate with, or have relative movement with respect to, the main spider casting.

The ball bearings I62 bear in, a, companion groove or race formed on the inner surface of a locking ring I 54, secured to the casting portion 8! by set screws I55, and formed on its inner periphery with three equally spaced ratchet teeth ISIS-which face in the same direction as the teeth I BI on the timing ring. This completes the identification of the parts which are annularly mounted within the cavity I42. Cooperating elements are mounted on the hub piece MI.

. .';Ih e hub piece I M :is formed Withan. upstande I ingsegmental .boss I68 lying. .within the aperturesof the rings I59 and 164, and formed with aabore at one side constituting a bearing for a pinionshaft IE9. The left hand or inner end of the shaft I 69 has keyed thereto the pinion I'll which partially enters the arcuate slot I on the brass rin I54, and which also meshes with the teeth of the internal ring gear I58. The opp'osite corner of the .boss I68 receives a pin I12 to which is 'pivotally connected a pawl I13, adapted :to. engage. the teeth I6I on th timing ring I59, and normally urged into engaging position by a sprin I74, interposed between the pawl and the adjacent surface of the hub piece .MI. The opposite end of the shaft I 69 is formed with an, eccentric I-lfi, over which is fitted a strap portion I'I'I of a-pitman I18.

The hub piece MI is formed with a second boss IBI, underlying the locking ring I64, which is bored to receive a pin I82 pivotally supporting axpawl I83 adapted .to engage the teeth I66 of the locking ring. The pawl is provided with a projecting, pin I84 which fits into a slot I85 formed on theopposite end of the pitman I18; The pawl I83 is normally urged into engaging position by a coiled spring 186, similar to the spring I74. Inasmuch as there must be relative movement between the pawl i583 and the locking ring I154 during unreeling actionthe locking Iillg beingpinned to the rotatable reel portions and the hub piece MI being fixed-the outer end of the .pitman I 78. is slotted, thereby to permit the oscillating movement of the pawl I83 while the pitman IE8 is relatively fixed.

It will be :appreciated that, whenever there is relative rotation between the ring gear I58 and the pinion III, to cause rotation of the pinion together with shaft I 69 and eccentric I'IS, then the pitman I78 will also travel back and forth to pull the .paWl I83 inwardly, or away from the teeth I55, or to release the slot I85 from the pin -I 84,:so that the pawl may return to engaging position. This motion, which provides for either positive engagement or. disengagement, is utilized to lock or to. release the reel, the control over the action being effected through the other parts contained in' the cavity I42. With the nature and organization of the several elements in mind, the-action may best be described by reference to Figs. 8, 9, :10, ,and 11, which illustrate relative positions occurring during a cycle of operation. In these figures, the direction of rotation for an'unreeling movement of the hose is counterclockwise, while the retrograde or rewinding motion-is accordingly clockwise. In Fig. 8, the pawl -I-83-is shown as engaging a tooth I on the locking-ring 484, and, inasmuch as the locking ring I64 is connected to the rotary. portions of the reel, while the pawl is connected to the stationary fhub piece Ml, it is apparent that with the parts ;in this position, no retrograde or clockwise rotation is possible. The pawl I33 positively holds the rotarymembers from movement in'tthisdirection. On the other hand, the reel maybe rotated in the unwinding or counterclockwise direction, as in this event the pawl I83 will simply oscillate about the pin I82 and click over the cam surfaces I660: of the teeth. "When inthis conditiomthe hose may be released from tension without being retracted.

Assuming the parts are in the positions as shown in Fig, 8, and that a suitable portion of the hose-T45 has been withdrawn, consideration will. be given; to. the effect of further withdrawins the ,hnse..- As. the reel rotates. in the direction 9 of the arrow, as shown in Fig. 9, the brake band I53, pressed by the springs II, presses against the brass plate I54 and therefore exerts a thrust against the ring gear I58 and timing ring I59. As the interconnected gear and ring I59 are thrust against the locking ring I64 through the bearings I62, the frictional engagement through the brake band causes the plate I54, ring gear I58, and timin ring I59 to rotate with the brake and main hub casting. Such rotation, of course, enforces the rotation of the pinion I1I on its own axis, and thereby the rotation of the shaft I69 and the eccentric I16.

This rotary motion causes the pitman I 18 to move upward and inwardly with respect to the pins I 82 and I84, thereby to pull the pawl I83 into a position where it will not engage the teeth I66 on the locking ring. The reel is thus unlocked, so that it may now rotate clockwise to rewind the hose, as well as counterclockwise. Obviously, if the brake band I53 continued to cause rotation of the pinion I1I, then the continued rotation of the reel would restore the pawl I83 to its locking position, and it would be a matter of som uncertainty to determine whether the parts were locked or unlocked.

' Accordingly, the plate I54 is provided with the segmental slot I56, subtending an arc of-thirty degrees to conform to the spacing of the teeth IS! on the timing ring I59, in which is located the fixed pin I51 on the hub piece I4I. After a limited rotation, therefore, the upper side of the slot strikes the pin I51, and, because it can move no farther, the plate' I54 is brought to a stop, and simply slides over the brake band I53, which then functions in the manner of a Slipping clutch. At the same time, the ring gear I58 and timing ring I58, which had been rotating with the plate I54, also come to a stop, the plate I54 acting as a brake surface for these last mentioned elements, while the ball bearings I62 relieve any tendency for rotation with the locking ring I64. During the same interval of movement, the rotation of the timing ring I59 causes it to advance one tooths distance, thus permitting the timing pawl I13 to engage the next tooth, and maintain the correct relative positions of the ring I59 and the plate I54 for successive motions. Stated otherwise, upon an initial rotary movement in an unwinding direction, the rotation of the ring gear I58 causes a rotation of the pinion I1I, thereby to move the pitman I18 and locking pawl I83 into a disengaged or unlocked position. After this action has taken place, the stop comprising the pin I51 and the upper wall of the slot I56 becomes effective, thus imposing a positive brake upon further rotation of the plate, ring gear and pinion, which positive brake overcomes the action of the friction clutch or brake I53, in itself responsible for the, initial rotary motion.

I As long as the reel continues to rotate in a counterclockwise 0r unwinding direction, no further changes take place with respect to the relative positions of the latching mechanism. When the tension on the hose is released, however, the spring I26, now under considerable tension, will cause the reel to rotate in a clockwise direction, thereby restoring the hose. When this action occurs, the pressure of the brake band I53 on the plate I 54 causes the plate to rotate in a clockwise direction, to restore the slot I56 to the position shown in Fig. 8, which position is also shown in Fig. 10. However, the timing pawl I13, which is mounted on the stationary I59 to prevent rotation of the ring, and therefore rotation of the ring gear I58. The locking action of the pawl I13 is positive, and the plate I54 therefore slides back to its former position, being carried by the clutch disc I53. The retrograde movement therefore does not impart any motion to the pinion I1! and the pitman I18, and accordingly the locking pawl I83 remains in its disengaged position.

The main spider casting and attached end plates may therefore continue to rotate in a clockwise direction as much as may be desired or occasioned by the spring I26, thus restoring the hose 46 to its initial position. The speed of rotation may be as much as the tension of the spring I26 dictates, or it may be made less by imparting a slight pull on the free end of the hose, but the disengagement of the locking pawl will continue as long as the direction of rotation is retrograde, and this condition is independent of the speed.

7 When the hose is again pulled out, or the reel is again rotated in a counterclockwise direction,

the locking pawl I83 is positively returned to its engaging position. This is illustrated in Fig. 11.

ner previously described. If the hose 46 should now be released, retrograde rotation can occur only through so much of the are between the teeth I66 as will cause the adjacent tooth to engage the pawl l83, the reel thereupon being locked against further clockwise rotation. As shown in Fig. 11, a clockwise movement of about thirty degrees can occur before the locking pawl strikes a tooth I65, during which motion the plate I54 will also rotate, thus moving the parts as shown in Fig. 11 to the position shown in Fig. 8.

It will thus be seen that each unwinding movement of the reel, following a period of rest when the hose is relieved of tension, automatically conditions the reel for looking or unlocking with respect to rewinding rotation. Unwinding rotation is possible at all times. When the reel is in use, the hose may be pulled out for whatever length is desired, and the attendant then need only to release the tension. If he should find that the reel does not lock after a few inches have been recoiled, then he has only to tug again, and this next action of course will cause the pawl I83 to move to locking position. After the dispensing operation is completed, the attendant merely tugs on the hose inan unwinding direction, thereby to disengage the latch I83, and he may then let the hose run back into the cabinet as much as he desires. Any length of hose may be allowed to remain out of the cabinet, as it is only necessary to impart a further slight tug to restore the pawl I33 to its locking position.

Inasmuch as the reel is constantly conditioned to rotate in one direction, the hose can not be locked in the cabinet against withdrawal. Similarly, since the mechanism causes some slight retrograde movement to shift the plate I54 with respect to the ring gear I58, it will be apparent 11 that the pawl 183 cannot be thrown to engaging position with the hose completely extended, there always remaining a slight amount of play in order to effect the necessary motion to efiect unlocking. The teeth on the timing gear, it will be noted, are a whole multiple of the teeth on the locking ring, and the actual number of teeth illustrated have been found suited for reels used in service station equipment.

Obviously, the specific mechanism illustrated may be modified in many respects without departure from the principles of the invention, and therefore it is intended that the foregoing description of one embodiment shall be taken as exemplary, and not as limiting the scope of the invention. It will. also be apparent that while the reel of the present invention has been described with reference to apparatus for dispensing gasoline, the reel may be utilized for many other purposes.

It is therefore desired thatthe invention should be measured by the following claims, in which are set forth the various parts and combinations of which-the foregoing description is explanatory.

I claim l. A reel having a rotatable hub and a relatively fixed axle,.a ratchet member having teeth and a pawl interconnected between the hub and axle, a movable link. connected to the pawl and adapted when actuatedto move the pawl successivelyinto-positions of engagement and disengagement with saidteeth, gearing interconnected between the hub and axle and to said link for operating said link andthereby said pawl as said hub is rotated-with respect tosaid axle in one direction and means interconnected between the hub and axle to forestall the operation of the gearing when said hub is rotated in the other direction.

2. A reel-having a rotatable hub and a relatively fixed axle, a ratchet member having teeth and a pawl interconnected between the hub and the axle, a movable linkconnected to the pawl and adapted whenactuated to-movethe pawl successively. into positions-of engagement and disengagement with said teeth, a clutch member frictionally connected to the link and adapted upon limited rotation of the hub in one direction to-actuate said'link and-thereby said pawl, a stop for overcoming said frictional connection after said hub hasibeen rotated a limited distance, and a-positively engaging member kinematically interconnected between the hub and'axle and to said link for overcoming said frictional connection when said hub rotatesin the other direction.

3.--A. reel having, a rotatable hub and a relatively'fixed. axle; a ratchet mechanism having teeth. and a pawlinterconnected between the hub and axle, a movable link connected to the pawl and adapted when actuated to move the pawl successively into positions of engagement and disengagement with said teeth, intermeshing gears respectively carried by the hub and axle and connected to said link, whereby upon rotation of the hubsaid gears are operated to actuate the linkand thereby move' the pawl, a friction membersinterposed'betweenthe gears and the hub for driving the gears when said hub is rotated, and a positive stop member connected between the huband axle andtosaid gears to overcome the force of the friction member. when said hub isrotatedlin. one direction whereby actuation of the link occurs only upon movement of the hub in the opposite direction.

4'. A reel having. a rotatable hub formed with.

a-cavity a-zfriction clutch mounted in said cavity for rotation with the hub, an axle member for the hub, said axle member having a part positioned in saidcavity, a ratchet member having teeth and a. pawl mounted-in said cavity and between said hub and axle member, a linkconnected tothe pawl and a gear connected to the link, a second gearmeshing with the first named gear, a frictional connection between said clutch andone of said gears, whereby upon rotation of the hub said.clutch..imparts driving force to said gears, and a positive brake member mounted between said hub and said axle member for overcoming the force. of. theclutch when said but: is rotated in one directiononly.

5. A. reel having a. rotatable hub member formedwith acavity; arelatively stationary hub piece havingapart mountedin said cavity, a ratchet having teeth and a movable pawl disposed insaidcavity and interconnected between the hub member and. hub piece, aelink connected to the pawl, a-friction clutch mounted inthe cavity, a pinion gear and a ring.gearrespectively carried by the hubpiece-and hub member, one-of said gears being-connected'toithe pawl and the other of said gears being frictionallyengaged by the clutch, whereby uponrotation of. the. hub member a driving force is impartedto said-pawl, and a second. ratchet mounted in said-cavity having teeth anda pawl interconnected-betweenthe hub member and hubpiece, andfito saidring gear to prevent rotationof the latter and thereby overcome said friction clutch whensaid hub member is rotated in one direction.

6; Areel having arotatableihub member and a relatively stationary hub piecea pawl carried by the hub pieceand a ratchet tooth member carried bythe hub member, a pitman-mounted on the. hub-piece and. connected to the pawl at one end, apinion connectedto the pitman at its other end, a ring gear carried by the hub member and meshing. with the pinion, clutch means carried by the hub member. andnormally engaging the ring gear, wherebyuponrotationof the hub'member said pawl is moved withrespect .to the ratchet tooth member, and. anoverrunning clutch mem ber interposed between the hub member and the hub piece for overcoming the force ofv said first named clutch means whensaidhub is rotated in one direction.

7. A reel having a. rotatable hub member and a relatively fixed hub piece,.a friction clutch carried by the member, a ring gear carried by the member and. frictionally engagedby .said clutch,

apinion carriedby the hub piece and meshing with the gear, a pitman eccentrically connected to'the piniomaratchet-tooth member carried by the hub memberandwa cooperating pawl connected to. the pitman, and an: overrunning positive clutch interposed between the hub'member' and hubpiece and having one of its parts connected tothe ring. gear.

8. A. reel having a rotatable hub member and a relatively fixed hub piece, a stop ratchet having atooth member and a pawl.- interconnected between the hubmember and-hub piece, afriction clutch carried by the hub member, a ring gear mounted on the-hub member and engaged bythe friction clutch, a pinioncarried by the hub piece and meshing with the. gear, a pitman eccentrical- 1y connected to thepinion andto the pawl of the stop ratchet, a limit stop member. associated with the friction clutch torestrict the. movement ofthe ring. gear when the hub member is rotated,

and an overrunningclutch member disposed be tween the hub member and the hub piece and connected to the ring gear to prevent rotation of the ring gear by the friction clutch in one direction.

9. A reel having a rotatable hub member and a relatively fixed hub piece, a spring pressed friction clutch carried by the hub member, a slotted plate disposed adjacent the clutch and engaged thereby, a stop pin on the hub piece engaging the plate and limiting the movement thereof, a ring gear mounted on the hub member and engaged by the plate, a stop ratchet comprising teeth connected to the hub member and a cooperating pawl connected to the hub piece, a pinion mounted on the hub piece and meshing with the ring gear, a connection between theipinion and the pawl to move said pawl with respect to said teeth upon rotation of the hub member, friction clutch, and plate, and an overrunning clutch interposed between the hub member and hub piece and connected to the ring gear to prevent operation of the pawl through said pinionwhen the hub is rotated in one direction.

10. A reel having a rotatable hub member formed with an annular cavity, a friction clutch, slotted plate, ring gear and timing ratchet ring mounted in said cavity, a fixed connection between the gear and ratchet ring, a stop ratchet ring annularly mounted in said cavity in nonfrictional engagement with the timing ratchet ring, a hub piece extending into said cavity, pawls carried by said hub piece adapted to engage the teeth of the timing and stop ratchet rings, a pinion meshing with the ring gear and rotatably mounted on the hub piece, a link eccentrically connected at one end to the pinion and at the other end to the pawl of the stop ratchet ring, and a stop pin on the hub piece extending into the slot of said plate.

11. A reel having a rotatable hub member and a relatively fixed axle member, a toothed ratchet ring connected to the hub member, a cooperating pawl pivotally connected to the axle member, a link mounted on the axle member and having a pin and slot connection with said pawl, whereby said pawl may oscillate upon relative rotation of the ring while said link remains relatively stationary, a clutch member carried by said hub member and operatively connected to said link thereby to shift the link and the pawl upon rotation of the hub member in one direction, and an overrunning constantly engaged second clutch for overcoming the force of the first named clutch when said hub member is rotated in the other direction.

12. A reel having a rotatable hub member and a relatively fixed axle member, a pair of ratchet tooth rings carried by the hub member, cooperating pawls mounted on the axle member, means for urging the pawl on one of said rings into constant engagement with the teeth thereof, means operative upon rotation of the hub member in one direction for intermittently and sequentially shifting the other of said pawls into engaging and disengaging position with the teeth of the other of said rings, whereby upon rotation of the hub member in said one direction said hub member is conditioned for rotation or non-rotation in the opposite direction, the teeth of said constantly engaged ratchet ring being a whole multiple of the teeth of the other ratchet ring.

13. A reel having a rotatable hub member and a relatively fixed hub piece, said hub member being formed with an annular cavity and an axially positioned stud projecting into said cavity,

I with respect to the boss, a pawl mounted on the said relatively fixed hub piece being formed with a socket concentrically positioned over said stud,-

a bearing interposed between the stud and socket, a boss on the hub piece and extending radially with respect to said cavity,. a pinion shaft mounted in the boss, a stop ratchet ring mounted in the cavity and annularly positioned hub piece adapted to engage the teeth of the ratchet ring, a link connected between the shaft and the pawl, a pinion mounted on the opposite end of the shaft, and means interposed between the boss and the walls of the cavity for inter-,-

mittently rotating the pinion in one direction upon rotation of the hub member, thereby to shift said pawl into alternate positions of engagement and disengagement with the teeth of the ratchet ring.

14. A reel having a rotatablehub member and a relatively fixed hub piece, said rotatable hub member being formed with a cavity into which. said hub piece extends; means in said cavityfor alternately securing the rotatable hub member against rotation in one direction and for rotation in such direction, a stud concentrically located on the rotatable hub member, a socket formed in the hub piece having bearing engagement with the stud, a socket formed in said stud concentric with the first named socket, and a hollow shaft extending into said second socket.

15. A reel comprising a main spider member including a substantially cylindrical portion and an axially located hollow boss portion, a cavity formed in said cylindrical portion and extending to one side thereof, a stud formed on said cylindrical portion projecting axially into the cavity, a hub piece formed with a socket extending into said cavity and having bearing engagement with the stud, means mounted between the hub piece and the walls of the cavity for releasably locking the main spider member against rotation in one direction, a second socket formed in the stud, an axial bore formed in said hollow boss portion, a fluid outlet formed on the hollow boss portion, a relatively fixed tubular axle extending into the hollow boss portion, said axle having an inner end having bearing engagement with the second socket, apertures formed in said axle to provide fluid communication from the exterior thereof to said fluid outlet, and packing means interposed between the bore of said hollow boss and said tubular axle.

16. A reel comprising a main spider member including a substantially cylindrical portion and an axially located hollow boss portion, an axle member extending into said hollow boss portion axially of the cylindrical portion, said axle being tubular to admit fluid to said hollow boss portion, a spigot formed on said boss and turned axially of the spider member to direct its discharge end toward said cylindrical portion of said spider member, radially located flanges on said cylindrical portion at substantially the central plane of said spider member, and side plates extending radially outwardly of the spider member connected to said flanges, the discharge end of said spigot being disposed in the plane of said radially located flanges.

17. A reel having a main spider portion, relatively fixed axle members extending into the spider portion from opposite sides thereof and providing bearing means for said spider portion, one of said axle members being tubular, a spigot formed on the spider member in fluid communiemerge cation-witksaid tubular axle, sa i'd -spigothavirig anoutlet' end diposed circumferentidlly 'of the spider',-e'qua11y spaced radi'al flanges onthe spider", one of said fianges being circumferentiaily elongated and formed lwith a c'urved outer surface contiguouswith the end of said spigot; side plates mounted on said fianges in spacedreldtiomand a springmotor'c'arri'ed by one of the side: plates.

18. A reel having a main spider-formed with radially extending flanges; a. pair of side plates htving; inwardly directed fingers abutting s'ai'ci fldnges ,'bo1ts vpassing; through iihe -"fingers 'andfid-nges to mount said sid'e plates; a plurality ofcircmnferentially spaced brackets formed on the outer face-of one of the side p1ates;a-ho015'sup'- ported by said brackets; saidhoop being formed with a; p1ura1ity"0fperipheralslets, apawl mounted on said one plate and adapted to enter one of the slots, a-"coiled s'pring mounted insidethe-.hoop and having one hoop,- andnreiatively stationary means having a; part entering the-spider androtatably supportendconnected to their'ig"tiie sanre adieieenii "the outer surface of said one plate; said'statibnary means being provided witlr'a memberto-engage't'he opposite end of the spring and with means retaining said spring in thehoop.

ARTHUR Bi S TE'UAR'JI REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Number I Name Date 1-,795j05'8 Townsend Mar. 3, 1931 I 2',094*,182 Nash Sept. 28, 1937 2,375,917 Gross May 15, 1945 2,3911840' Mell'et-ti Dec. 25, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date Great Britain Mar. 4, 1938