Chalk reel

Abstract

A chalk reel is provided, comprising: a housing including an outer surface, an interior chamber, and an opening; a handle located outside the outer surface of the housing and configured to rotate in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the outer surface, the handle also being configured to pivot toward the outer surface; a spool supported in the interior chamber of the housing, the handle being configured to rotate the spool about a central axis within the housing; a chalk line including a first end extending through the opening in the housing and a second end coupled to the spool; a hook secured to the first end of the chalk line and located outside the housing; and a selector that receives the handle in a plurality of positions, wherein pivoting the handle into the selector locks the handle in the plurality of positions and locks the spool about the central axis.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with an application date of February 11, 2019 (entered the Chinese national phase on September 29, 2020), national application number 201980023753.5 (international application number PCT / US2019 / 017528), and invention name “Chalk Roll”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of and priority to 62 / 629,325, filed February 12, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0004] The present invention generally relates to the field of chalk rolls and chalk lines. Specifically, the present invention relates to a chalk roll tool for marking a straight line. A chalk roll can be used to mark a straight line on a surface. The chalk roll can be used to create a straight line between two points that are farther apart than a distance that can be created by hand, such as with a ruler. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a chalk reel. In various embodiments, the chalk reel includes a housing, a handle, a spool, a chalk line, a hook, and a selector. The housing includes an outer surface, an interior chamber, and an opening. The handle is located outside the outer surface of the housing. The handle rotates clockwise and / or counterclockwise relative to the outer surface. The handle can be pivoted toward the outer surface to lock the handle or pivoted away from the outer surface to rotate the handle. The spool is supported in the interior chamber of the housing. As the handle rotates, the spool rotates within the housing about a central axis. Rotation of the handle and spool causes the chalk line to extend or retract relative to the chalk reel. The chalk line includes a first end extending through the opening of the housing and a second end coupled to the spool. The hook is secured to the first end of the chalk line. The hook is located outside the housing. When the handle is pivoted toward the outer surface to a plurality of positions about the axis, the selector receives the handle. Pivoting the handle into the selector locks the handle into the plurality of positions and locks the spool about the central axis.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a chalk reel. The chalk reel includes a housing, a handle, a spool, a chalk line, a hook, a refill port, and a removable cap. The housing also includes an outer surface, an interior chamber, and an opening. The handle is located outside the outer surface of the housing. The spool is supported in the interior chamber of the housing. Rotation of the handle, located outside the housing, causes the spool to rotate within the housing. The chalk line is withdrawn or retracted relative to the chalk reel by rotation of the handle and / or the spool. The chalk line includes a first end extending through the opening in the housing and a second end coupled to the spool. The hook is secured to the first end of the chalk line and is located outside the housing. The refill port has a cam lock and provides access to the interior chamber of the housing. The removable cap includes a cam lock that is coupled to a cam portion of the refill port by engagement, such that the removable cap seals the interior chamber of the housing.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a chalk reel. The chalk reel includes a housing, marking material, a handle, a ring gear, a selector, a sun gear, a spool, chalk line, a hook, and a filling port. The housing also includes an outer surface, an interior chamber, and an opening. The marking material is located and / or stored in the interior chamber of the housing. The handle is located outside the outer surface of the housing. When the handle is in a rotated position, the handle extends away from the outer surface of the housing and can rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise. When the handle is pivoted toward the outer surface of the housing into a locked position, rotation of the handle is restricted. The ring gear is coupled to the handle and rotates within the housing in the direction in which the handle rotates outside the housing. The selector receives the handle in a plurality of locked positions. Pivoting the handle toward the outer surface of the housing and entering the selector locks the handle in a plurality of positions within the selector. When the handle is locked in the selector, the spool is locked about its central axis. The sun gear is coupled to the ring gear, and the meshing of the ring gear and the sun gear produces a gear ratio. The spool is supported within the interior chamber of the housing and meshes with or is coupled to the sun gear. The handle rotates a ring gear meshing with the sun gear, thereby rotating the spool within the housing. As the handle and spool are rotated, the chalk line is extended or retracted relative to the chalk drum. The chalk drum includes a first end extending through an opening in the housing and a second end coupled to the spool. A hook is secured to the first end of the chalk line extending through the opening in the housing. The fill port has a cam lock that engages a cam portion of the cover. The fill port provides access to the interior chamber of the housing when the cover is removed. When the cover is secured, the cover seals the fill port when the cam portion engages the cam lock.

[0008] Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features, as may be generally recited in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a chalk roll with a handle in a locked position and a lid in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A front perspective view of a chalk roll device with a handle in a locked position and a lid in a closed position.

[0012] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Exploded view of the chalk drum assembly.

[0013] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of the spool of the chalk reel device.

[0014] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed perspective view of the components of the transmission device of the chalk reel device.

[0015] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of the locking gear of the chalk reel device.

[0016] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a chalk roll device with a handle in a rotated position.

[0017] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a chalk roll device with a cover in a second position.

[0018] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a chalk roll device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of chalk reels, such as large-capacity chalk reels, are shown. Chalk reels are used in the construction and manufacturing industries to mark straight lines on long runs of material. For example, a chalk reel can be used to mark straight lines for pouring concrete slabs. In various embodiments, the chalk reel includes a handle formed within a housing and a chalk line extending from the housing to mark the straight line. The chalk reel may also include a handle that rotates about an axis of rotation to extend and / or retract the chalk line. A hook is secured to the end of the chalk line to facilitate extension and prevent the end of the line from retracting into the housing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the chalk reels discussed herein include a selector and a removable cap that surrounds the handle at the axis of rotation and facilitates refilling the chalk reel with marking material (e.g., chalk). As generally illustrated in the figures, the chalk reel may also include a gear mechanism to increase the speed at which the chalk line is withdrawn or retracted from the reel as the handle rotates. In some embodiments, for each rotation of the handle, one foot of circumference pays out five feet of chalk line. For example, if each rotation of the spool pays out one foot of chalk line, then each rotation of the handle pays out five feet of chalk line.

[0021] The handle is generally rotated about the axis of rotation until the chalk line extends in a straight line from the chalk reel. As the chalk line rotates through the housing, marking material, such as chalk, becomes embedded in the chalk line. Using the chalk reel at one end and the hook at the other, the chalk line extends in a straight line over the target area. One or more operators then "grab" or tighten the chalk line at each end to mark a straight line (e.g., on the ground). In this way, the chalk reel can mark a straight line over a longer distance, and the gear arrangement increases the speed at which the chalk line can be withdrawn from or retracted into the chalk reel.

[0022] When the chalk line is gripped, the handle provides a secure surface for the operator to tighten the chalk line. However, to keep the line taut, the handle should be prevented from rotating when the operator pulls or grips it. To prevent unnecessary rotation of the handle, which could cause the chalk line to be pulled out of the chalk reel, a selector is used to lock the handle and the chalk line. In this way, when the chalk line is extended the desired distance, the operator can lock the handle and use the handle to tighten the chalk line and mark a straight line. In some embodiments, the selector includes multiple stops and / or protrusions to lock the handle in various positions around the rotation axis. In this way, the operator can lock the extension length of the chalk line at partial rotations of the handle. For example, if the chalk reel pays out five feet of chalk line with each full rotation, another foot of chalk line can be extended by rotating and locking the handle for one-fifth of a full turn.

[0023] In some embodiments, the chalk roll includes a removable cover that provides an opening to the interior of the housing for storing chalk or other marking material. A tether connects the removable cover to the housing to prevent misplacement of the removable cover. Otherwise, the removable cover is completely removed from the housing, leaving a larger opening in the interior chamber of the housing for refilling with chalk or other marking material. In contrast to conventional chalk roll covers, the removable cover herein provides a larger, unobstructed opening in the interior compartment of the housing for refilling with marking material (e.g., chalk) and a mechanism for forming a fluid-tight seal.

[0024] Figure 1 A top perspective view of a chalk line device or chalk reel 10 is shown, viewed from behind the chalk reel 10 . Figure 2 A side perspective view from the front of the chalk roll 10 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The chalk reel 10 is shown and includes a first housing 12, a second housing 14, a chalk line 15, and a hook 16 secured to the chalk line 15 at a front end 18 of the chalk reel 10 opposite a rear end 20 of the chalk reel 10, the rear end 20 including a handle 22. The hook 16 is removably positionable in a clip or hook holder 24 to couple the hook 16 to the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14. The chalk line 15 is passed through a nozzle 26 ( Figure 2 A handle 22 is positioned at the rear end 20 of the housing 12 and / or 14, opposite the front end 18. The handle 22 includes an aperture 29 defined by the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14, and a gripping section 25 that extends at least partially around the aperture 29. A grip 28 is disposed on a face between the front end 18 and the rear end 20 of the housing 12 and / or 14. The grip 28 is rotatable relative to the housing 12 and / or 14 about a central axis or rotational axis 33 passing through the housing 12 and / or 14. A grip 30 is disposed at the end of the grip 28. A pair of protrusions 32 on either side of the grip 28 extend in substantially the same direction as the grip 30.

[0025] In addition to rotating about the rotational axis 33, the handle 28 can also be pivoted from the locked position 34 to the rotated position 36 and back from the rotated position 36 to the locked position 34. Figure 7As best shown in FIG, the handle 28 extends away from the ring gear 40 in the rotated position 36. The handle 28 is rotated about the rotation axis 33 in the rotated position 36 to rotate the spool 66. Rotation of the handle 28 in a first direction rotates the spool 66 to roll out, extend, or pay out the chalk line 15. Rotation in a second or opposite direction winds the chalk line 15 onto the spool 66 and retracts the chalk line 15. Pivoting the handle 28 from the rotated position 36 to the locked position 34 abuts the ring gear 40, preventing rotation of the spool 66 and the associated extension or retraction of the chalk line 15.

[0026] The handle 28 is located outside of the outer surface 19 of the housing 12 and / or 14. In the rotated position 36, the handle 28 is configured to be rotated in a clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction on the outer surface 19 to rotate the spool 66. In the locked position 34, the handle is pivoted toward the outer surface 19 of the housing 12 and / or 14 and coupled to the selector 44.

[0027] The handle 28 is moved from the locked position 34 ( Figure 1 ) pivoted to the rotational position 36 ( Figure 7 ). Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the handle 28 is pivoted from the locked position 34 to the rotated position 36 into the slot 38, the side of the handle 28 is captured within the slot 38 to apply rotational pressure as the handle 28 rotates. In the rotated position 36, the handle 28 rotates the ring gear 40, which is centered within a locking gear or selector 44 coupled to the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14. The handle 28 is coupled to the ring gear 40 and rotates about the rotation axis 33 within the selector 44. For example, the ring gear 40 rotates within the housings 12 and / or 14 in the direction of rotation of the handle 28 (clockwise and / or counterclockwise relative to the outer surface 19 of the housings 12 and / or 14).

[0028] The selector 44 includes a plurality of locking positions for the handle 28 about the gear ring 40. For example, the selector 44 includes a detent 42 and a protrusion 46 to lock the handle 28 in the plurality of locking positions 34 after the handle 28 is fully or partially rotated about the rotation axis 33. The gear ring 40 is rotatably coupled to the selector 44 to form a plurality of detents 42 that receive the handle 28 within one of the detents 42 to secure the handle 28 in the locked position 34 at an angular position. The selector 44 receives the handle 28 in the plurality of positions about the central rotation axis 33, such that pivoting the handle 28 toward the outer surface 19 of the housing 12 and / or 14 and into the selector 44 locks the handle 28 within the detent 42 and / or the protrusion 46 to form the plurality of positions about the axis 33, thereby locking the spool 66.

[0029] In other embodiments, the ring gear 40 is stationary, and a gear carrier coupled to the planetary gears 62 rotates within the ring gear 40 and the selector 44. For example, rotation of the handle drives the planetary gears 62 to rotate within the ring gear 40. The rotation of the planetary gears 62 meshes with the sun gear 64 to drive the rotation of the spool 66. The gear system is not meant to be limiting, and any other suitable gearing system or mechanical advantage system may be used to produce the gear ratios.

[0030] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Also shown is a removable cover 50. The removable cover 50 includes a gripping portion 52 to facilitate rotation of the removable cover 50 within the first and second housings 12, 14. For example, an operator grasps the gripping portion 52 of the removable cover 50 and rotates the removable cover 50 in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to remove the removable cover 50 from the chalk reel 10 and / or disengage the removable cover 50, and rotates the removable cover 50 in a second direction (e.g., clockwise) to secure the removable cover 50 to the chalk reel 10. The removable cover 50 can be removed from the opening defined in the first and second housings 12, 14 of the chalk reel 10. To prevent misplacement of the removable cover 50, a tether 54 can attach the removable cover 50 to the first and / or second housings 12, 14. For example, the tether 54 includes a first end coupled to the removable cap 50 and a second end coupled to another component of the chalk roll 10 , such as the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14 .

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the chalk reel 10 includes a first housing 12 and a second housing 14 coupled together to define an interior chamber 45. A spool 66 is supported for rotation within the first and second housings 12, 14 and communicates with the interior chamber 45. In the illustrated embodiment, a partition wall 47 separates the handle 22 from the interior chamber 45. The chalk line 15 is wound on a support surface 67 of the spool 66. The spool 66 includes a spool gear 69 ( Figure 4 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the spool gear 69 is concentric with the axis of rotation of the spool 66.

[0032] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 The chalk reel 10 also includes a transmission 60. The transmission 60 transmits the torque applied by the user to the handle 28 to rotate the spool 66 that supports the wound chalk line 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission 60 is a planetary gear drive system that includes a ring gear 40, three planetary gears 62, and a sun gear 64 coupled to the spool 66. The ring gear 40 includes internal teeth 48 ( Figure 5) and a slot 38 for engaging a post 56 connected to the handle 28. The post 56 secures the handle 28 within the ring gear 40 to ensure that the sides of the handle 28 engage the sides of the ring gear 40, thereby causing the ring gear 40 to rotate as the handle 28 rotates. In some embodiments, the handle 28 and the ring gear 40 are a single, integral part. In the illustrated embodiment, the ring gear 40 is coupled to the handle 28 so that the ring gear 40 rotates one full rotation for each rotation of the handle 28. Other configurations can cause the ring gear 40 to rotate any number of times for each rotation of the handle 28. For example, using a gear arrangement between the handle 28 and the ring gear 40, the ring gear 40 can rotate 1.5 times, 2 times, 2.5 times, 3 times, 4 times, or more for each rotation of the handle 28.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the posts 56 extend perpendicularly to the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14 into the slots 38 to couple the handle 28 to the ring gear 40 within the slots 38. The pins 58 provide support anchors to position the planetary gears 62 on the outer surface of the first housing 12 (or second housing 14). In this configuration, the teeth of the planetary gears 62 intermesh between the internal teeth 48 of the ring gear 40 and the teeth of the sun gear 64. The sun gear 64 is coupled to the spool 66. The ring gear 40 and the sun gear 64 are coupled by a gear arrangement and are both concentric and centered on the axis of rotation 33 for the spool 66.

[0034] In other embodiments, the handle 12 is coupled to a planetary gear 62 (e.g., via a gear carrier) that rotates about the ring gear 40 and the selector 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the planetary gear 62 is supported on a pin 58 connected to a retainer plate 68 ( Figure 3 ). A retainer plate 68 is fixed to the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14, and each planet gear 62 rotates about the pin 58. In other embodiments, the retainer plate 68 is movable relative to the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14. The retainer plate 68 rotates relative to the ring gear 40 to allow the planet gears 62 to rotate about the sun gear 64. The engagement of one or more intermeshing gears between the ring gear 40 and the sun gear 64 provides a gear ratio. The gear ratio correlates one rotation of the handle 28 with multiple rotations of the spool 66. The gear ratio converts one full rotation of the handle into more than one or more rotations of the spool. In some embodiments, the gear ratio from the ring gear 40 to the sun gear 64 is 4.1:1, causing the spool 66 to rotate 4.1 times for each full rotation of the handle 28. In other embodiments, the gear ratio from the planet gears 62 to the sun gear 64 is 4.1:1, causing the spool 66 to rotate six times for each full rotation of the handle 28. In other words, the gearing between the handle 28 and the spool 66 has a gear ratio (4.1:1) that pays out 4.1 times the circumference of the spool 66 for each rotation of the gear carrier, handle 28 and / or ring gear 40 .

[0035] In other embodiments, the gear ratio can be higher or lower. For example, in various embodiments, the gear ratio is greater than 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 4.1:1, 4.2:1, 4.3:1, 4.4:1, 4.5:1, 4.6:1, 4.7:1, 4.8:1, 4.9:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, or 10:1. In various embodiments, the gear ratio is between 2:1 and 10:1, and more specifically between 3:1 and 6:1. In some embodiments, the gear ratio is between 4:1 and 5:1. Applicants believe that the gear ratios and gear ratio ranges discussed herein provide for faster extension or retraction of the chalk line 15 from the chalk reel 10, and provide a mechanical mechanism to lock or secure the spool 66 supporting the chalk line 15 in the chalk reel 10 to mark the line.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the sun gear 64 is integrally formed with the engagement gear 70. In some embodiments, the sun gear 64 is integrally formed with the spool 66. In other embodiments, the sun gear 64 is formed separately from the engagement gear 70 and / or the spool 66. The engagement gear 70 includes a spool gear 69 ( Figure 4 ) is fitted with internal teeth 72. The coupling gear 70 and the spool gear 69 are combined to establish a driving connection between the spool 66 and the sun gear 64. The internal teeth 72 of the coupling gear 70 lock onto the spool gear 69 and prevent relative movement between the spool 66 and the sun gear 64.

[0037] The selector 44 is disposed about the ring gear 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the selector 44 is annular in shape and has an inner diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the ring gear 40. In other words, when the ring gear 40 and the selector 44 are coupled to the housings 12 and / or 14, there is no gap between the selector 44 and the ring gear 40. The selector 44 is secured to a lip or protrusion 74 surrounding the retainer plate 68. The protrusion 74 extends radially inwardly beyond the outer surface 19 of the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14 toward the axis of rotation 33.

[0038] Figure 6 A separate view of the selector 44 is shown. The protrusions 46 are evenly spaced around the circumference of the selector 44. A recess or detent 42 is disposed between each two adjacent protrusions 46. As described above, when the handle 28 is rotated about the rotation axis 33, the protrusions 32 on the handle 28 align within the detents 42 of the selector 44 to lock the handle 28 in any one of a plurality of locking positions 34. This configuration enables the handle 28 to be locked in a partial or incomplete rotation about the rotation axis 33.

[0039] like Figure 7As shown, by pivoting the handle 28 about the post 56, the handle 28 is moved into the operating or rotated position 36 such that the handle 30 is spaced apart from the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14. In other words, when the chalk reel 10 is in the rotated position 36, the handle 30 and the protrusion 32 extend away from the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14. The user can insert their hand through the aperture 29 and grasp the gripping section 25 of the handle 22 with one hand and can grasp the handle 28 with their other hand. The rotation of the handle 28 in the rotated position 36 drives the planetary gear drive. The internal teeth 72 of the engagement gear 70 are fitted onto the spool gear 69 ( Figure 3 ). Due to the engagement of the engagement gear 70 and the spool gear 69, the rotation of the sun gear 64 causes the spool 66 to rotate. The rotation position 36 allows the spool 66 to rotate so that the chalk line 15 can be extended out of the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14 or wound into the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14.

[0040] Back to Figure 1 By pivoting the handle 28 about the post 56, the handle 28 is moved into the second or locked position 34 such that the handle 30 is adjacent to the housing 12 or 14. In other words, the handle 30 and the projection 32 extend toward the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14. The handle 28 is in the operating or rotated position 36 ( Figure 7 ) and the locked position 34. When in the locked position 34, each protrusion 32 rests in one of the plurality of stops 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 32 rest in adjacent stops 42. The selector 44 is secured to the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14 and does not rotate with the planetary gear drive ( Figure 3 Thus, when the boss 32 is positioned within the corresponding stop 42, the protrusions 46 on either side of the stop 42 prevent the handle 28 from rotating about the axis of rotation 33 of the spool 66 ( Figure 3 ). The protrusion 46 locks the handle 28 in place to prevent the transmission 60 (e.g., a planetary gear drive) from rotating. When the handle 28 is in the locked position 34, the transmission 60 is prevented from rotating because the handle 28 is locked, which in turn prevents the spool 66 from rotating and prevents further withdrawal or retraction of the chalk line 15 from the chalk reel 10. In the locked position 34, the chalk line 15 will not move into or out of the nozzle 26 of the housings 12 and 14. This allows the user to maintain a constant length of chalk line 15 extending from the chalk reel 10. The locked position 34 also allows the user to safely store the chalk line 15 in the interior chamber 45 of the chalk reel 10.

[0041] In some embodiments, the chalk roll includes a removable cover 50. The removable cover 50 is positioned on a face or surface between the front end 18 and the rear end 20 of the housing 12 and / or 14. The removable cover 50 is generally located on a surface of the housing 12 and / or 14 that is orthogonal to the surface of the housing 12 and / or 14 that includes the handle 28. The removable cover 50 includes a gripping portion 52 disposed on a surface of the removable cover 50. A cable or tether 54 is coupled between the removable cover 50 and the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14.

[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 8 The various components of one embodiment of a chalk reel 10 are shown. The chalk reel 10 includes a housing 12 and / or 14 that defines an interior chamber 45 and an opening to the interior chamber 45. The handle 28 is located external to the exterior surface 19 of the housing 12 and / or 14 and rotates about the axis of rotation 33. The housing 12 and / or 14 captures the spool 66 ( Figures 3 and 4 ), and supports a spool 66 along the rotational axis 33 of an internal chamber 45 formed by the coupling of the first and / or second housings 12, 14. The chalk line 15 extends through an opening or nozzle 26 in the housings 12 and / or 14 and is connected or coupled to the spool 66 at a second end. A hook 16, located on the exterior of the housings 12 and / or 14, is connected to the first end of the chalk line 15. When a user rotates the handle 28 to extend the chalk line 15, one or more gears increase the amount of chalk line 15 paid out. When the user extends the chalk line 15 from the chalk reel 10 a desired amount, one or more stops 42 and protrusions 46 on the selector 44 enable the user to lock the handle 28 in a locked position 34 for any partial rotation of the handle 28. The selector 44 locks the handle 28 in a plurality of positions about the rotational axis 33 to lock the spool 66 and prevent it from rotating about the rotational axis 33.

[0043] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates additional features of the removable cover 50 when it is removed. The removable cover 50 covers an aperture, a fill port, and / or a refill port 80 in the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14. The refill port 80 has a first diameter 82 and a second diameter 84 that is larger than the first diameter 82. In the first or closed position ( Figure 1 ), the removable cap 50 is positioned in the refill port 80 and secured to the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14. The removable cap 50 is positioned in the interior chamber 45 ( Figure 3 ) and the external environment. When the removable cap 50 is positioned within the refill port 80, the fluid seal 88 prevents fluid communication between the interior chamber 45 and the external environment.

[0044] like Figure 8 80 . As shown, the grip portion 52 of the removable cap 50 is rotated to the second position or open position (e.g., counterclockwise). The removable cap 50 includes a cam portion 90 with a cam 55 that engages a cam lock 92 of the refill port 80. The cam 55 is larger than the first diameter 82 and smaller than the second diameter 84. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can grip the grip portion 52 and rotate the removable cap 50 a quarter turn (i.e., 90 degrees) in the first direction to disengage the cam portion 90 and the cam lock 92 and allow the cam 55 to pass through the second diameter 84 of the refill port 80. In other embodiments, the user can rotate the removable cap 50 more or less degrees. Once the removable cap 50 is disengaged from the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14, the user can remove the removable cap 50 from the refill port 80. The tether 54 keeps the removable cap 50 tethered to the first housing 12 and / or the second housing. In other words, the tether 54 prevents a user from removing the removable cover 50 from the housing 12 and / or 14. The tether 54 prevents the removable cover 50 from being accidentally lost.

[0045] The refill port 80 communicates with the interior chamber 45. With the removable cap 50 disengaged from the refill port 80, the user can fill or refill the interior chamber 45 with chalk or another marking material. The partition wall 47 prevents the chalk from filling the interior of the handle 22. The user then repositions the removable cap 50 in the refill port 80 so that the cam 55 is aligned with the second diameter 84. The user can then engage the grip portion 52 and rotate the cap 50 in the second direction to reengage the cam portion 90 and the cam lock 92 and position the cam 55 proximate to the first diameter 82. The user thereby reengages the removable cap 50 with the first housing 12 and / or the second housing 14.

[0046] The cam 55 enables a relatively small rotation to completely seal the removable cap 50 or to disengage the removable cap 50. For example, rotating the removable cap 50 equipped with the cam 55 may only require a quarter turn in a first direction (e.g., 90 degrees) to disengage the cam 55 from the cam lock 92 of the refill port 80. Rotating the removable cap 50 a quarter turn in a second direction (e.g., 90 degrees) opposite the first direction may engage the cam 55 with the cam lock 92 of the refill port 80. Other rotation angles are contemplated. For example, the cam 55 may engage or disengage the removable cap 50 by rotating 15°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, or 120°.

[0047] In some embodiments, the refill port 80 includes a cam lock 92 to receive the cam portion 90 of the removable cap 50. For example, the removable cap 50 includes a cam feature (e.g., a stop or protrusion) on the cam portion 90 to couple to the refill port 80 by engaging the cam feature on the cam lock 92. In this way, the removable cap 50 can be removed to provide access to the interior chamber 45 of the housing 12 and 14. When the removable cap 50 is removed from the cam lock 92, the opening can be used to refill a marking material such as chalk. The opening can also provide access to the interior chamber 45. When the cam portion 90 of the removable cap 50 engages the cam lock 92, the removable cap 50 seals the interior chamber 45 of the housing 12 and / or 14. In some embodiments, the removable cap 50 provides a fluid-tight seal 88.

[0048] The removable cap 50 can include a cap portion coupled to the cam portion 90. For example, the cap portion can have an exterior surface 94 and a sealing surface 96. An O-ring fluid-tight seal 88 is adjacent to the sealing surface 96 of the removable cap 50 and surrounds the cam portion 90 adjacent to the sealing surface 96. In this manner, when the removable cap 50 is engaged with the cam lock 92, the O-ring fluid-tight seal 88 forms a fluid-tight seal 88 along the cam lock 92 when the removable cap 50 is coupled to the refill port 80.

[0049] Similarly, the refill port 80 can include a gasket seal (not shown) in the cam lock 92. The gasket seal can fit within the larger second diameter 84 and be captured between the first diameter 82 and the second diameter 84 of the refill port 80. When the cam portion 90 engages the cam lock 92 of the refill port 80, the gasket seal is captured between the second diameter 84 and the removable cap 50. The gasket seal forms a fluid-tight seal 88 along the removable cap 50 when the removable cap 50 is coupled to the refill port 80.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cam lock 92 of the refill port 80 is circular. In some embodiments, the cam portion and the cam lock 92 are threaded so that the threads of the cam lock 92 are threadedly coupled to the threads of the circular cam portion 90 of the removable cap 50. The chalk roll 10 includes a wider refill port 80 (e.g., a refill port 80 with a larger diameter) to facilitate replenishing the marking material. In particular, the diameter of the refill port 80 is 0.25 inches or larger. For example, the diameter of the refill port 80 is greater than 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches or larger. In various embodiments, the refill port 80 has a diameter between 0.25 inches and 2.5 inches. In other embodiments, the diameter is between 1 inch and 2 inches. In another embodiment, the diameter is between 1.25 inches and 1.75 inches.

[0051] Figure 9 The embodiments of the present invention are similar to those of the present invention except for the differences described. Figures 1 to 7 In contrast to the design of the chalk reel 10, Figure 8 The chalk roll 110 is larger in size to facilitate measuring longer distances with a longer chalk line 15. Similar components of the chalk roll 110 are identified by the same reference numerals as the chalk roll 10, but with 100 added.

[0052] The chalk reel 110 includes a first housing 112 coupled to a second housing 114. A hook 116 extends from a front end 118 of the chalk reel 110, and the hook 116 is removably coupled to the housings 112 and / or 114 by means of a hook retainer 124. The rear end 120 of the chalk reel 110 includes a handle 122 having a gripping section 125. The handle 128 is rotated about an axis of rotation 133 (not shown) to extend or retract the chalk line 15. The handle 128 pivots from a locked position 134 (shown) to a rotated position 136 (not shown). The spool 166 (not shown) housed in the chalk reel 110 is larger than the spool 66 (not shown) housed in the chalk reel 10. Figure 3 ). Thus, a longer length of chalk line 15 can be wound on the spool 166 of the chalk reel 110 compared to the spool 66 of the chalk reel 10. Additionally, the larger size of the chalk reel 110 enables a larger removable cover 150. For example, the removable cover 150 of the chalk reel 110 can have a diameter greater than 2 inches, such as 2 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.75 inches, 3 inches, or more.

[0053] It should be understood that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0054] In view of this description, other modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description should be interpreted as being illustrative only. The construction and arrangement shown in various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only several embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (for example, variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, the value of parameters, the installation arrangement, the use of materials, colors and orientations, etc.) without departing substantially from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as being integrally formed can be made up of multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of the discrete elements can be changed or varied. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm or method step can be changed or reordered. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, other alternatives, modifications, variations and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of various exemplary embodiments.

[0055] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" refers to the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or removable in nature. Such joining may be achieved by the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or by the two components or the two components and any additional components being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0056] Although this application refers to specific combinations of features in the appended claims, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to any combination of any of the features described herein, whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or a future application. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

Claims

1. A chalk roll comprising: a housing comprising an outer surface, an interior chamber, and an opening; a handle located outside the outer surface of the housing and configured to rotate in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction relative to the outer surface, the handle further configured to pivot toward the outer surface; a spool supported in the interior chamber of the housing, the handle configured to rotate the spool about a central axis within the housing; a chalk wire including a first end extending through the opening in the housing and a second end coupled to the spool; a hook secured to the first end of the chalk wire and located externally of the housing; and A selector receives the handle in a plurality of positions, wherein pivoting the handle into the selector locks the handle in the plurality of positions and locks the spool about the central axis.

2. The chalk roll according to claim 1, wherein: For each full rotation of the handle, the spool rotates more than one full rotation.

3. The chalk roll according to claim 1, wherein: The handle pivots from a rotated position to a locked position, wherein rotation of the handle in the rotated position rotates the spool, which in turn causes the chalk line to be paid out from or wound onto the spool, and wherein rotation of the spool is prevented when the handle is in the locked position.

4. The chalk reel of claim 1 , further comprising a ring gear, a sun gear, and two or more planet gears intermeshing between the ring gear and the sun gear, the sun gear being coupled to the spool, the ring gear and sun gear being concentric and centered on a central axis of the spool.

5. The chalk roll according to claim 1, wherein: The selector is coupled to a gear ring coupled to the handle, the selector including a plurality of locking positions for the handle about the gear ring.

6. The chalk roll according to claim 5, wherein: The handle and the gear ring are a single integral part.

7. The chalk reel of claim 5 further comprising a sun gear coupled to the spool and engaging the ring gear coupled to the handle, the engagement of the ring gear with the sun gear providing a gear ratio that relates one rotation of the handle to multiple rotations of the spool.

8. The chalk roll according to claim 5, wherein: The handle is pivotable and pivots from a rotated position to a locked position, wherein the handle extends away from the ring gear in the rotated position, and wherein the ring gear is coupled to the selector to form a plurality of detents that receive the handle in one of the detents to secure the handle in the locked position at an angular position.

9. The chalk roll according to claim 8, wherein: The handle further includes a boss protruding from the handle and a grip at a distal end to facilitate rotation of the handle, and wherein the selector includes a protrusion adjacent to the stop, the protrusion and the stop of the selector being configured to receive the boss of the handle in a locked position.

10. The chalk roll according to claim 1, wherein: The selector includes a plurality of protrusions spaced circumferentially about the selector such that when the handle is received in one of the plurality of positions, the plurality of protrusions prevent the handle from rotating about the central axis.

11. A chalk roll comprising: a housing comprising an outer surface, an interior chamber, and an opening; a handle located outside the outer surface of the housing; a spool supported in the interior chamber of the housing, the handle configured to rotate the spool within the housing; a chalk wire including a first end extending through the opening in the housing and a second end coupled to the spool; a hook secured to the first end of the chalk wire and located on the exterior of the housing; as well as a refill port having a cam lock and providing access to the interior chamber of the housing; as well as A removable cap includes a cam portion configured to rotatably couple to the cam lock of the refill port, wherein engagement of the cam lock with the cam portion of the removable cap seals the interior chamber of the housing.

12. The chalk roll of claim 11, further comprising a tether including a first end coupled to the removable cover and a second end coupled to the housing.

13. The chalk roll according to claim 11, wherein: The cam lock of the refill port and the cam portion of the removable cap are circular and have a diameter between 0.25 inches and 2 inches.

14. The chalk roll according to claim 11, wherein: The refill port has a diameter greater than 1 inch.

15. The chalk roll according to claim 11, wherein The removable cap includes an exterior surface and a sealing surface, wherein an O-ring seal abuts the sealing surface of the removable cap and surrounds the cam portion adjacent the sealing surface to form a fluid-tight seal along the cam lock when the removable cap is coupled to the refill port.

16. The chalk roll according to claim 11, wherein An exterior surface of the refill port includes a gasket seal surrounding the cam lock of the refill port, wherein the gasket seal is configured to form a fluid-tight seal along the cam portion of the removable cap when the removable cap is coupled to the refill port.

17. The chalk roll according to claim 11, wherein: The handle pivots from a rotated position to a locked position, wherein the handle is rotated in the rotated position to pay out or receive the chalk line from the spool, and wherein the handle prevents rotation of the spool in the locked position.

18. The chalk roll according to claim 11, wherein: The chalk line is paid out at a ratio of greater than 1:1, such that for each revolution of the spool the chalk line pays out more than one times the circumference of the spool.

19. A chalk roll comprising: a housing comprising an outer surface, an interior chamber, and an opening; a marking material located within the interior chamber; a handle located exterior to the exterior surface of the housing, wherein, in a rotated position, the handle extends away from the exterior surface of the housing and is configured to rotate in a clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction, and wherein the handle pivots toward the exterior surface of the housing to a locked position; a ring gear coupled to the handle, the ring gear rotating within the housing in a direction in which the handle rotates; a sun gear coupled to the ring gear, the ring gear and the sun gear having a gear ratio; a spool supported in the interior chamber of the housing and meshing with the sun gear, the handle rotating the ring gear meshing with the sun gear to rotate the spool within the housing; a selector that receives the handle in a plurality of positions, wherein pivoting the handle toward the exterior surface of the housing and into the selector locks the handle in the plurality of positions and locks the spool about a central axis; a chalk wire including a first end extending through the opening in the housing and a second end coupled to the spool; a hook secured to the first end of the chalk wire; and A fill port has a cam lock to engage a cam portion of a cover, the fill port providing access to the interior chamber of the housing when the cover is removed, the cover sealing the fill port when engaged with the cam lock.

20. The chalk roll according to claim 19, wherein The chalk line pays out at a ratio of between 3:1 and 6:1, wherein the sun gear and spool have a gear ratio that pays out more than four times the circumference of the spool for each rotation of the handle and the ring gear.

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