US3703980A

US3703980A - Tension brake assembly for stringing conductors

Info

Publication number: US3703980A
Application number: US63105A
Authority: US
Inventors: William L Bright
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Western Power Products Inc
Priority date: 1970-08-12
Filing date: 1970-08-12
Publication date: 1972-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 1989-11-28

Abstract

A brake assembly employing a plurality of upper and lower friction sheaves having edge aligned overlapping relationship for frictionally gripping a conductor therebetween. A fair-lead housing is mounted on the infeed end of the brake assembly and employs a horizontal axis guide roller with which the conductor is in engagement forward of the infeed end for feeding to the brake assembly. The guide roller is supported for a combined vertical and longitudinal adjustment relative to the infeed end of the brake assembly for varying the angle at which the conductor engages the first friction sheave in the brake means. Such roller is supported on a hinged carrier capable of being swung outwardly, whereby to displace the roller from the housing for the purpose of laying a conductor flatwise into the fair-lead housing for subsequent engagement with the brake means. The fairlead housing also has at least one pair of upright rollers providing longitudinal guiding of the conductor through the fairlead housing, and a top opening is provided in the housing between these rollers so that a conductor can be laid flatwise in the housing. Hinged plate means engage the upper end of the upright guide rollers in one position thereof to connect them to the fair-lead housing and in another position to be out of the plane of the top opening. The fair-lead housing and other conductor engaging means therein are formed of electrically conductive material and are arranged to be connected to a ground line for electrically grounding the conductor.

Description

United States Patent Bright 1 TENSION BRAKE ASSEIWBLY FOR STRING ING CONDUCTORS Inventor: William L. Bright, 0605 SW. Curry Street, Portland, Oreg.

Filed: Aug. 12, 1970 Appl. No.: 63,105

US. Cl. ..226/90, 226/199, 226/ 195 Int. Cl. ..B65h 59/06 Field of Search ....242/l54; 254/1343; 226/176,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11/1969 Landsem ..242/154 1/1964 Landsern..; ..242/154 Primary Examiner-Allen N. Knowles Attorney-Eugene M. Eckelman [57] ABSTRACT therebetween. A fair-lead housing is mounted on the infeed end i of the brake assembly and employs a horizontal axis guide roller with which the conductor is in engagement forward of the infeed end for feeding to the brake assembly. The guide roller is supported for a combined vertical and longitudinal adjustment relative to the infeed end of the brake assembly for varying the angle at which the conductor engages the first friction sheave in the brake means. Such roller is supported on a hinged carrier capable of being swung outwardly, whereby to displace the roller from the housing for the purpose of laying a conductor flatwise into the fair-lead housing for subsequent engagement with the brake means. The fair-lead housing also has at least one pair of upright rollers providing longitudinal guiding of the conductor'through the fair-lead housing, and a top opening is provided in the housing between these rollers so that a conductor can be laid flatwise in the housing. Hinged plate means engage the upper end of the upright guide rollers in one position thereof to connect them to the fair-lead housing and in another position to be out of the plane of the top opening. The fair-lead housing and other conductor engaging means therein are formed of electrically conductive material and are arranged to be connected to a ground line for electrically grounding the conductor.

10 ClainsJDrawing Figures 0 is e 26 14 ALLA PATENTEDHHVZB 1912 W 2 BF 2 3.703.980

FIG. 2

TOR.

WILLIAMI L. BRIGHT p//////////l//"/////////r n.

ATTY.

TENSION BRAKE ASSEMBLY FOR STRINGING CONDUCTORS This invention relates to new and useful improvements in tension brake assemblies for stringing conductors.

According to the present invention and forming a primary objective thereof, a tension brake assembly for stringing conductors is provided having a novel combination of brake means and fair-lead for feeding the conductor into the brake means.

A more particular object of the present invention is to provide a fair-lead housing for a brake assembly of the type described wherein the fair-lead comprises a housing having a horizontal axis guide roller arranged for adjustment capable of varying the input angle of the conductor into the brake means, and furthermore to provide structure in combination with such guide roller wherein the latter is .adapted to be swung'out of the housing, thus providing a fair-lead construction adapted to receive a conductor flatwise thereinto in initial installed position. g

A further object is to provide in a structure of the type described additional guide means in the form of upright rollers for providing longitudinal guiding for the conductor, the housing for the rollers having a top opening between said rollers for receiving the conduc tor flatwise in its initial installation.

Still another object is to provide a tension brake assembly for stringing conductors of the type described which is adapted to serve as an electrical ground connection between the conductor and ground.

The invention will be better understood and additional objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompany drawings which illustrate a preferred form of the device.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a vehicle showing the present brake assembly mounted thereon; I

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the brake assembly enlarged relative to FIG. 1 and having parts thereof broken away;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 77 of FIG. 2.

Referring now in particular to the drawings, the tension brake assembly of the invention comprises generally a braking portion 10 and a fair-lead portion 12. These portions are supported on a base 14 adapted to be supported on the bed of a vehicle or the like at its front end by an integral foot member 16, FIGS. 1 and 2, and at its rearward end by a depending leg 18 pivotally connected to a bracket 20. Bracket 20 is adapted to be secured to the vehicle by a single rear stud 22 which allows the bracket to pivot in a lateral direction. By means of the pivotal connection of the bracket to the vehicle and the pivotal connection of the base 14 to the bracket, the device can pivot to any position required when it is operating in conductor reeling or holding functions. Bracket 20 has an angled front foot 24 which assists in the support of the base 14.

Base 14 supports a plurality of friction sheaves 26 along one side thereof in longitudinal edge alignment, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, these sheaves are mounted on cross shafts 28 journaled in bearings 30 secured to the base 14. Sheaves 26 are keyed or otherwise secured to the shafts 28 for rotation therewith. Although not illustrated in detail herein, one or more of the shafts 28 has brake means 32 of any conventional construction associated therewith to control rotation of the bottom sheaves.

Supported on the base 14 is a carrier frame 34 which similar to said base, FIG. 4, may comprise a U-shaped member, but inverted. Carrier frame 34 is pivotally supported on the base 14 by upstanding links 36. These links are pivotally connected at their opposite ends to the base and to the carrier frame by pivot pins 38, FIGS. 2 and 4, and hold the carrier frame in upwardly spaced, parallel relation to the base. Since the carrier frame is supported on upstanding pivoted links, it will travel in an arcuate path when moved longitudinally. This carrier frame supports a plurality of friction sheaves 40 on cross shafts 42, FIG. 2, journaled in suitable bearings not shown. Friction sheaves 40 are disposed in vertical edge alignment with the sheaves 26 and upon pivoted movement of the carrier 34 on its links 36, such friction sheaves are arranged to be moved into longitudinally offset position relative to the sheaves 26 to crimp a conductor C supported on the sheaves as shown in FIG. 2.

Friction sheaves

26 and 40 have peripheral edge grooves 44, FIGS. 2 and 3, and this groove portion of the sheaves is lined or otherwise provided with a friction surface, such as rubber, so that when a conductor C or the like is supported on sheaves 26, as shown in FIG. 2, a frictional grip can be obtained on the conductor by lowering the carrier 34 sufficiently to crimp the conductor between the upper and lower sheaves. This crimped condition of the conductor provides a controlled movement of the latter through the apparatus. That is, the carrier 34 is lowered to a position to provide a non-sliding frictional engagement of the sheaves with the conductor reeved therethrough, and by selectively applying the brake means 32 to the sheaves 26 the conductor can be anchored in a set position or allowed to move axially at a selected speed. The overlapping of the upper sheaves relative to the lower sheaves to obtain the necessary friction connection with the conductor is determined by the diameter and flexibility of conductor associated therewith. That is, a large conductor does not need as much crimping as a small one to provide non-sliding engagement with the opposed sheaves and thus the overlapping relationship of the upper and lower sheaves is less.

Longitudinal positioning of the carrier 34 is accomplished by a drive screw 46 having a crank handle 48. The screw 46 has threaded engagement in a nut 50, FIG. 2, pivotally attached to the carrier frame 34 by stub shafts 52 supported in the carrier. The lower end of the screw- 46 passes freely through a block 54 pivotally supported on the base 14 by cross shaft 56. Collars 58 are secured to the screw on opposite sides of the block 54 to provide an anchored connection to the base. Upon rotation of the screw, the carrier is adjusted longitudinally in its arcuate movement for the desired positioning.

The fair-lead 12 is provided at the infeed end of the present device for guiding the conductor C into the infeed area or opening between the

sheaves

26 and 40. In addition to providing a selected positioning of the conductor with relation to the infeed end of the brake assembly, the fair-lead 12 is designed to provide easy insertion of an end of the conductor in the fair-lead for subsequent axial movement into the brake assembly.

To accomplish the intended purpose, the fair-lead comprises an L-shaped frame 60, FIG. 4, secured to the base 14 as by bolts 62. Upright hollow

rectangular frames

64 and 66, FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, are secured as by welding to opposite ends of the main fair-lead frame 60. Each of these frames has a longitudinally extending opening 68, FIGS. 3 and 7, in its top wall. Rotatably supported in eachof the

frames

64 and 66 is a pair of laterally spaced, uprightguide rollers 70, FIGS. 6 and 7. These rollers are disposed on opposite sides of the openings 68 and have end stub shaft portions 72 with journaled engagement in upper and lower portions of the

respective frames

64 and 66. Rollers 70 from a slot therebetween and to guide a conductor longitudinally through the fair lead means for movement endwise into the brake assembly 12.

Since the

frames

64 and 66 have top openings 68 it is desired that reinforcements be provided against severe lateral strain which may be caused if the conductor is fed in from a wide side angle, and for this purpose lateral ties in the form of plates 74, FIGS. 3 and 7, have a hinged connection 76 with the fair-lead frame 60 and have apertures 78 arranged freely to receive upstanding shaft ends 72 of the rollers 70. By means of such construction, a conductorcan be initially moved down flatwise in the fair-lead through the openings 68 by first opening the plates 70 to the phantom line positions of FIGS. 4 and 7. After the conductor has been installed, the plates are lowered to provide for top lateral reinforcement of the frames 66.

The end frame 64 supports a horizontal cross roller 80 best shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6. This roller is carried on end stub shafts 82 journaled in the side walls of frame member 64. The roller 80 is supported adjacent the bottom of frame 64 as seen in FIG. 2, and serves to hold the conductor from engagement with bottom frame portions of the fair-lead.

Conductor guiding means in the fairJead portion also comprises a horizontal axis roller 84, FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, which serves principally as a vertical guide for the conductor through the fair-lead. Such roller is adjustable vertically to also serve to control the angle at which the conductor is fed to the first sheave 26. Further yet roller 84 is associated with structure which allows it to be swung laterally out of the fair-lead housing so that the conductor can be laid flatwise in the fair lead housing from the top in an initial installation as mentioned. To accomplish the above purposes, the roller 84 is supported on'a transverse shaft 86, FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, mounted at its opposite ends in an inverted U.- shaped carrier 88 the outer leg of which has an integral internally threaded eye 90 threadedly supported on an elongated tilted adjusting screw 92 extending longitudinally of the assembly. Screw 92 has rotatable support at its opposite ends in ear members 94 secured to the opposite end frames 64, 66. In a preferred construction,'the cars 94 have a bolted connection 96, FIGS. 3- 6, with small plates 98 welded or otherwise secured to the respective end frames 64 and 66. Such bolted connection of ears 94 to plates 98 provides for installation of the screw 92 or removal if necessary. Screw 92 carries a pair of integral heads 100 spaced inwardly from the journaled ends of the screw, and such heads are shaped for engagement by a wrench or the like for tuming the screw. I

The U-shaped carrier 88 being supported solely on the. screw 92 can be swung outwardly to the phantom line position of FIG. 4 whereby the roller 84 will be substantially removed from the housing for insertion of a line into the fair-lead structure from the top. Carrier 88 is latched in its u'pright use position by a laterally extending latch finger 102 pivotally connected to the upper wall of the carrier 88 by a pivot bolt 103. Secured integrally to the latch finger 102 and at right angles thereto is a handle 104 which is adapted to be grasped by the operator to pivot the latch finger 102. In one pivoted position .of the latch finger, one end thereof is arranged to move under a longitudinally extending latch bar 106 secured integrally to the main frame of the fair-lead structure at an inclined angle similar to screw 92. In the locked position of the latch finger 102, wherein it is hooked under the latch bar 106, the carrier 88 for the roller 84 is held in its operative position wherein a conductor C is guided into the brake assembly by the roller 84. When the latch finger 102 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, namely to the phantom line position of FIG. 3, the said finger is disengaged from latch bar 106 and the carrier 88 is thus free to swing to its phantom lineposition shown in FIG. 4.

As best viewed in FIG. 4, the outer end 107 of latch finger 102 terminates substantially flush with the outer side of the carrier 88 and a spring plate 108 is secured to the outer side of said carrier to bear frictionally against the end 107 of finger 102. To move the latch finger to its open position, it must be forcefully pivoted comerwise past the spring plate 108, the latter thus insuring positioning of the latch finger in its closed position. A stop pin 109 is secured to the top of carrier 88, FIG. 3, and projects into the path of the latch finger 102 in a selective arrangement such that the latter engages the pin when fully closed to prevent accidental movement of said finger beyond its closed position. The position of the stop pin is such that it will also be engaged by the latch finger in the open position of the latter.

In the operation of the present device, it may be mounted on the bed of a vehicle 1 14 or any other suitable support. For this purpose, attaching bolt 22 is secured to the vehicle and as stated hereinbefore allows pivotal movement of the bracket 20 laterally so that the device is capable of aligning itself with the paying out direction of the conductor. The base 14 can pivot up or down on its bracket and further align itself to the paying out direction of the conductor. FIG. 1 illustrates one use of the present invention, comprising a braking control for conductors being strung on poles as it is fed from a supply roll 116 on the vehicle. As the device is set up, the ground 112 is established andthe connection made to the frame. To initially install the free end of a line from the supply roll 116, the latch finger 102 is disengaged from the latch bar 106 by suitable rotation thereof and the roller 84 then swung with itscarrier 88 to an outer position. The top plates 74 are swung upwardly on their hinges 76 to the phantom line position of FIGS. 4 and 7. The free end of the conductor can then be laid flatwise into the fair-lead structure from the top whereupon it can be fed into the first sheave 26 and through the brake assembly. The top carrier frame 34 is backed off an amount to permit the line to be threaded freely through the

sheaves

26 and 40, and after-such threading has been accomplished the parts can be set for operation, namely, the top plates 74 of the fair-lead structure closed and the roller 84 and its carrier swung inwardly. Roller 84 engages the line as it is swung inwardly and upon sufficient manual pressure on the handle 104 both downward and rotatably the latch finger 102 can be moved under the latch bar 106. The crimp position of the top carrier frame 34 and the roller 84 is set according to the size and type of line, it being desired that the crimping be such that the conductor will be frictionally set against axial movement and will not move if the brakes on the bottom sheaves are set. Thereupon, the conductor can be unreeled under control of the brakes 32.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herein shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A tension brake assembly for stringing conductors comprising,

a. a base,

b. control means on said base having an infeed end for receiving a conductor in axial movement and for controlling such axial movement,

c. a fair-lead housing on said base forward of said infeed end,

. and guide means in said fair-lead housing for controlling the axial line of feed of a conductor into said infeed end,

. said guide means being movably supported in said housing between two positions one of which comprises a guiding position for controlling the axial line of feed of the conductor in the infeed and the other of which comprises an out of way position allowing a conductor to be moved into said housing through the top of the latter in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the conductor.

. The tension brake assembly of claim 1 wherein said guide means comprises a roller mounted in said housing on a lateral axis and arranged such that a conductor in engagement therewith extends angularly from said roller into said infeed end,

. said guide means including support means for said roller arranged to adjust the latter in a direction toward and away from said inlet end as well as in a direction perpendicular thereto,

c. said support means being pivotally attached to said housing and arranged to allow said roller to be moved between its tow positions.

3. The tension brake assembly of claim 2 wherein a. the lateral axis of said roller is substantially horizontal, 7

b. and means defining an upright guide slot in said housing between said control means and said guide means to provide lateral guidance for a conductor.

4. The tension brake assembly of claim 2 including a. a pair of parallel spaced upright rollers in said housing between said control means and said guide means forming a top opening guide slot therebetween to provide lateral guidance for a conductor,

b. and a connector for said rollers at the upper end thereof to hold the latter in spaced relation,

0. said connector being movable between two position one of which comprises a connecting position between said rollers and the other of which comprises an out of the way position allowing a conductor to be moved down into said slot from the top.

5. The structure of claim 1 wherein a. said control means at the inlet end comprises a first frictional wheel arranged to receive a conductor in surface engagement,

said control means also comprising a second friction wheel disposed in longitudinally offset, overlapping relation with the said first frictional wheel for crimping a conductor over the latter wheel to frictionally grip the conductor,

. said guide means being adjustable radially relative to said first friction wheel for positioning it in a similar crimping position to said first friction wheel and said second friction wheel.

. The tension brake assembly of claim 1 wherein said guide means is mounted in said housing on a longitudinally extending support member,

. said guide means being pivotally mounted on said support member for movement between said two positions and also being adjustable longitudinally on said support member for positioning it at different distances from said infeed end.

7. The tension brake assembly of claim 6 wherein said support member comprises a screw and the pivotal connection of said guide means to said support member comprises a threaded connection whereby upon adjustable rotation of said screw, said guide means is adjusted longitudinally relative to said infeed end.

8. A tension brake assembly for stringing conductors comprising a. a base,

b. control means on said base having an infeed end for receiving a conductor in axial movement and for controlling said axial movement,

c. a longitudinally extending support member on said base forward of said infeed end,

d. and guide means on said support member for controlling the axial line of feed of a conductor into said infeed end,

e. said guide means being adjustable longitudinally on said support member for positioning it at different distances from said infeed end.

9. The tension brake assembly of claim 8 wherein said support member is tilted whereby upon longitudinal adjustable movement of said guide means on said support member, said guide means is positioned at different distances from said infeed end and also at different heights relative thereto.

10. The tension brake assembly of claim 9 wherein said support member comprises a screw and said guide means is threadedly supported on said screw for said longitudinal adjustment.

Claims

1. A tension brake assembly for stringing conductors comprising, a. a base, b. control means on said base having an infeed end for receiving a conductor in axial movement and for controlling such axial movement, c. a fair-lead housing on said base forward of said infeed end, d. and guide means in said fair-lead housing for controlling the axial line of feed of a conductor into said infeed end, e. said guide means being movably supported in said housing between two positions one of which comprises a guiding position for controlling the axial line of feed of the conductor in the infeed and the other of which comprises an out of way position allowing a conductor to be moved into said housing through the top of the latter in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the conductor.

2. The tension brake assembly of claim 1 wherein a. said guide means comprises a roller mounted in said housing on a lateral axis and arranged such that a conductor in engagement therewith extends angularly from said roller into said infeed end, b. said guide means including support means for said roller arranged to adjust the latter in a direction toward and away from said inlet end as well as in a direction perpendicular thereto, c. said support means being pivotally attached to said housing and arranged to allow said roller to be moved between its tow positions.

3. The tension brake assembly of claim 2 wherein a. the lateral axis of said roller is substantially horizontal, b. and means defining an upright guide slot in said housing between said control means and said guide means to provide lateral guidance for a conductor.

4. The tension brake assembly of claim 2 including a. a pair of parallel spaced upright rollers in said housing between said control means and said guide means forming a top opening guide slot therebetween to provide lateral guidance for a conductor, b. and a connector for said rollers at the upper end thereof to hold the latter in spaced relation, c. said connector being movable between two position one of which comprises a connecting position between said rollers and the other of which comprises an out of the way position allowing a conductor to be moved down into said slot from the top.

5. The structure of claim 1 wherein a. said control means at the inlet end comprises a first frictional wheel arranged to receive a conductor in surface engagement, b. said control means also comprising a second friction wheel disposed in longitudinally offset, overlapping relation with the said first frictional wheel for crimping a conductor over the latter wheel to frictionally grip the conductor, c. said guide means being adjustable radially relative to said first friction wheel for positioning it in a similar crimping position to said first frictioN wheel and said second friction wheel.

6. The tension brake assembly of claim 1 wherein a. said guide means is mounted in said housing on a longitudinally extending support member, b. said guide means being pivotally mounted on said support member for movement between said two positions and also being adjustable longitudinally on said support member for positioning it at different distances from said infeed end.

8. A tension brake assembly for stringing conductors comprising a. a base, b. control means on said base having an infeed end for receiving a conductor in axial movement and for controlling said axial movement, c. a longitudinally extending support member on said base forward of said infeed end, d. and guide means on said support member for controlling the axial line of feed of a conductor into said infeed end, e. said guide means being adjustable longitudinally on said support member for positioning it at different distances from said infeed end.