Spool mounting assembly and brake

Abstract

A mechanism for mounting a spool on a shaft is the subject of the present invention. First and second bearing means are provided which are designed to fit over the shaft and be received within the openings of a large wooden spool. Each bearing has a frusto-conical annular surface so that it can accommodate different sized openings in the spool. A sleeve member abuts one of the bearings and is comprised of first and second sleeve components which are complementally threaded. Means is provided for rotating the two sleeve components relative to each other whereby the effective length of the sleeve may be increased or decreased. This provides means for providing a lateral force acting against one of the bearings which in turn controls the speed of rotation of the spool. When it is desired to stop rotation of the spool, the two sleeve components are turned relative to each other a sufficient distance so as to apply a lateral force against the spool a sufficient magnitude to stop all rotation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.