Device for moving a reel

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for moving a reel, the reel comprising two flanges each equipped with a support for unwinding the reel, the device comprising at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel and at least one roller (14) suitable for containing the at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel, the at least one roller (14) being suitable for being attached to one of the supports for unwinding the reel.

Description

TURRET MOVING DEVICE

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for moving a reel.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of accessories for reels or spools. It will be described here in a specific example where the reel or spool stores a winding of electrical cable. However, the invention can be applied to a reel or spool storing any other type of windable material, such as rope, ribbon, hose, wire, etc., and is therefore not limited to the electrical field.

[0003] When loaded with cable, a cable reel can weigh several tens of kilograms. There are several ways to move it manually.

[0004] One method of moving the reel involves pulling it using a retractable handle, when one is integrated into the reel. However, this method is very uncomfortable and potentially causes injury, particularly to the hands.

[0005] Another method of transporting the cable reel involves carrying it using handles on a reel stand, provided such a stand is designed to unwind the electrical cable wound on the reel. However, this should be avoided, especially when the reel is at its maximum weight, for health and safety reasons. For example, repeated use can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, and there is a risk of the reel falling on the legs or feet.

[0006] Another method of moving the reel involves rolling it along the ground by pushing it with the feet. However, the reel is difficult to control and requires frequent reorientation with the hands or feet, which is cumbersome and not very ergonomic.

[0007] Therefore, the known methods of moving the reel are not satisfactory for the user.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] To this end, the present invention proposes a device for moving a reel, the reel having two cheeks each equipped with a reel unwinding support, this device being remarkable in that it includes at least one windable means for pulling the reel and at least one winder adapted to contain the at least one windable means for pulling the reel, the at least one winder being adapted to be fixed on one of the reel unwinding supports.

[0010] The invention thus makes it possible to move a reel manually in a simple, ergonomic and comfortable way, with good maneuverability, while minimizing the risk of injury or musculoskeletal disorders for the user.

[0011] In one particular embodiment, at least one windable means for pulling the reel is a strap, chain, or rope. It may also be a bar, possibly extendable. In this latter variant, the user can either pull or push the reel.

[0012] The implementation in the form of a strap, chain, rope or bar allows the user to manipulate the reel pull means at a sufficient distance from the reel to optimize ergonomics, typically around 60 cm, while offering good maneuverability of the whole.

[0013] In one particular embodiment, at least one windable means of pulling the reel is an elastic strap, thus enabling the user to exert a progressive and not abrupt pulling force.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, at least one windable means for pulling the reel is a non-elastic strap, thus avoiding a latency time between the start of pulling the reel and the movement of the latter.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, at least one reel is adapted to be permanently fixed to one of the reel's unwinding supports.

[0016] This allows at least one reel to be permanently available in the immediate vicinity of the reel, without the risk of losing at least one reel.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, at least one reel is portable.

[0018] This allows it to be used in conjunction with several reels.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the device comprises two identical reel-pulling means and a joining element for the free end of the two reel-pulling means.

[0020] This allows the two windable means of pulling the reel to be unwound along axes substantially transverse to the axis of rotation of the reel, thus minimizing the pulling force required to move the reel.

[0021] In one particular embodiment, the joining element is a strip of fabric, or a snap fastener, or a pair of Velcro-type self-gripping surfaces (registered trademark) provided respectively on the free end of each of the two windable means of pulling the reel, or a clipping system, or a hooking system comprising, for example, a carabiner.

[0022] These various versions are simple to make, economical, add only negligible mass to the device and facilitate pulling the reel, which can then be done with one hand.

[0023] In one particular embodiment, the joining element is a portable handle.

[0024] This allows the device to be robust and suitable for pulling the heaviest reels, even with one hand, while increasing user comfort when pulling the reel.

[0025] In one particular embodiment, the handle is extendable.

[0026] This allows the gap between the two winding means of pulling the reel to be varied, in order to optimize ergonomics, particularly depending on the length of the reel.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the handle includes a first means of attachment adapted for the removable attachment of the handle to one of the unwinding supports of the reel.

[0028] This allows, as with at least one reel, for the handle to be permanently available in the immediate vicinity of the reel, without risk of misplacing the handle.

[0029] In a particular embodiment, at least one windable means for pulling the reel includes at its free end a second fastening means adapted for the removable attachment of at least one windable means of pulling the reel onto the handle.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the handle includes a third fastening means adapted for the removable fastening of at least one windable means for pulling the reel.

[0031] This avoids the need for additional parts to temporarily secure at least one winding means of pulling the reel and the handle, as these additional parts could be lost.

[0032] In a particular embodiment, the at least one reel-pulling means comprises, at its end opposite its free end, a fourth fixing means adapted for the permanent fixing of the at least one reel-pulling means on the at least one reel.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, at least one reel includes a fifth fastening means adapted for the permanent fastening of at least one windable means for pulling the reel.

[0034] This allows the device to be ready for use, without the need to attach at least one windable means of pulling the reel onto the reel before each use.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, at least one reel includes a housing adapted for storing an object.

[0036] This avoids the user having to carry this object on them when it can be transported at the same time as the reel.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the device further comprises a leaf return spring contained in at least one winder and fixed, by a first end, to the at least one winder and, by a second end, to the end of the at least one windable reel-drawing means opposite the free end of the at least one windable reel-drawing means.

[0038] This allows at least one windable means of reel pull to automatically wind itself up to store instantly in the reel when the reel does not need to be moved.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the free end of at least one reel-pulling means includes a sixth fixing means and at least one reel includes a seventh fixing means, the sixth and seventh fixing means being adapted for the removable fixing of the free end of at least one reel-pulling means on at least one reel.

[0040] This prevents the free end of at least one reel-pulling means from accidentally snagging on external elements and, if the reel does not have an automatic rewinding system, prevents the reel-pulling means from unwinding unintentionally. This ensures that the normal use of the reel is not hindered. Brief description of the drawings

[0041] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of particular embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] [Fig. 1] is a schematic overview of a reel displacement device according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment.

[0043] [Fig. 2] is a view of a reel equipped with an unwinding support and a displacement device according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment.

[0044] [Fig. 3] is a view of a particular embodiment of a device according to the present invention comprising two identical windable means for pulling a reel, the reel being pulled with one hand.

[0045] [Fig. 4] is a view of a particular embodiment of a device according to the present invention comprising two identical windable means for pulling a reel, the reel being pulled with both hands.

[0046] [Fig. 5] is a view of a particular embodiment of a device according to the present invention comprising two windable means identical reel pullers joined together at their free ends by a portable handle.

[0047] [Fig. 6] is a schematic representation of three possible forms of the handheld handle.

[0048] [Fig. 7] is a set of three views showing the attachment of the handheld handle to one of the reel's unwinding supports, in a particular embodiment.

[0049] [Fig. 8] is a set of two schematic representations of a storage compartment provided in a reel included in a device according to the present invention, in two particular embodiments.

[0050] [Fig. 9] is a set of three schematic representations illustrating means of holding an object stored in the housing in position, in three particular embodiments.

[0051] [Fig. 10] is a set of three views showing the fixing of the winder on one of the unwinding supports of the reel, in a particular embodiment.

[0052] [Fig. 1 1 ] is a schematic exploded view of the winder in a particular embodiment.

[0053] [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of several non-limiting examples of a means of custom-made object retention, which may be included in a device according to the present invention.

[0054] [Fig. 13] is a schematic representation of two particular embodiments of a reel containing two identical windable means for pulling a reel.

[0055] [Fig. 14] is a schematic representation of a joining element of the free end of two windable reel pulling means included in a device according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment.

[0056] [Fig. 15] is a schematic representation of a joining element of the free end of two windable reel pulling means included in a device according to the present invention, in another particular embodiment. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates a particular embodiment of a reel displacement device 10 according to the present invention.

[0058] The device 10 includes at least one windable means 12 for pulling the reel and at least one reel 14 adapted to contain at least one windable means 12 for pulling the reel.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, a reel 20 that can be moved by means of the present invention comprises two cheeks 22. Each cheek 22 is equipped with a support 24 for unwinding the reel 20 which is mobile in rotation independently of the rotation of the reel 20.

[0060] Each reel unwinding support 24 may have feet in its lower part (visible in Figure 2), these feet being retractable so as to allow the reel to roll freely on the ground or on any other surface when moved by means of the device according to the present invention.

[0061] The reel 14 is adapted to be fixed onto one of the unwinding supports 24 of the reel 20.

[0062] As shown in the three views of Figure 10, the winder 14 may be secured solely by the shape of the winder 14, which fits, possibly but not necessarily by means of one or more clips, onto a mounting plate 100 provided on one of the unwinding supports 24 of the reel 20. Alternatively, this fastening may consist of screws fitting into holes made in the winder 14 and in one of the unwinding supports 24 of the reel 20. In another variant, this fastening may consist of a longitudinal rib provided on the winder 14, which slides in a complementary groove provided on one of the unwinding supports 24 of the reel 20.

[0063] In the embodiments illustrated in the drawings of this application, the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20 is a strap. However, this embodiment is not limiting; the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20 could also be a chain or a rope.

[0064] In an embodiment where the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20 is a strap, this strap may or may not be elastic.

[0065] The total length of the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20 is typically on the order of one meter.

[0066] The reel 14 can either be permanently fixed to one of the unwinding supports 24 of the reel 20, or be portable and adapted to be temporarily fixed to one of the unwinding supports 24 of the reel 20.

[0067] In a particular embodiment, the device 10 may include two identical windable means 12 for pulling the reel 20.

[0068] The two windable means 12 can be contained respectively in two winders 14 (as illustrated in Figures 3 to 5), or both can be contained in a single winder 14, as illustrated in Figure 13. In both particular embodiments of Figure 13, the winder 14 further has an integrated handle 130, which allows it to be easily transported separately from the reel 20.

[0069] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the free end of each of the two windable means 12 for pulling the reel 20 may have a loop allowing them to be grasped by the user, who can then pull the reel 20 either with one hand (Figure 3) or with both hands (Figure 4).

[0070] Alternatively, the device 10 may include a joining element for the free end of the two winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20.

[0071] As shown in Figure 14, the joining element can be a strip of fabric 140 which can be passed through a loop provided at the free end of each winding means 12 of pulling the reel 20 and be closed on itself by Velcro (registered trademark) closure or by snap button or by clip system or by hook system or by belt buckle type loop.

[0072] As shown in Figure 15, alternatively, the joining element can be provided directly on the free end of each winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20, for example, similarly, in the form of a snap button 150, or a pair of hook and loop surfaces, or a clipping system, or a hooking system.

[0073] Figure 5 illustrates another variant of the meeting element, in the form of a portable handle 50, possibly but not necessarily extendable.

[0074] In the embodiment of Figure 5, the handle 50 has a claw 52 at each of its ends, each claw 52 engaging with a loop provided in the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20. Thus, the loop constitutes a fastening means suitable for the removable attachment of the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20 to the handle 50, and the claw 52 constitutes a fastening means suitable for the removable attachment of the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20. Alternatively, the free end of the winding means 12 can be attached to the end of the handle 50 by means of a hook and loop assembly or a carabiner; these examples are not limiting.

[0075] Figure 6 shows three other possible forms of the handle 50 differing in particular in their attachment elements to the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 50. These examples are not limiting.

[0076] In a particular embodiment, the handle 50 includes a fastening means adapted for the removable fastening of the handle 50 on one of the unwinding supports 24 of the reel 20.

[0077] As shown in the three views of Figure 7, this fastening means may consist solely of the shape of the handle 50, which fits, possibly but not necessarily by means of one or more clips, onto a mounting plate 70 provided on one of the reel 20 unwinding supports 24. Alternatively, this fastening means may consist of screws that fit into holes made in the handle 50 and in one of the reel 20 unwinding supports 24. In another variant, this fastening means may consist of a longitudinal rib provided on the handle 50, which slides in a complementary groove provided on one of the reel 20 unwinding supports 24.

[0078] Furthermore, the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20 may include, at its end opposite its free end, a fastening means adapted for permanently attaching the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20 to the reel 14. By way of non-limiting example, this fastening means may be one or more rivets, or glue, or even a weld if the means The winding mechanism 12 for pulling the reel 20 is a metal chain. The reel 14 may also include a fastening means adapted for the permanent attachment of the winding mechanism 12 for pulling the reel 20. By way of non-limiting example, this fastening means may be either of the same type as that provided on the winding mechanism 12 for pulling the reel 20, or of a complementary type.

[0079] Alternatively, a removable fixing of the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20 in the winder 14 can be provided. This allows the winding means 12 to be replaced in case of soiling, wear or accidental damage.

[0080] As shown in the two embodiments of Figure 8, the winder 14 can include a housing 80 suitable for storing a small object which can for example be a tool such as a screwdriver (left view in Figure 8), or a writing instrument such as a marker or a pen (right view in Figure 8).

[0081] Alternatively, the housing 80 can be replaced or supplemented by a custom-made retaining means 120 for a specific object having known dimensions. Figure 12 shows five non-limiting examples of the custom-made retaining means 120 for an object 122. The custom-made retaining means 120 can be fixed to the reel 14 or directly to one of the unwinding supports 24 of the reel 20. For this purpose, it has holes 124 for receiving screws.

[0082] Figure 9 shows that means of holding the stored object in position can be provided in the housing 80, such as one or more pressure means such as clamping lugs 90, with or without spring, or a locking push button 92, these examples not being limiting.

[0083] As shown in the exploded view of Figure 11, in one particular embodiment, the device 10 further includes a leaf return spring 110 contained within the winder 14, which enables the automatic winding of the windable means 12. The leaf return spring 110 is fixed, at one end, to the winder 14, for example to a pin 112, and, at the other end, to the end of the windable means 12 opposite the free end of the windable means 12. The automatic winding can, for example, be triggered by pressing a push button 114 provided on the winder 14 opposite the pin 112.

[0084] Furthermore, the free end of the winding means 12 for pulling the reel 20 may include a fixing means adapted to the removable fixing of the free end of the winding means 12 on the reel 14 and the reel 14 may include a complementary fixing means adapted to this same fixing.

[0085] By way of non-limiting example, as shown in Figure 8, the fastening means equipping the winding means 12 may be a metallic part 82 and the complementary fastening means equipping the winder 14 may be a magnet 84, or vice versa. Alternatively, the removable attachment of the free end of the winding means 12 to the winder 14 may be achieved by means of a snap fastener, or complementary hook and loop surfaces of the Velcro type (registered trademark), or a hook or carabiner engaging with a loop, or even a locking zone on the winder 14 receiving the free end of the winding means 12.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (10) for moving a reel (20), the reel (20) having two cheeks (22) each equipped with a support (24) for unwinding the reel (20), said device (10) being characterized in that it comprises at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) and at least one winder (14) adapted to contain said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20), said at least one winder (14) being adapted to be fixed on one of said supports (24) for unwinding the reel (20).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) is a strap or a chain or a rope.

3. Device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) is an elastic strap.

4. Device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) is a non-elastic strap.

5. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one winder (14) is adapted to be permanently fixed on one of said unwinding supports (24) of the reel (20).

6. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one reel (14) is portable.

7. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two identical windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) and a joining element for the free end of the two windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20).

8. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said joining element is a strip of fabric, or a snap fastener, or a pair of hook-and-loop surfaces provided respectively on the free end of each of the two windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20), or a clipping system, or a hooking system.

9. Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that said joining element is a portable handle (50).

10. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said handle (50) is extendable.

11. Device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said handle comprises a first means of attachment adapted to the removable attachment of said handle (50) on one of said supports (24) of unwinding of the reel (20).

12. Device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) has at its free end a second fastening means adapted for the removable fastening of said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) on said handle (50).

13. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said handle (50) comprises a third fastening means adapted to the removable fastening of said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20).

14. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) comprises, at its end opposite its free end, a fourth fastening means adapted for the permanent fastening of said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) on said at least one reel (14).

15. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one reel (14) comprises a fifth fixing means adapted for the permanent fixing of said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20).

16. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one reel (14) has a housing (80) adapted for storing an object.

17. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a leaf return spring contained in said at least one winder (14) and fixed, by a first end, to said at least one winder (14) and, by a second end, to the end of said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) opposite the free end of said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20).

18. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free end of said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) comprises a sixth means for fixing and said at least one reel (14) comprises a seventh means for fixing, said sixth and seventh means for fixing being adapted for the removable fixing of the free end of said at least one windable means (12) for pulling the reel (20) on said at least one reel (14).

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