Chalk Reel
AssigneeMilwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
InventorsJames A. Cemke, JR., Alexander J. Paulsen, Joseph M. DeBaker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A chalk reel is provided that includes a handgrip on housing supporting a chalk line extending from a nozzle of the housing that extends from the chalk reel to mark a straight line. The chalk reel may further include a rotatable handle that rotates to extend or retract (“pay out”) the chalk line. A hook is secured to the end of the chalk line to facilitate extension of the chalk line and prevent retraction of the chalk line end into the housing nozzle. The chalk reel may further include a transmission system with gearing and a selector to lock the gearing at locations around the handle rotation. The chalk reel may also include a large removable cap to facilitate refilling the chalk or other marking material.
Claims20
A chalk reel comprising:
- a housing comprising an outer surface, an internal 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 further configured to pivot toward the outer surface;
- a spool supported in the internal chamber of the housing, the handle configured to rotate the spool about a central axis within the housing;
- a chalk line comprising 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 of the housing;
- and
- a selector that receives the handle in a plurality of positions, wherein pivoting the handle into the selector locks the handle within the plurality of positions and locks the spool about the central axis.
A chalk reel comprising:
- a housing comprising an outer surface, an internal chamber, and an opening;
- a handle located outside the outer surface of the housing;
- a spool supported in the internal chamber of the housing, the handle configured to rotate the spool within the housing;
- a chalk line comprising 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 refill port having a cam lock and providing access to the internal chamber of the housing;
- and
- a removable cap comprising a cam portion configured to couple to the cam lock of the refill port, wherein engagement of the cam lock to the cam portion of the removable cap seals the internal chamber of the housing.
A chalk reel comprising:
- a housing comprising an outer surface, an internal chamber, and an opening;
- a marking material located in the internal chamber;
- a handle located outside the outer surface of the housing, wherein in a rotation position the handle extends away from the outer surface of the housing and is configured to rotate in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction, and wherein the handle pivots to a locked position towards the outer surface of the housing;
- a ring gear coupled to the handle, the ring gear rotating within the housing in the direction of the handle rotation;
- a selector that receives the handle in a plurality of positions, wherein pivoting the handle towards the outer surface of the housing and into the selector locks the handle within the plurality of positions and locks the spool about the central axis;
- a sun gear coupled to the ring gear, the ring gear and the sun gear having a gear ratio;
- a spool supported in the internal chamber of the housing and meshed with the sun gear, the handle rotating the ring gear meshed with the sun gear to rotate the spool within the housing;
- a chalk line comprising 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
- a fill port having a cam lock to engage a cam portion of a cap, the fill port providing access to the internal chamber of the housing when the cap is removed, the cap sealing the fill port when engaged with the cam lock.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.