Winder Tool and Adaptor for Manual and Power Retraction of Spoolable Material

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/569,141 filed Mar. 23, 2024, titled CONSTRUCTION TOOL, the subject matter of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The invention relates generally to winding tools for use with spoolable materials such as wires, lines, string, and the like.

Spooling devices are commonly used for any industry that utilizes string, rope, wires, etc. This includes building and construction, utility services, and other industries. Spoolable materials, like string, wires, etc. Are effective for outlining a desired area for work, making straight lines, and assisting with certain projects.

Currently there are a few suitable solutions for hand spooling devices. The available solution lack an efficient means to retrieve the spoolable material. These solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because their method can be very slow and awkward. Operators often resort to winding the material hand over hand like winding it on a stick. This technique is unable to meet the needs of the industry because the process can cause the string to become kinked from the twisting that often results from this method. This kinking can be a problem when the string is looped loosely it can twist on itself and become knotted. It is also slow and consumes unwarranted time.

Other solutions can utilize a slip sleeve over a solid handle. In these solutions the entire handle is a slip sleeve, but solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry because they do not allow for the manual twisting of a solid section of the handle to wind the spoolable material. In order to use the handle as a retrieval mechanism only part of the handle should be covered by the slip sleeve, no slip sleeve if the device has one handle, or two handles (one with and one without a slip sleeve).

Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a device and associated method that provides for less time spent retracting material onto a spool.

The present disclosure addresses the aforementioned deficiencies by providing winder that allows for manual and power retraction of spoolable material.

In one aspect, a winding device for spooling material, includes (a) a spool configured to receive and retain spoolable material, (b) a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, the handle including a shoulder near the distal end, (c) a torque transfer connection located at the distal end of the handle, the torque transfer connection includes at least one of an internal hex bit receiver and an external hex bit shank, (d) a slip sleeve disposed over at least a portion of the handle and rotatable with respect to the handle, the slip sleeve having a curved transition at the region proximate to the shoulder to ergonomically fit a user's hand and allow smooth rotation, (e) at least one securing hook for retaining the free end of the spoolable material when not in use, (f) frictional engagement between the spool and the shoulder of the handle for securing a disposable spool in position during operation, where the slip sleeve is configured to rotate around the handle and up against the shoulder, and maintain a defined region on the handle for manual retraction and deployment of the device. The line winding apparatus may also include where the slip sleeve is secured in place using at least one of a clip and a solid connection. The line winding apparatus may also include where the torque transfer connection is adapted to receive a hex bit. The line winding apparatus may also include where the slip sleeve is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, vinyl, and elastomeric materials. The line winding apparatus may also include where the spool is removably mounted to the handle via a friction fit. The line winding apparatus may also include wherein the handle includes a region configured for manual operation to enable winding of the spool by hand. The line winding apparatus may also include further includes a removable torque transfer bit configured for engagement with a power tool. The line winding apparatus may also include where the device is configured for use with a power drill set to a low clutch setting to safely wind material onto the spool. The line winding apparatus may also include where the curved transition of the slip sleeve provides a contoured ergonomic grip surface for user comfort during manual deployment. A method of spooling material using the winding device may also include includes (a) securing a working end of a string to a stationary object or a second person, (b) grasping the slip sleeve near the shoulder of the handle, (c) moving the device away from the secured end of the string to deploy the material, (d) retracting the material by one of the following methods: (i) inserting a hex bit into the torque transfer connection and applying torque with a power drill, (ii) inserting a removable torque transfer bit into the torque transfer connection, connecting a power drill to the bit, and applying torque, or (iii) manually rotating the handle to wind the string onto the spool. Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. The line winding apparatus may also include where the hex bit is a ¼-inch hex bit. The method may also include further includes manually winding the line using a retractable handle attached to the spool. The method may also include where the adapter mechanism is configured to allow for attachment and detachment of the drill and facilitating transitions between powered and manual winding. Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

The present disclosure is directed to winder that allows for manual and power retraction of spoolable material.

In an example, a hand powered or mechanical spooling device includes the following components: a spool, a torque transfer connection centered and torsionaly balanced on one end of the spool, a handle, a shoulder to keep string off the handle, and a slip sleeve. The handle, shoulder and spool can be formed as connected parts or as one unitary device. The slip sleeve can be secured in place so that it rotates around a portion of the handle up to and covering most of the shoulder. The torque transfer connection is integrated as either an internal hex bit receiver/adaptor, and/or external round or hexagonal bit.

The device may also include one or more of the following: hooks to secure string from unwinding and allowing the spooling tool to be suspended from the work area, a fixed exterior hex bit at the end of the spool; the exterior hex bit would provide a torque transfer connection from a hand held drill or impact driver type device, a fixed exterior rounded bit of a suitable diameter (i.e., a ½″ diameter) or less at the end of the spool used as a hand retrieval device, torque connection transfer location, or a simple handle without a slip sleeve. A removable torque transfer connection (i.e., hex bit) can be provided that fits within the interior hex bit receiver. The hex bit would in turn fit directly into the chuck of a handheld drill and/or impact driver. The exterior hex bit would provide a torque transfer connection from a handheld drill or impact driver type device.

A removable exterior rounded bit of ½″ or less can be designed to fit directly into the chuck of a handheld drill. The exterior rounded bit would provide a torque transfer connection from a handheld drill with standard chuck.

The handle may be sized or shaped to fit within a standard drill (½″ diameter or less) or have a hex shaped end.

The torque transfer connection may be centered on the handle end. The spooling end may have a solid handle for manual retraction or two hand deployment. The spooling end may have an integrated handle and torque transfer connection. The hex or round bit torque connection may be utilized for a variety of handheld spooling tools. Including chalk-line, measuring tape, kite string, or the like. An alternative mechanism includes holding a disposable spool via friction or other suitable means.

A spool can be configured with spring wire tensioners(s) that collapse under pressure into the spool core to hold tension onto the disposable spool. The spring wire tensioners(s) is designed to contract with spring-type action to secure a disposable spool and hold it in place on the device.

The slip sleeve may be held in place using a variety of ways including, but not limited to, a retaining clip, a handle ledge, and the like.

The hex bit torque receiver may be integrated and utilized within the winding mechanism of a chalk line tool. The hex bit torque receiver may be integrated and utilized within a measuring tape winding device. It may have an internal safety clutch configured to slip if the device or material is caught, for example on an object or operator. It may further have a removable locking shoulder that is securable to the spool.

The outside shoulder may have a part for manual winding. The manual winder is a part of the shoulder with a solid connection to the device spool. The manual winder is a protruding area of the shoulder for a finger winding operation where torque can be applied for string respooling. It may further have a loop or bowl-shaped winding mechanism that is permanent or removable.

In another example, the shoulder includes magnets. It may have an outside shoulder held with magnets or an outside shoulder held securely to the device spool with a locking mechanism. The outside shoulder held securely to the device spool with a locking mechanism and magnets. The locking mechanism can utilize a standard hex bit lock. The hex bit lock can be released by pulling a plunger in line with the hex bit. The plunger may have an outer lip flare to reduce the grip strength needed to operate the plunger.

In another example, the present disclosure provides for a split device spool having spring tensioners. It may have a split spool holder to accommodate various size replacement spool lengths. It may have a handle side spool holder and an outside shoulder spool holder held with spring tension to the spool core. The spring tensioners can be made from a variety of materials including metal and plastic or plastic like derivatives. The tension springs may be made as an integrated part of the spool holder. This may serve as a means of manufacturing cost reduction. If this is made as an integrated part as with injection mold or similar there may be great manufacturing cost reduction.

A spool holder can be configured with spring tensioners. The spring tensioners are sized to compress as the spool holder is inserted into the spool. The spring tensioner holds the inside of the string spool in place for torque transfer (from spool holder to spool) and maintains position between the handle/shoulder split sleeve and the spool. The sizing is such that the tool will universally fit within most standard spool cores in the 24 mm range.

The device may have a hex or other shaped axle to connect the handle spool holder and the shoulder spool holder. The shape of the axle is matched as a receiver on the shoulder spool holder. If the axle is a standard ¼″ hex bit then the shoulder shall have a ¼″ hole to receive and transfer torque between the two spool holders. It may further include a concave parabola funnel shaped receiver area to assist and guide with the insertion of a drill hex bit. In another example, it may have a funnel shaped receiver area to assist and guide with the insertion of a handle axle into the shoulder spool holder. The axle and receiver may switch locations. That is the axle may be attached to the handle and not the shoulder.

The device may include one spool holder longer than the other. The purpose of this configuration is to allow for maximum spool length variation. With the axle connected to the shorter spool holder and the longer spool holder acting as the axle receiver, the device can accommodate a common 107 mm spool (or shorter) up to a common 154 mm spool (or longer).

It may have an axle receiver that extends well into the handle. The longer the axle the greater variation in disposable spool size accommodation available with the device. The axle receiver may also act as a connecting dowel used in parts assembly.

The present disclosure provides for a hand powered or mechanical spooling device, which is made up of the following components: a spool, a torque transfer connection centered and torsionaly balanced on one end of the spooler, a handle, shoulder to keep string off handle, slip sleeve. The handle, shoulder and spool are connected as one solid unit. The slip sleeve is secured in place so that it rotates around a portion of the handle up to and covering most of the shoulder. The power torque transfer connection is integrated as either an internal hex bit receiver, external round or hexagonal bit.

The device may also have one or more of the following: hooks to secure string from unwinding and allowing the spooling tool to be suspended from the work area, a fixed exterior hex bit at the end of the spool; the exterior hex bit would provide a torque transfer connection from a hand held drill or impact driver type device, a fixed exterior rounded bit ½″ diameter or less at the end of the spool used as a hand retrieval device, torque connection transfer location, or a simple handle without a slip sleeve. A removable torque transfer connection (hex bit) that fits within the interior hex bit receiver. The hex bit would in turn fit directly into the chuck of a handheld drill and/or impact driver. The exterior hex bit would provide a torque transfer connection from a handheld drill or impact driver type device.

The present disclosure provides for a removable exterior rounded bit ½″ diameter or less designed to fit directly into the chuck of a handheld drill. The exterior rounded bi would provide a torque transfer connection from a handheld drill with standard chuck. The spooling end may have an integrated handle and torque transfer connection. The hex or round bit torque connection may be utilized for a variety of handheld spooling tools. Including chalk-line, measuring tape, kite string, etc.

The hex bit torque receiver may be integrated and utilized within the winding mechanism of a chalk line tool. The hex bit torque receiver may be integrated and utilized within a measuring tape winding device. It may have an internal safety clutch configured to slip if the device or material is caught.

The outside shoulder may include a manual winding feature. The manual winder feature can be configured as a protruding area of the shoulder for a finger winding operation where torque can be applied for string respooling. It may have a loop or bowl-shaped winding mechanism that it permanent or removable.

A magnetic shoulder may have an outside shoulder held with magnets. It may have an outside shoulder held securely to the device spool with a locking mechanism or have an outside shoulder held securely to the device spool with a locking mechanism and magnets. The locking mechanism utilizes a standard hex bit lock. The hex bit lock can be released by pulling a plunger in line with the hex bit. The plunger may have an outer lip flare to reduce the grip strength needed to operate the plunger.

Additional methods of joining the device spool to the shoulder not shown. One such method is to use a system similar to a common method of holding a socket to a ratchet tool. This method uses a compressed spring and round barring mechanism on a shaft. When the shaft is inserted into the socket sleeve receiver, the barring is forced into a divot. The marriage of the round barring and the divot form a solid connection.

Similarly, the associated method may also include one or more of the following steps:

While configured with an exterior hex bit the operator would insert the hex bit directly into the chuck of a drill or impact driver. While configured with an exterior rounded bit the operator or would insert the rounded bit directly into the chuck of a drill.

The disclosed device is unique when compared with other known devices and solutions because it provides: (1) a mechanism to acquire torque from a hand held power tool like a drill to turn the spool holder; (2) allows for smooth deployment of material via a slip sleeve that spins on the handle and shoulder; and (3) the exposed solid portion of the handle can also operate as manual re-spooling mechanism with improved efficiency.

Similarly, the associated method is unique in that it: (1) allows for a simple method to secure a disposable spool onto a simple friction inducing structure; (2) allows for hooks for hanging the device and secure the spoolable material for storage and during use. Similarly, the disclosed method is unique when compared with other known processes and solutions in that the simple design and structure will save on manufacturing cost so that the device may be offered at a low price.

As it relates to the split device spool option, the handle and outside shoulder are two separate components. They are both pressed into and held in place with spring tensioners. An axle joins the two parts within the disposable spool. The joining takes place as the outside shoulder axle fits tightly within the handle and handle spool as they have similar and complementary shapes. The drawings show a hexagonal shape example; however, many shapes would be functionable. The drawings show where the axle is guided into the hex receiver via a funnel shaped receive cone. By joining the two parts together the device grip on the disposable spool core is shared between the two parts. This increases the device's ability to maintain stable grip within the disposable core when torque is applied. The outside shoulder may have a knob. The handle, inside shoulder, and device spool may all be connected via a dowel.

As it relates to the hex bit locking shoulder, there are two parts to this device configuration. The shoulder and the device spool with handle. The outside shoulder is assembled with a locking mechanism, at the core, as a single part, referred to as the outside shoulder. This shoulder securely locks into device spool via the hourglass locking segment. To secure the two parts together the locking segment is inserted within the locking mechanism to form a secure bond. When connected together the two parts can only be separated by manually bulling back on the plunger. This is done with two fingers pulling on the outer lip flare while pushing back on the shoulder hex segment and away from the device spool. The two parts are locked together when the hex bit locking mechanism marries with the hourglass hex locking segment. When assembled the hex bit locking mechanism is a shoulder and operates as one unit.

Also, in this configuration the end of the spool handle is used for manual spooling. As it relates to the magnet secured shoulder. The magnetic outside shoulder is married to the spool device for operation utilizing the attraction capability of a magnet. In one possible configuration the magnet is placed within the device spool at the end of a hex receiver sleeve. The shoulder has a hex bit that slides into the hex receiver sleeve within the spool device. The end of the shoulder hex bit marries to the magnet placed at the end of the hex receiver sleeve. This marriage attractions holds the shoulder to the device spool for use. The end of the outside end of the shoulder has a hex bit receiver and thumb turn manual winder. When the manual winder is spun by the operator line can be spooled onto the device. The end of the handle (handle cap may also be used as a winder in the same manner. The shoulder hex receiver sleeve in this configuration is used to transfer torque from a power tool to the device.

A string lock securing notch can be built into one or both shoulders (and spool holder). The string securing notch has a funnel opening that leads to a pinch point. This pinch point may then open into a second funnel that tapers to a point. This area is designed to allow for easy placement of the loose string and secure it in place for storage. It can help the string on the spool. Thereby holding the string in place and avoiding the string from unintentionally unraveling off the spool.

Additional methods of joining the device spool to the shoulder not shown. One such method is to use a system similar to a common method of holding a socket to a ratchet tool. This method uses a compressed spring and round barring mechanism on a shaft. When the shaft is inserted into the socket sleeve receiver, the barring is forced into a divot. The marriage of the round barring and the divot form a solid connection.

The disclosed device is unique in that it is structurally different from other known devices or solutions. More specifically, the device includes a torque transfer connection centered and rotationally balanced for spooling material using the power from readily available handheld electric tool. The torque transfer end of the device can be configured with both an internal and external connections. The industry standard disposable spools are held in place with a compression and friction. The rectangle dimensions of one spool design creates a tight fit within a disposable spool.

At an end of the spool holder, two hooks can be provided and configured to allow the material to wrap, lock into place, and hang the tool during use. The hooks can be wide at the outside and angled to keep the spooled material from sliding off when suspended from the deployed material in the work area. The slotted hooks are also designed for a means to lock the material in place during storage. The hooks have an inner section that allows material to enter and stay in place.

The handle and slip sleeve are configured to allow the smooth deployment of the material. It does this while maintaining a dedicated section of the handle outside the sleeve for manual retraction. The device handle can further include a trench in which an angled lip of the slip sleeve rides. The joining of a slip sleeve lip, riding within the trench of the handle, secures the slip sleeve up against the backside of the spool shoulder.

The solid handle can be configured to be longer than the slip sleeve. This increased length allows the operator to spin the spool with their fingers. Thereby, allowing for manual retraction on a handle outfitted with a slip sleeve. The slip sleeve is also designed with a curve at the transition from the handle to the shoulder.

Furthermore, the process associated with the aforementioned device is likewise unique. When configured as an internal hex receiver, the torque transfer end will accept a standard ¼″ hex bit. The industry standard hex bit is structured to connect with the chuck of a handheld drill type tool. When engaged, the drill type tool is thereby able to apply torque to the spooling device. The curved transition of the slip sleeve can be ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand and slide smoothly over the handle and shoulder. The device spool holds the disposable spool in place by either forcing the round cardboard inner core of the disposable spool somewhat out of round or by compressing spring wire tensioners. The force of the compressed disposable spool core onto the device spool maintains enough friction to hold the disposable spool in place in a simple cost-effective way. Utilizing spring tensioners to hold the disposable spool in place has the advantage of accommodating variation in disposable spool core sizes. The hooks on the device spool secure the device for storage so that the material will not unintentionally unwind off the spool.

The material can be wrapped around the hooks to conveniently hang the device where it can be easily accessed during use. Without the hooks, the tool might otherwise need to be laid down, away from the workspace. When this happens, excess energy is needed to retrieve the device and un-utilized material is deployed, possibly causing a trip hazard. When excess material is deployed it needs to be rewound onto the spool. Thereby, wasting what would otherwise be productive time. The hooks allow the operator to hang the device in an ergonomically accessible location. The device may also be used as a plum weight while suspended from the spoolable material.

The present disclosure provides for a hex bit locking shoulder having a shoulder and the device spool with handle. The outside shoulder is assembled with a locking mechanism, at the core, as a single part, referred to as the outside shoulder. This shoulder securely locks into device spool via the hourglass locking segment. To secure the two parts together the locking segment is inserted within the locking mechanism to form a secure bond. When connected together the two parts can only be separated by manually bulling back on the plunger. This is done with two fingers pulling on the outer lip flare while pushing back on the shoulder hex segment and away from the device spool. The two parts are locked together when the hex bit locking mechanism marries with the hourglass hex locking segment. When assembled the hex bit locking mechanism is a shoulder and operates as one unit. Also, in this configuration the end of the spool handle is used for manual spooling.

The present disclosure provides for a magnet secured outside shoulder is married to the spool device for operation utilizing the attraction capability of a magnet. In one example configuration, the magnet is placed within the device spool at the end of a hex receiver sleeve. The shoulder can include a hex bit that slides into the hex receiver sleeve within the spool device. The end of the shoulder hex bit marries to the magnet placed at the end of the hex receiver sleeve. This marriage attractions holds the shoulder to the device spool for use. The end of the outside end of the shoulder has a hex bit receiver and thumb turn manual winder. When the manual winder is spun by the operator line can be spooled onto the device. An end of the handle (i.e., handle cap) may also be used as a winder in the same manner. The shoulder hex receiver sleeve in this configuration can be used to transfer torque from a power tool to the device.

In an example, the device includes the following components: a spool, a torque transfer connection centered on the end of the spooler, a handle, a slip sleeve, securing hooks, a removable hex bit and a removable round bit. These components can be connected as follows: the handle, securing hooks, shoulder and spool are connected as one solid unit. The device spool is designed to utilize friction to secure a disposable spool. It does this by spreading the core of the disposable spool out of round. This friction holds the disposable spool in position on the spool and against the shoulder. The slip sleeve is secured in place so that it rotates around a portion of the handle and up against most of the shoulder. The slip sleeve is curved at the transition from the handle to the shoulder. This is done to ergonomically fit comfortably in the hand and slide smoothly over the device handle and shoulder. The power torque transfer connection is integrated as an internal hex bit receiver and removable exterior hex bit. It should further be noted that, the slip sleeve may be secured to allow rotation and stability with a variety of configurations. The manor chosen for illustration in this document utilizes a handle trench and slip sleeve lip design. The design importance of the slip sleeve connection is that it allows the slip sleeve smoothly rotates over the handle and shoulder while maintaining a dedicated space on the handle for manual retraction and deployment.

A method associated with the present disclosure includes the following steps: deploying the spoolable material (hereafter may be referred to as string) by securing the working end of the string with a second person or a non-moveable object; holding the handle at the slip sleeve near the raised shoulder and moving the tool away from the secured section of string holding just the slip sleeve section of the handle, and optionally holding the rounded exterior portion of a hex bit inserted into the hex receiver for a two hand deployment operation.