WO1998045202A1

WO1998045202A1 - Reel dispenser system for continuous sheet material

Info

Publication number: WO1998045202A1
Application number: PCT/AU1998/000256
Authority: WO
Inventors: Warrick Smith
Original assignee: Ellice Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1997-04-09
Filing date: 1998-04-09
Publication date: 1998-10-15

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and apparatus (30) for dispensing a continuous length sheet material from a roll or reel (32) of said sheet material (58). The method includes the steps of placing the roll or reel (32) on an axle (46) for rotation of the roll or reel (46) thereabout to allow sheet material (58) to be pulled from the roll or reel (32). A braking means in the form of a frictional disc or shoe or pin (74) is provided to stop rotation of the roll or reel (32) if a predetermined tension is sensed in the sheet material (58). The sheet material is passed over the guide rod (72) which is coupled to a brake shoe by a pivotal lever arm (68) to control speed and tension in the sheet material during unrolling. Also provided is a clamping device of a pole member, complementary channel and over-centre locking means which clamps the free end of the sheet material to ensure an even pulling force is applied across the width of the sheet material.

Description

REEL DISPENSER SYSTEM FOR CONTINUOUS SHEET MATERIAL.

The present invention relates to a method of dispensing a continuous length sheet material from a roll or reel and a dispensing system to achieve this method. In the building trade it is necessary to fasten lengths of insulation paper to the wall framework and roof framework before the walls or roof are built. The paper comes on rolls with typically 20-60 metres of paper on a roll. The roll can weigh 20 kg and is awkward to carry. Fig. 1 of the drawings shows how the insulation paper is fastened to a wall framework. A workman 1 0 holds the free end of roll 1 2 against frame 14 whilst workman 1 6 unrolls the insulation paper 1 8 from roll 1 2. Workman 1 6 must try to keep paper 1 8 against the framing elements 20 with a tight fit to prevent the paper from sagging. Workman 1 0 must fasten the free end of the paper 1 8 to frame 14 with fasteners (not shown) .

Workman 1 0 must also assist in attempting to maintain a flat contact of paper 1 8 against framing elements 20 and use the fasteners to affix the paper to framing elements 20. Wind can be a major problem, especially wind gusts, which can cause flapping of paper 1 8. The wind can cause the paper to be pulled from the hands of workman 1 0 leaving a large sail of dispensed paper 1 8. The flapping of paper can cause tearing of the paper. These inconveniences increase the time to install the insulation paper and the cost. Many work based insurance claims also occur because of the back injuries that result from handling heavy rolls.

Fig. 2 shows a similar view to that of Fig. 1 with the workmen 1 0, 1 6 applying the paper 1 8 to the roof frame elements 22. As it is too dangerous to lift a heavy roll onto the roof framework the lengths of paper are precut to fit the run drop required. The lengths must be accurately cut to length and fastened to frame elements 22. As the workmen 1 0, 1 6 are above ground there is an increased risk of injury from falling from the roof. The time to cover the roof is greatly increased as workman 1 6 must continue to return to the ground to cut more paper and return to assist in its installation. Wind is again a major problem as the wind can carry blow the paper from the roof and drop it anywhere. The large surface area of the paper provides a "sail" effect making it difficult to install the paper. In both examples of the prior art shown in Figs. 1 and 2 two workmen are needed to install the paper. The employment of two workmen adds significantly to the cost of the installation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing method and system which alleviates the problems associated with the prior art.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dispensing method and system which can be operated by single workman. A still further object of the invention is to reduce the time taken to install insulation paper to a framework.

With these objects in view the present invention in one preferred aspect may provide a method of dispensing a continuous length sheet material from a roll or reel of said sheet material, said method including the steps of placing said roll or reel on a axle for rotation of said roll or reel thereabout to allow said sheet material to be pulled from said roll or reel and providing a braking means to stop rotation of said roll or reel if a predetermined tension is sensed in said sheet material. Preferably the free end of said sheet material is clamped between a clamping means for the full width of said sheet material.

The invention also provides in a further preferred aspect a dispensing system for dispensing continuous sheet material from a roll or reel of said sheet material, said dispensing system including an axle for rotation of said roll or reel thereabout to allow said sheet material to be pulled from said roll or reel and a braking means to stop rotation of said roll or reel if a predetermined tension is sensed in said sheet material.

Preferably a roll holder is provided to rotate about said axle to support said roll. The roll holder can include end discs which will provide a frictional surface for said braking means to contact. The braking means may include a pivotal arm on non rotatable members adjacent respective discs, and a respective pin on each arm for contacting its respective disc. In a practical embodiment the braking means may include a pivotal arm and a guide rod secured thereto whereby sheet material is pulled over said guide rod. The guide rod can be coupled to a brake shoe by lever action to said pivotal arm to control actuation of said brake shoe if said predetermined tension is sensed.

In order that the invention may be clearly understood there shall now be described by way of a non-limitative example only a preferred construction of the invention incorporating the principal features of the present invention. The description is with reference to the accompanying illustrated drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of workmen fastening insulation to a wall framework according to the prior art; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of workmen fastening insulation to a roof framework according to the prior art; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a workman using a first embodiment of a dispensing means made in accordance with the present invention to assist in fastening insulation to a wall framework;

Fig. 4 is an partial perspective view of the dispensing means shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the dispensing means shown in Fig.

3;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the dispensing means shown in Fig.

3; Fig. 7 shows a first clamping means for attachment to the free end of the roll of sheet material and its operation;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a workman using a second embodiment of a dispensing means made in accordance with the present invention to assist in fastening insulation to a roof framework;

Fig. 9 is a side view of a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 0 is a plan view of the upper part of the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 in the direction of arrow 1 0; Fig. 1 1 is a plan view of the lower part of the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 in the direction of arrow 1 1 ;

Fig. 1 2 is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows 1 2-1 2 shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 1 3 is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows 1 3-1 3 shown in Fig. 1 2;

Fig. 14 is a side view of a second embodiment of a clamping means for attachment to the free end of the roll of sheet material with the upper end being shown as open and the lower end shown as being closed; Fig. 1 5 is a perspective view of the upper end of the clamping means in Fig. 1 4 in the open position; and

Fig. 1 6 is a similar view to that of Fig. 1 6 with the upper end of the clamping means in the closed position.

In Figs. 3 to 7 there is shown a dispensing system 30 for holding a roll 32 of insulation paper to be used in the field of building construction. Although the preferred embodiment describes the use of the invention in relation to building the invention is not limited to such a use. The invention is applicable to any situation where it is required to dispense a continuous length material from a roll or reel eg. bird mesh for vineyards, foil, shade cloth, plastic sheet material, paper and other similar materials.

Dispensing system 30 includes top and bottom discs 34,36 which abut the ends of roll 32. Hollow central sleeve sections 38,40 project into the core 42 of roll 32 and include centring fins 44 thereabout which will centre roll 32 and hold it fast. Sleeve sections can be short (as shown in Fig. 6) or can be long. Discs 34,36 and sleeve sections 38,40 will provide a roll holder which can rotate about axle 46 when axle 46 is inserted into sleeve sections 38,40. Axle 46 is affixed to wall frame 48. In order to position roll 32 on axle 46 locking collars 50,52 are provided at each end. A threaded fastener 54 in each locking collar 50,52 will engage with axle 46 to prevent roll 32 from shifting position. A braking system 56 is fitted to top and bottom discs 34,36 to prevent wind from grabbing the dispensed sheet 58 and pulling out too much from roll 32. The preferred embodiment shows one type of braking system but it is clear that other braking systems could also be used. In the illustrated embodiment braking system 56 has identical top and bottom members 60,62 but one could be used if desired. Additional top and bottom discs 64,66 are affixed to axle 46 and abut discs 34,36 respectively. Discs

64,66 can be affixed by including locking collars 50,52 in their construction. Each disc 64,66 has an arm 68 pivotally attached by pivot pin 70. At one end of each arm 68 the arms are linked by a guide rod 72. Inwardly from guide rod 72 are pins 74 projecting from arms 68. If desired, pins 74 could be replaced by a rod similar to guide rod 72. At the other end of each arm 68 are a plurality of adjustment holes 76 are provided for attachment of a spring 78. Spring 78 has its other end secured to the outer surface of discs 64,66 by pins 80. By shifting the position of spring 78 along holes 76 the tension in the arm 68 can be varied. If required, a threaded fastener 82 can be screwed to bottom disc

66 to make contact with disc 36. This will allow the speed of sheet material 58 to be pulled from roll 32 to be controlled by its frictional engagement.

To allow an even pressure to be applied across the width of sheet 58 a clamping member 84 is used. Clamping member 84 has a pole 86 and a complementary channel member 88 which is pivotally attached thereto by links 90. In use, sheet 58 is placed between the gap formed by pole 86 and channel member 88 and the channel member 88 is clamped shut over pole 86 to grip sheet 58 therebetween. Sheet 58 will then be gripped evenly to provide a uniform pulling force over the sheet.

In use, axle 46 is secured at its ends through brackets 47 to wall frame 48 or other suitable fixing point with dispensing system 30 rotatably coupled to axle 46 as shown in Figs. 3 and 6. Sheet 58 is threaded through pins 74 and guide rod 72 as shown in Fig. 5. The end of sheet 58 is clamped in clamping member 84 by workman 92. Workman 92 can easily pull sheet 58 from dispensing system 30 and easily wrap the house by himself. When wrapped the sheet can be easily nailed to the frame. If the wind should catch the dispensed sheet 58 there will an increase in the tension of the sheet which will pull arms 68 towards discs 34,36. Pins 74 will contact the edge of discs 34,36 to act as a brake to prevent further rotation of roll 32. Accordingly, large lengths of undesired sheet will not be uncontrollably drawn from roll 32. Springs 78 can be adjusted to control the predetermined amount of tension before the braking action is effected. When the wrapping is complete the locking collars 50,52 can be released and the bottom discs 36,36 raised to lift roll 32 to a higher position. The locking collars 50,52 can be re-clamped and the process repeated to wrap the upper part of the frame. As can be seen the invention allows a simple method of insulating a house by one person which substantially reduces the problem of back injuries. As the roll 32 is only carried when the roll is shifted there is less chance of injury occurring. The problem with wind is also substantially reduced and the time taken is a lot less.

Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment where the invention is used for insulating a roof. In this embodiment dispensing system 30 is identical to that shown in Figs. 3 to 7. Dispensing system 30 is attached to fascia batten 94 by brackets 96. This variation does not include the double width axle 46 but this could be an option. Again workman 92 can single handedly insulate the roof.

In Figs. 9 to 1 3 a third embodiment is shown. In this embodiment a braking system is only fitted to the bottom 1 00 of the dispensing system 1 02. The braking system is different to that shown in Figs. 3 to 8 and the operation of the guide rod is different. In order to reduce duplication of description the same reference numerals will be used for similar integers to those shown in Figs. 3 to 8.

In this embodiment axle 46 is formed of square tubing instead of circular tubing. Threaded fastener 54 is replaced by a quick release mechanism for easier assembly/disassembly. Arms 66 extend beyond the diameter of roll 32 at either end as opposed to only one end in Figs. 3 to 8. At end 1 04 a further rod 1 06 links arms 66. This will provide additional support and provide carrying handles to allow the dispensing system 1 02 to be easily lifted between sites. Disc 36 is replaced by a cup shaped member 1 08 having a base 1 1 0 and sides 1 1 2. Cupped shaped member 1 08 is inverted as seen in Fig. 1 3 and is closed by a non-rotatable base plate 1 1 4 similar to disc 66 in Figs. 3 to 8. Pivotally attached at point 1 1 6 is a brake shoe 1 1 8 which is biased by spring 1 20 at free end 1 22. Spring 1 20 is attached at its other end to pin 1 24 on base plate 1 14. Brake shoe 1 1 6 has a pad 1 26 for frictional engagement with sides 1 1 2. If required washers 1 28 can be inserted in apertures 1 30 to provide flexibility in changing the braking engagement. Movement of brake shoe 1 1 6 is through link 1 30 pivotally coupled at point 1 32. At the other end of link

1 30 a pivotal connection 1 34 is made with arm 68.

In Figs. 3 to 8 threaded fastener 82 has been replaced by a supplementary braking system to control the speed of sheet material 58 pulled from roll 32. The amount of tension can be controlled by the rotation of selector lever 1 36 which provides an offset movement to control back and forward movement of lever 1 38 pivotally coupled thereto. Lever 1 38 is received in a bore 140 of plunger 1 44 and contacts a compression spring 142. Plunger 144 acts on a piston 146 which slides within sleeve 148 on brake shoe 1 1 6. Piston 1 46 abuts sides 1 1 2 to provide a frictional force to provide a tension force for roll 32. By turning lever 1 36 the tension will be adjusted as piston 146 is pushed harder against sides 1 1 2.

In use, dispensed sheet 58 is pulled from roll 32 and contacts guide rod 72. The tension can be adjusted to suit requirements by moving selector lever 1 36 to the desired position. This will force piston 146 against side 1 1 2 under the tension from spring 142. If a gust of wind catches the dispensed sheet 58 a force will be applied to guide rod 70 to cause it to move to the left as shown in Fig. 1 1 . Movement of guide rod 70 from its normal - Im position will cause link 130 coupled to arm 68 to push brake shoe 1 1 6 into sides 1 12 to stop rotation of roll 32. Spring 120 will allow the brake shoe 1 16 to be released when required.

Figs. 14 to 1 6 show an alternate clamping member 1 50 to that of member 84 shown in Fig. 7. An over-centre lock member

1 52 at each end replaces links 90. An optional handle 1 54 is attached to channel member 88 to allow easier gripping of clamping member 1 50 by the operator. A pivot pin 1 56 is supported by support arms 1 58 pivotally attached to pin 160 welded to pole 86. A lever 162 has a pair of side plates 164 welded to each side which are pivotally attached to a further pin 166 welded to channel member 88. Lever 162 has profile that is complementary to the outer peripheral surface of pole 86. Side plates 164 at their free ends are also pivotally attached to pivot pin 1 56.

In use, the free end of sheet 58 is placed between pole 86 and channel member 88 and arms 1 58. By moving lever 162 in the direction of arrow A channel member 88 will move towards pole 86 as indicated by arrow B. Arms 1 58 will be forced over channel member 88 and further movement will cause an over- centre locking action as shown in Fig. 16. Lever 162 will then abut channel member 88.

Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description preferred constructions of a dispensing system incorporating certain features of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations or modifications and details of design or construction may be made without departing from the essential features of the present invention.

Claims

1 . A method of dispensing a continuous length sheet material from a roll or reel of said sheet material, said method including the steps of placing said roll or reel on a axle for rotation of said roll or reel thereabout to allow said sheet material to be pulled from said roll or reel and providing a braking means to stop rotation of said roll or reel if a predetermined tension is sensed in said sheet material.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the free end of said sheet material is clamped between a clamping means for the full width of said sheet material.

3. A dispensing system for dispensing continuous sheet material from a roll or reel of said sheet material, said dispensing system including an axle for rotation of said roll or reel thereabout to allow said sheet material to be pulled from said roll or reel and a braking means to stop rotation of said roll or reel if a predetermined tension is sensed in said sheet material.

4. The dispensing system of claim 3, wherein a roll holder is provided to rotate about said axle to support said roll. 5. The dispensing system of claim 4, wherein said roll holder includes end discs which will provide a frictional surface for said braking means to contact.

6. The dispensing system of claim 5, wherein said braking means includes a pivotal arm on non-rotatable members adjacent respective discs, and a respective pin on each arm for contacting its respective disc.

7. The dispensing system of claim 6, wherein a guide rod is secured between said non-rotatable members whereby sheet material is pulled over said guide rod.

8. The dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein said braking means includes a pivotal arm and a guide rod secured thereto whereby sheet material is pulled over said guide rod.

9. The dispensing system of claim 8, wherein said guide rod is coupled to a brake shoe by lever action to said pivotal arm to control actuation of said brake shoe if said predetermined tension is sensed.

1 0. The dispensing system of claim 9, wherein a roll holder is provided to rotate about said axle to support said roll, said roll holder including a cup shaped member whose inner side walls are adapted to be engaged by said brake shoe.

1 1 . The dispensing system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said axle has brackets at each end thereof for attachment to a frame member. 1 2. The dispensing system of claim 1 1 , wherein said frame member is a building frame and said sheet material is insulating material.

1 3. The dispensing system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a regulator is provided to control the rotational speed of said roll or reel.

14. The dispensing system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free end of said sheet material is clamped between a clamping means for the full width of said sheet material. 1 5. The dispensing system of claim 14, wherein said clamping member includes a pole and a complementary channel member which is pivotally attached thereto to provide said clamping.

1 6. The dispensing system of claim 1 5, wherein said clamping member includes a pair of adjustable over-centre locking means to assist said pole and complementary channel member remain clamped together.

AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on the 1 1 August 1998 ( 1 1 .08.98) original cl aims 1 - 16 repl aced by amended claims 1 - 14 ( 3 pages ) ]

1 . A dispensing system for dispensing continuous sheet material from a roll or reel of said sheet material, said dispensing system including an axle for rotation of said roll or reel thereabout to allow said sheet material to be pulled from said roll or reel, a pair of non-rotatable members at either end of said axle between which said roll or reel rotates, a braking means to stop rotation of said roll or reel if a predetermined tension is sensed in said sheet material, said braking means including a pair of arms pivotally mounted on respective non-rotatable members, a guide rod secured between said arms to allow said sheet material to be pulled over said guide rod, at least one of said pair of arms being under spring tension and at least one of said arms being coupled directly, or indirectly, to frictional engagement means to stop rotation of said roll or reel.

2. The dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein a roll holder is provided to rotate about said axle to support said roll.

3. The dispensing system of claim 2, wherein said roll holder includes end discs which will provide a frictional surface for said frictional engagement means to contact.

4. The dispensing system of claim 3, wherein each arm has a respective pin for contacting its respective disc.

5. The dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein said guide rod is coupled to a brake shoe by lever action to one of said pivotal arms to control actuation of said brake shoe if said predetermined tension is sensed.

6. The dispensing system of claim 5, wherein a roll holder is provided to rotate about said axle to support said roll, said roll holder including a cup shaped member whose inner side walls are adapted to be engaged by said brake shoe.

7. The dispensing system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said axle has brackets at each end thereof for attachment to a frame member.

8. The dispensing system of claim 7, wherein said frame member is a building frame and said sheet material is insulating material.

9. The dispensing system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a regulator is provided to control the rotational speed of said roll or reel.

10. The dispensing system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free end of said sheet material is clamped between a clamping means for the full width of said sheet material.

1 1 . The dispensing system of claim 10, wherein said clamping member includes a pole and a complementary channel member which is pivotally attached thereto to provide said clamping.

12. The dispensing system of claim 1 1 , wherein said clamping member includes a pair of adjustable over-centre locking means to assist said pole and said complementary channel member to remain clamped together.

13. A method of dispensing a continuous length sheet material from a roll or reel of said sheet material using the dispensing system of any one of the preceding claims, said method including the steps of placing said roll or reel on said axle for rotation of said roll or reel thereabout to allow said sheet material to be pulled from said roll or reel, pulling said sheet material over said guide rod to allow said braking means to stop rotation of said roll or reel if a predetermined tension is sensed in said sheet material.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the free end of said sheet material is clamped between a clamping means for the full width of > said sheet material.