GB2532110A - Wiremaster - Google Patents

Abstract

A wire coiling device comprises a mechanism for securing the device on a table or other surface, at least one wire end holder 11 and a body 1, 2. A stand 3 attached to the securing mechanism supports a chuck mechanism 12 which allows for the attachment of interchangeable rods. A handle 4, 5, 7 is attached to the body and turns the spindle, when not in use the handle may be folded away. Gears may be included between the handle and the spindle.

Description

A WIRE COILER DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wire coiler device, in particular a device for coiling wire for jewellery or the like.

Background

Wirework is a very versatile technique in jewellery. Wire can be woven, threaded, coiled and is metallic by nature meaning it can be forged, hammered, or soldered. Wire jewellery is fun, therapeutic, affordable, self-satisfying, and wire related articles and projects can use beads, gold-filled wire, sterling wire, copper wire, and other metals In particular coiling of different diameters and styles of wire can be a very effective and desirable technique.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Chinese utility model CN 2 538 757 discloses a wire coiling wheel for kites, comprising two same round wheel disks, a wire carrying wheel, and two ball bearings. The wire carrying wheel is in a cylindrical shape, or is formed by at least four same cylindrical wire columns fixed on corresponding parts of the inner sides of the two wheel disks; the ball bearings are fixed at centers of the two wheel disks; a manual control shaft is in an L shape, and is formed by a shaft and a handle perpendicular to each other; the cylindrical shaft is inserted into two shaft holes; a cylindrical crank is arranged on the edge of the outside end face of the wheel disk far from the handle, and is perpendicular to the outside end face. By solving problems of difficult speed control and limited availability in the prior kite lines, the utility model has the advantages of simple structure, easy speed control of the kite lines, and convenient lines retrieving, and is widely used in kites flying for people of different ages.

Granted United States patent US 6 321 519 (GOERTZ) discloses a method for producing coiled stock useful in decorative craft objects by using a jig, the jig comprising a chuck and a hollow tube, the chuck including one or more movable member(s) for controllably gripping a member inserted in an axial bore extending therethrough, said chuck being mounted so the axis thereof extends through a hollow bore defined by said tube, the method comprising: (a) positioning a first elongated member in the axial bore of the chuck; (b) tightening the movable member(s) of the chuck so as to secure the first elongated member in the axial bore; (c) securing the distal end of a second elongated member in a fixed relationship with the chuck so said distal end moves with said chuck; (d) rotating the chuck to thereby rotate the first elongated member and the secured distal end of the second elongated member; (e) training a portion of the second elongated member against the rotating first elongated member to wrap the second elongated member therearound, thereby yielding a length of coil comprising the first elongated member with the second elongated member wrapped therearound; (f) opening the movable member(s) of the chuck; (g) inserting the length of coil into the chuck and tightening the movable member(s) thereon; and (h) continuing rotating the chuck and training a further portion of the second elongated member around the rotating first elongated member.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a wire coiler device, comprising a securement mechanism, at least one wire end holder, and a body in use comprising an elongate spindle, wherein the body is configured such that the spindle rotates with respect to the mechanism and wherein the holder is situated to one end of the body.

Advantageously the mechanism is for securement to a planar surface or object, typically wherein the mechanism secures the device to a subordinate table or similar.

In preferred embodiments the elongate body comprises a spindle for coiling wire thereonto wherein rotation wraps the wire about the body at least in part. In this way the wire may be coiled to form a decorative coil of a length equivalent to said spindle.

In some embodiments a holder rotates with the body, and in others the body rotates with respect to the holder. In yet further embodiments two holders may be provided, one rotating and the other stationary.

Typically the holder is located at a distal end of the spindle, wherein the spindle is rotated on and maintained on the mechanism by means of a stand, and,rotation is accomplished by a handle wherein the holder holds the wire against displacement during rotation; thereby allowing the wire to be tightly wound about the body.

The spindle may be displaceable in preferred embodiments allowing a variety of different spindles to be used, so as to permit a variety of coiling styles or types or sections, for example of greater or lesser sectional diameter, as well as of differing sectional profiles, such as ovaloid or cuboid.

Advantageously therefore the spindles include a standardised end.

In this way the body advantageously comprises an independent spindle and a chuck for holding the spindle end. Said chuck is advantageously adjustable for different 20 spindle widths or styles and includes a lacuna for accepting spindle ends.

Advantageously the handle projects coaxially from the body, in some embodiments comprising a perpendicular part for gripping by a user so as to add leverage. This aids in rotation which acts against the wire tension, allowing even users of limited 25 mobility to effectively wind even thick section wires.

The interface between the handle is advantageously displaced from the body by gearing so as to increase effectiveness of handle movement.

The mechanism typically comprises at least one moveable clamping member, which member is used to clamp the device in place on the table or other surface. Such member typically moves on a screw thread. A handle or grip is ideally provided for turning the member along the thread. Typically the member includes a deformable or padded clamping pad to prevent damage to the object or surface.

In some further embodiments the mechanism includes a sprung member or resiliently deformable member at least in part, wherein the mechanism facilitates automatic and/or aided securement to a surface or object. Advantageously this may aid those of limited mobility or ability.

Preferably the body is arranged at a distance from the mechanism and consequently from the securement surface, in order that more space is afforded to a user for working. This is advantageous in use of the device, particularly for users of limited mobility or ability.

The body therefore typically may be envisaged to project out from a stand connected to the mechanism, wherein the stand provides a rigid base for the body to turn.

Different bodies may have different cross sectional profiles, in order to allow for 15 different cross-section of coil shapes.

In some embodiments movement along the spindle of a holder may be used to customise coil length. Said movement may comprise holder movement or coaxial extension.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the device; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in use secured on a table; Figures 3 show plan views from above and below of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 Figure 7 shows end views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 8b shows a front view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 2; Figure 9 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 10 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. And

11 shows an internal isometric view of the total embodiments shown in figure 1

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown a triangular stand 3 upstanding from a securement mechanism 13 comprising a moveable clamping member 10 mounted on a screw thread with a turn grip and having a resiliently deformable or padded engagement pad 8 so as to limit damage to any surface or object to which the device is clamped in use.

The member moves on an integral thread through a fixed holding part comprising a side 6 and perforated/threaded base 9, the pad approximating the remainder of the stand during threading.

The stand is formed in moulded rigid plastics of a triangular form wherein the body extends orthogonally from an uppermost narrower part holding the handle 4,5,7 and body 1,2 and wherein the mechanism is comprised at a lower wider part. In this way the securement mechanism is maximised in width and effectiveness, so providing a stable base not liable to twisting in use and the manufacturing costs are minimised when clamped to a table 15.

The body extends from through the stand, wherein a proximal end comprises a handle 4 extending perpendicularly and providing a grip 5 extending axially for turning the body. The handle and grip are joined by a hinge 7, which hinge allows the grip to be folded out of the way for storage and transport.

The body comprises an elongate spindle, pictured here with a square sectional profile. The spindle is displaceable and held with an aluminium chuck 2.

The proximal end of the spindle further includes the holders 11 for the wire during rotation. The holder comprises a hole for threading the wire through, and deviating thereafter.

The handle is provided with gearing between the handle and the body, wherein the handle has a larger diameter than the chuck and is offset axially with toothed engagement comprising a larger toothed gear portion 20 on the handle, and a smaller toothed gear portion 19 on the chuck, and wherein rotations of the handle produce higher revolutions of the body, so aiding users of limited mobility.

The handle includes a hinged grip, which grip is provided in synthetic or natural rubber or silicone, and which grip may be folded towards parallel with the handle, for storage or transport.

A chuck key 14 is inserted into a driving hole 17 on the chuck so as to alter the placement of the jaws 12.

The jaws are arranged to move simultaneously with respect to a spindle dock 18 in order that the jaws are able to grip about wider spindles.

The jaws are stepped providing a plurality of interface surfaces so as to hold a wide 25 variety of spindles, having spindle diameters wider than the spindle dock.

The chuck provides a fixed diameter entrance with moving clamp jaws, wherein the jaws reduced the diameter internally. The jaws further provide clamping externally to the entrance so as to clamp spindles with a larger diameter than the entrance, such 30 spindles providing an extension for insertion into the entrance.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims (17)

1. Claims 1. A wire coiler device, comprising a securement mechanism, at least one wire end holder, and a body in use comprising an elongate spindle, wherein the body is configured such that the spindle rotates with respect to the mechanism and wherein the holder is situated to one end of the body.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the mechanism is for securement to a planar surface or object.
3. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the spindle is displaceable.
4. 4. A device according to claim 3 wherein an adjustable chuck holds the spindle in use.
5. 5. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the holder rotates with the body,
6. 6. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the body rotates 20 with respect to the holder.
7. 7. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein two holders are provided, one rotating and the other stationary.
8. 8. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the holder is located at a distal end of the spindle.
9. 9. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the spindle is rotated on and maintained on the mechanism by means of a stand.
10. 10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the stand is triangular.
11. 11. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein rotation of the body or spindle is accomplished by a handle wherein the holder holds the 35 wire against displacement during rotation.
12. 12. A device according to claim 11 wherein the handle projects coaxially from the body.
13. 13.A device according to claim 12 including gearing between the handle and the body.
14. 14. A device according to any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the handle projecting 5 from the body comprises a perpendicular part.
15. 15. A device according to any of preceding claims wherein the mechanism comprises at least one moveable clamping member.
16. 16. A device according to any of preceding claims wherein mechanism includes a sprung member or resiliently deformable member at least in part.
17. 17. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein movement along 15 the body of a holder may be used to customise coil length.