SPOOL HOLDER AND SUPPORT SYSTEM

Abstract

t comprising an axle and two support members, wherein one portion of the peripheral edge of the support members comprises a radius that increases logarithmically in an outward spiral, and wherein another portion of the peripheral edge of the support members connects the inner and outer termini of the spiral section in a straight line. A series, of axle supports are disposed on the surfaces of the support members, including in an array that allows multiple axles for supporting multiple spools. Removable wheels for transporting the system are incorporated into the support members, allowing it to be moved into position, and anchors to hold the device in place can be attached to the support members. A handle, connecting the support members allows heavy spools to be lifted off the ground for dispensing stranded material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]None

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002]Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0003]Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

[0004]Portions of the disclosure of this patent document contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

[0005]Devices for holding wire and cable spools are known in the art. Modern spool holders comprise a base with an adjustable vertical member. A spool holder arm attached to the vertical member allows an attached spool to spin, dispensing its contents. Spools must be lifted onto a holder by hand. Depending on the spool weight, a jack stand may be used to adjust the height of the spool holder. In other cases, a forklift or mechanical hoist may be required. Because these actions are difficult, an improved spool holder capable of easily lifting and transporting heavy spooled material is needed.

[0006]An object of the present invention is to provide a spool support for lifting a heavy wire spool or other spooled material. Another object is to provide a device for simultaneously lifting multiple spools. Another object of the invention is to provide a device operable by a single person. Another object of the invention is to provide a easily transportable and maneuverable device, obviating the need to move heavy spools. Another object of the invention is to provide a support device that locks in place when spools are lifted into a dispensing position. Another object of the invention is to provide a spool holder with conforming parts for stacking multiple collapsed devices uniformly. These and other objects of the invention are disclosed and more fully developed in the appended summary, description and claims.

SUMMARY

[0007]A spool support device elevates and holds spooled wire, tubing, or other stranded material. The device comprises two large substantially flat support members, each member comprising a first rounded peripheral section increasing logarithmically in diameter. This first section of the periphery defines a uniform spiral. In one embodiment a logarithmic or "golden" spiral is defined. A second peripheral section comprises a straight line segment connecting the outer and inner termini of the spiraled section, creating an extended flat side on one portion of support member periphery.

[0008]An axle disposed in axle supports at the center of the spiral defined by the support members connects them and supports a large spool. Additional smaller axles can be installed between the support members, creating a system for holding multiple smaller spools. A handle, disposed at the periphery of the support members, helps maintain synchronous support member movement when operating the system. Wheels attached near the support member periphery allow operators to move the device into position adjacent spooled material when necessary.

[0009]With the device adjacent a spool, an operator uses the handle to rotate the support members along their expanding peripheries until the axle support aligns with the spool's central axis. After installing the axle through the spool, the support members can be rotated further, elevating the spool. Once the spool is able to spin freely, anchors or "chocks" engage the support members and hold them in place. This type of operation contemplates lifting large spools that must be lifted with assistance. For smaller spools, an operator can simply thread multiple spools on smaller axles adjoining the support members at a variety of locations.

[0010]The support members comprise a uniform array of smaller axle supports for holding many smaller spools. An operator can support and dispense different stranded materials from a variety of spools simultaneously in this manner. Additionally, the smaller axle holes serve multiple functions, supporting alternatively the handle, wheels, and anchors in various positions. The smaller axle holes can also hold the wheels and anchors on the support members when necessary for storage.

[0011]In an alternate embodiment, the support members may comprise a peripheral edge connected to spokes radiating from the central axle support, the spoke length varying according to the changing distance of the peripheral edge from the central axle support. Smaller axle supports in this embodiment are disposed at various positions along the spokes. This embodiment decreases the device's weight. In another embodiment, the logarithmically increasing peripheral edge of the support members comprises a series of straight line and angle segments providing a series of flat surfaces on which the support members can rest.

[0012]The anchors comprise wedge-shaped members or "chocks" that hold the device in position when spools are elevated. A channel running along one side of the anchor contains or "sandwiches" a portion of the support member peripheral edge. Pegs on the anchors insert into various support member axle supports to lock the anchors in place. Operators can also use the pegs to store the anchors inward from the peripheral edge on the support members when not in use. A slot disposed in the walls of the anchor channel corresponds in size to the smaller axle members. A smaller axle seats in the slot to secure the device in place. In a preferred embodiment, this slot fits the handle as well.

FIGURES

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support device holding a large spool.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the spool support system adapted to hold multiple spools.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support member, wherein the periphery of the support member comprises a series of straight sides and angles.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a side view of a support member, wherein spokes project from the central axle support to the peripheral edge of the support member.

[0017]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an anchor.

[0018]FIG. 6 is a side view of a spool support, wherein a transport wheel and anchor are stored on the spool support.

DESCRIPTION

[0019]Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a spool support device 10 for elevating and holding stranded material 22 dispensing spools 20. The device 10 comprises two support members 12 of equal shape and size. The support members 12 are defined by a rounded logarithmically increasing peripheral section 14 around at least a portion of the support member 12. The rounded section 14 defines a portion of a spiral allowing the support members 12 to operate as cams when rotated. Mathematically, in one preferred embodiment, the spiral portion defines a logarithmic or "golden" spiral according to the polar coordinate equation r=ae^be.

[0020]The peripheral section of the support members 12 not comprising a spiral comprises a straight line segment connecting the outer and inner termini of the spiraled section 14, resulting in an extended flat side 13 to one part of the support member 12 periphery. When the device 10 rests on this flat side 13, the support members 12 are in their lowest position.

[0021]Still referring to FIG. 1, the system also comprises an axle support 16 at the geometric center of the spiral section of the support members 12. The axle support 16 may simply comprise a reinforced bore (not shown) disposed in each support member 12, or may further comprise a collar 16 for anchoring the axle 18 and support members 12 against undesired movement. An axle 18 disposed in the axle support 16 extends through a spool 20 center. In this manner, when lifted, the spool 20 spins freely, dispensing spooled material 22. A handle 24, extends through the support members 12. In one embodiment, the handle 24 is located at the support member 12 periphery 14, and in a further embodiment, where the peripheral edge 14 is farthest away from the axle support 16. The handle 24 allows an operator to maintain synchronous movement of the support members 12 when elevating a spool.

[0022]Still referring to FIG. 1, once an axle 18 is installed in the device 10 and spool 20, the support members 12 can be rotated with the handle 24, elevating the spool 20 off the ground. Anchors 28 hold the support members in position upon elevating the spool 20.

[0023]Referring to FIG. 2, the system comprises wheels 26 that attach to the support members 12. The wheels 26 allow an operator to easily transport the device 10 to a large spool 20 of heavy material. Since an operator can set the wheels 26 near the periphery 14 of the support members 12, rotating the device 10 transfers the spool load from the wheels 26 to the support members 12. By rotating the device along the expanding spiral periphery 14 the device 10 can lift and support a large heavy spool.

[0024]Still referring to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of the system comprises a plurality of smaller axle holes 30 incorporated in an array across the support members' 12 sides. Since the smaller axle holes 30 support multiple smaller axles 31 and spools, they comprise simple bores in the support members 12. However, in alternate embodiments, the smaller axle holes 30 may also comprise bushings (not shown) intended to decrease mechanical stress on the smaller axle holes 30 and support the axles 31. Smaller axle holes 30 are disposed in a uniform array, permitting multiple spool installation onto the device. In one preferred embodiment, they are uniformly spaced and greater than 3.5 inches apart for supporting a maximum number of standard seven-inch spools.

[0025]Still referring to FIG. 2, the smaller axle holes 30 can serve multiple functions, including alternate supports for the handle 24, wheels 26, and anchor 28; which may be inserted interchangeably into any of the smaller axle holes 30. In this manner, both the wheels 26 and the anchor 28 may be stored on the surface of the support members 12 away from their peripheral edges 14 when necessary.

[0026]Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, two alternate embodiments of the support members are shown. In FIG. 3, the logarithmically increasing periphery 14 of the support members 12 comprises a series of straight line segments 34 and angles 36, resulting in a series of surfaces on which the support members 12 can rest when fixed in various positions. In FIG. 4, the support members 12 comprise spokes 32 radiating from the central axle support 16, to the support member 12 periphery 14; wherein the spokes 32 vary in length to accommodate the changing periphery 14 distance. The smaller axle holders 30 are disposed at various locations along the spokes 32 in this embodiment.

[0027]Referring to FIG. 5, the anchors 28 comprise wedge-shaped members or "chocks" to hold the support members in place. The anchors 28 comprise triangular blocks with a channel 38 disposed along one side for containing or "sandwiching" the peripheral edge of the support members. The anchoring members 28 further comprise pegs 40 that insert into the smaller axle holes allowing the support members to store the anchors 28 if necessary. A slot 42 disposed in the channel wall at the channel 38 top corresponds in size to the smaller axles of the device. A smaller axle may be disposed in the slot 42, allowing the anchors 38 to secure the support members in place.

[0028]Referring to FIG. 6, a side view of a support member 12 is shown storing an anchor 28 and wheel 26. In this embodiment, when not in use, the support members can be stacked flat. The central axle support 16, configured to accept the central axle supports of adjacent support members, holds them in position.

[0029]To use the device, an operator positions it adjacent a spool of material and ensures that the support members are on either side of the flanges of the spool. The device is rotated and maneuvered until the axle support aligns with the central axis of the spool. An axle can then be inserted into the device and spool. To raise the spool, an operator lifts the handle, causing the support members to rotate until the peripheral edge of the support member meets the ground. As the operator continues to rotate the device, the spool lifts off the ground. When the spool is sufficiently elevated, anchors inserted beneath the device hold it in position.

[0030]In an embodiment for lifting multiple smaller spools, several smaller axles are inserted through the array of smaller axle holes across the face of the support member and through multiple smaller spools. Once the spools are supported on the device, an operator elevates them in the same manner as a larger spool. An alternative use for this arrangement of spools is to attach the wheels of the device for transporting multiple smaller spools at the same time.

[0031]All features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0032]Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.

Claims

1. An improved spool support system comprising:a. two support members of equal profile, comprising axle supports for supporting at least one axle and having rounded logarithmically increasing peripheral edges around at least a portion of the support members, the rounded portion defining a spiral; andb. at least one axle connecting the two support members, wherein the axle supports at least one spool for containing flexible material; andc. at least one anchor for holding the system in a static position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the spiral is formed by the peripheral edges of the support members according to the coordinate equation: r=ae^be.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the logarithmically increasing section of the peripheral edges of the support members comprises a series of straight line segments and angles.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the support members comprise solid panels, further comprising at least one hole for supporting an axle, and wherein at least one hole is disposed at the origin of the spiral formed by the logarithmically increasing section of the peripheral edges of the support members.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the support members comprise spoke members extending to and supporting a peripheral member defining the edges of the support members, and wherein the spoke members extend from the origin of the spiral formed by the logarithmically increasing section of the peripheral edges of a member

6. The system of claim 1, wherein a series of axle supports for supporting multiple spools on multiple axles are disposed in the support members.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein a standard distance between the multiple axle supports permits the support of multiple spools of a standard size, including seven inch spools; and wherein the multiple axle supports comprise a uniform array of axle supports.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a handle for keeping the support members synchronized as the system is rotated.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the handle is disposed at the outer terminus of the logarithmically increasing portion of the peripheral edge, and is connected to both support members.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one anchor comprises a wedge shaped member, or "chock."

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one anchor comprises a slot in which the support members are disposed.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one anchor anchors to at least one specific location on the support members, thereby maintaining the position of the holder relative to the support members.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the support members comprise multiple locations for holding multiple axles and anchors in the system.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one anchor can be inserted into the axle support away from the periphery of the system and stored until use.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one anchor comprises a slot for accommodating an axle of the system.

16. The system of claim 6, wherein a set of wheels are disposed at the peripheral edge of the system; and wherein when the system is rotated to a predetermined position, the wheels engage the ground and support the system for transport.

17. The system of claim 7, wherein an axle support for wheels is a part of the array of axle supports.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the periphery of the support members not representing a section of a logarithmic spiral comprises a straight line segment connecting the outer and inner termini of the spiral section.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the parts of the system can be disassembled for storage or transport, and reassembled.

20. A method for using a spool support system comprising the steps of:a. installing a spool onto an axle disposed between two support members of equal profile, the support members comprising connected by at least one axle and having rounded logarithmically increasing peripheral edges around at least a portion of the support members, the rounded portion defining a spiral; wherein the support is positioned so that the center of the spool is aligned with the axle support of the support members and an axle is installed into the system and spool.b. rotating the support members using a handle, so that the increasing peripheral edge of the support members causes the spool to be elevated above the ground; andc. Installing an anchor on each support member to preserve the position of the support members once the spool has reached a predetermined height above the ground.

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