Mobile cable dispensing system

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6347761
  • Patent Number
    6,347,761
  • Date Filed
    Friday, July 28, 2000
    23 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, February 19, 2002
    22 years ago
Abstract
A mobile cable dispensing system for dispensing and retrieving cable from a spool of cable. The mobile cable dispensing system includes a trailer having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, a back end a pair of lateral sides. A power supply is securely attached to a top surface of the trailer. An elongate pole is extendable through the spool of cable. Each of a pair of support arms has a first end and a second end. Each of the first ends is rotatably coupled to one of the lateral sides. Each of the second ends comprises a clamp adapted to removably and rotatably couple to the pole. A first actuator comprises an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end. The first actuator is adapted to selectively vary the length between the first and second ends of the first actuator. The first end of the first actuator is pivotally coupled to a first of the lateral sides. The second end of the first actuator is pivotally to a first of the support arms. The first actuator is mechanically coupled to the power supply. A driving means controls rotation of the spool. A cable guiding means guides the cable on and off of the spool. A control means controls the power supply and is operationally coupled to the power supply, the first actuators, and the driving means.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




The present invention relates to cable dispensing devices and more particularly pertains to a new mobile cable dispensing system for dispensing and retrieving cable from a spool of cable.




2. Description of the Prior Art




The use of cable dispensing devices is known in the prior art. More specifically, cable dispensing devices heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.




Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,959; U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,116; U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,700; U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,142; U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,098; U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,291; U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,272; U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,073; U.S. Des. Pat. No. 186,589; and U.S. Pat. Des. No. 181,438.




While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new mobile cable dispensing system. The inventive device includes a trailer having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, a back end a pair of lateral sides. A power supply is securely attached to a top surface of the trailer. An elongate pole is extendable through the spool of cable. Each of a pair of support arms has a first end and a second end. Each of the first ends is rotatably coupled to one of the lateral sides. Each of the second ends comprises a clamp adapted to removably and rotatably couple to the pole. A first actuator comprises an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end. The first actuator is adapted to selectively vary the length between the first and second ends of the first actuator. The first end of the first actuator is pivotally coupled to a first of the lateral sides. The second end of the first actuator is pivotally to a first of the support arms. The first actuator is mechanically coupled to the power supply. A driving means controls rotation of the spool. A cable guiding means guides the cable on and off of the spool. A control means controls the power supply and is operationally coupled to the power supply, the first actuators, and the driving means.




In these respects, the mobile cable dispensing system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of dispensing and retrieving cable from a spool of cable.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of cable dispensing devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new mobile cable dispensing system construction wherein the same can be utilized for dispensing and retrieving cable from a spool of cable.




The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new mobile cable dispensing system apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the cable dispensing devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new mobile cable dispensing system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art cable dispensing devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.




To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a trailer having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, a back end a pair of lateral sides. A power supply is securely attached to a top surface of the trailer. An elongate pole is extendable through the spool of cable. Each of a pair of support arms has a first end and a second end. Each of the first ends is rotatably coupled to one of the lateral sides. Each of the second ends comprises a clamp adapted to removably and rotatably couple to the pole. A first actuator comprises an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end. The first actuator is adapted to selectively vary the length between the first and second ends of the first actuator. The first end of the first actuator is pivotally coupled to a first of the lateral sides. The second end of the first actuator is pivotally to a first of the support arms. The first actuator is mechanically coupled to the power supply. A driving means controls rotation of the spool. A cable guiding means guides the cable on and off of the spool. A control means controls the power supply and is operationally coupled to the power supply, the first actuators, and the driving means.




There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.




In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.




As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.




Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.




It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new mobile cable dispensing system apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the cable dispensing devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new mobile cable dispensing system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art cable dispensing devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.




It is another object of the present invention to provide a new mobile cable dispensing system which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.




It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new mobile cable dispensing system which is of a durable and reliable construction.




An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new mobile cable dispensing system which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such mobile cable dispensing system economically available to the buying public.




Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new mobile cable dispensing system which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.




Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new mobile cable dispensing system for dispensing and retrieving cable from a spool of cable.




Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new mobile cable dispensing system which includes a trailer having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, a back end a pair of lateral sides. A power supply is securely attached to a top surface of the trailer. An elongate pole is extendable through the spool of cable. Each of a pair of support arms has a first end and a second end. Each of the first ends is rotatably coupled to one of the lateral sides. Each of the second ends comprises a clamp adapted to removably and rotatably couple to the pole. A first actuator comprises an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end. The first actuator is adapted to selectively vary the length between the first and second ends of the first actuator. The first end of the first actuator is pivotally coupled to a first of the lateral sides. The second end of the first actuator is pivotally to a first of the support arms. The first actuator is mechanically coupled to the power supply. A driving means controls rotation of the spool. A cable guiding means guides the cable on and off of the spool. A control means controls the power supply and is operationally coupled to the power supply, the first actuators, and the driving means.




Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new mobile cable dispensing system that FOCUSED1.




Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new mobile cable dispensing system that FOCUSED2.




These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:





FIG. 1

is a schematic perspective view of a new mobile cable dispensing system according to the present invention.





FIG. 2

is a schematic plan view of the present invention.





FIG. 3

is a schematic side view of the present invention.





FIG. 4

is a schematic side view of the tire portions of the cable guiding means of the present invention.





FIG. 5

is a schematic perspective view of the back end of the trailer of the present invention.





FIG. 6

is a schematic perspective view of the extension member of the cable guiding means of the present invention.





FIG. 7

is a schematic side view of the power supply of the present invention.





FIG. 8

is a schematic perspective view of the breaking means of the present invention.





FIG. 9

is a schematic front view of the breaking means of the present invention.





FIG. 10

is a schematic bottom view of the trailer of the present invention.





FIG. 11

is a schematic bottom view of the panel of the cable guiding means of the present invention.





FIG. 12

is a schematic perspective view of the clamp of the present invention.





FIG. 13

is a schematic side view of the clamp of the present invention.











DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT




With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to

FIGS. 1 through 13

thereof, a new mobile cable dispensing system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral


10


will be described.




As best illustrated in

FIGS. 1 through 10

, the mobile cable dispensing system


10


generally comprises a trailer


11


, the trailer


11


has a top surface


12


, a bottom surface


13


, a front end


14


, a back end


15


, a first lateral side


16


and a second lateral side


17


. The front end


14


comprises a male hitch portion and the back end has a female hitch portion


18


coupled thereto. Each of a pair of wheels


19


is rotatably coupled to one of the lateral sides


16


,


17


. Each of a pair of ramps


20


is movably positioned on guide rails


21


securely attached to the bottom surface


13


of the trailer


11


. The guide rails


21


are orientated generally parallel with the lateral sides


17


and are positioned generally adjacent to the back end


15


. The ramps


20


allow the trailer


11


to be used as a conventional hauling-type trailer when no spool


5


is being carried.




Each of a pair of stabilizing legs


22


is coupled to a free end of one of the lateral sides


16


,


17


adjacent to the back end


15


of the trailer


11


. Each of the stabilizing legs


22


is selectively extendable in a vertical direction.




A power supply


24


is securely attached to the top surface


12


and positioned generally adjacent to the front end


14


. The power supply


24


preferably comprises a hydraulic pump, or hydraulic motor, though an electric generator may also be used. The hydraulic pump is fluidly coupled to a tank


25


adapted for holding oil. The tank


25


is located generally adjacent to the power supply and is securely attached to the top surface


12


. The tank


25


has a gauge


26


thereon incorporating a temperature gauge and a volume gauge. A separate tank


25


is desirable because the motor, or power supply


24


, tends to overheat and a larger amount of oil helps to cool the motor while the miles of cable


6


are unwound from a spool


5


.




An elongate pole


28


is used for extending through the spool


5


. The spool


5


has a middle portion and a pair of outer discs


7


.




Each of a pair of securing members


29


comprises a cylinder movably positionable on the elongate pole. Each of the cylinders has a wall


30


integrally coupled thereto and radially extending away therefrom for placement against the spool. Each of the securing members


29


is selectively securable to the elongate pole


28


by way of a fastening means, such as a bolt extending through the cylinder. The pole


28


is extended through the spool


5


and each of the securing members


29


is secured to the pole on an opposite side of the spool to keep the spool centered on the pole


28


.




Each of pair of support arms


31


has a first end


32


and a second end


33


. Each of the first ends


32


is rotatably coupled to one of the lateral sides


16


,


17


and positioned generally adjacent to the back end


15


. Each of the second ends


33


comprises a clamp


34


. Each of the clamps


34


is adapted to removably couple to the pole such that the pole


28


is rotatably coupled to each of the support arms


31


. As depicted in

FIGS. 12 and 13

, a jaw


35


is used to swing over the pole


28


. The jaw


35


has a pair of bores


36


for receiving a pin


37


to selective secure the jaw


35


in a closed position. The jaw-type design helps prevent the unwanted removal of the pole


28


if the pin


37


is not in place. Each of the support arms


31


is telescoping arms such that a length between the first and second ends of each of the arms may be selectively varied. A pin is used to secure the arms in at a desired length.




A first actuator


38


comprises an elongate actuator having a first end


39


and a second end


40


. The first actuator


38


is adapted to selectively vary the length between the first


39


and second


40


ends of the first actuator


38


. The first end


39


of the first actuator


38


is pivotally coupled to the first lateral side


16


and positioned generally between the front


14


and back


15


ends. The second end


40


of the first actuator


38


is pivotally coupled to a first of the support arms


31


pivotally coupled to the first lateral side


16


. The first actuator


38


is mechanically coupled to the power supply


24


. The first actuator


38


preferably comprises a hydraulic actuator.




A second actuator


41


comprises an elongate actuator having a first end


42


and a second end


43


. The second actuator


41


is adapted to selectively vary the length between the first


42


and second


43


ends of the second actuator


41


. The first end


42


of the second actuator is pivotally coupled to the second lateral side


17


and positioned generally between the front and back ends. The second end


43


of the second actuator is pivotally to a second of the support arms


31


pivotally coupled to the second lateral side


17


. The second actuator


41


is mechanically coupled to the power supply


24


. The second actuator


41


preferably comprises a hydraulic actuator. Ideally, the actuators


38


,


41


comprise a hydraulic piston and rod.




A driving means controls rotation of the spool


5


. The driving means includes a first axle


44


. The first axle


44


extends between and is rotatably coupled to the lateral sides


16


,


17


. The first axle


44


is positioned generally between the front end


14


and the support arms


31


. An actuating member


45


comprises an elongate actuator having a first end


46


and a second end


47


. The actuating member


45


is adapted to selectively vary the length between the first


46


and second


47


ends of the actuating member


45


. The first end


46


of the actuating member


45


is pivotally coupled to the top surface


12


of the trailer


11


. The second end


47


of the actuating member is pivotally coupled to an upright member


48


integrally coupled to the first axle


44


. The actuating member


45


is mechanically coupled to the power supply


24


.




Each of a pair of the bars


49


is elongate and has a first end


50


and a second end


51


. The first ends


50


are integrally coupled to the first axle


44


and extend away from the axle


44


in a parallel direction. Each of the bars


49


is located generally adjacent to one of the lateral sides


16


,


17


. A protruding member


52


is integrally coupled to a first of the bars


49


and is positioned generally adjacent to the second end


51


of the first arm. The protruding member


52


has a hole


53


extending therein. A second axle


54


extends between and is rotatably coupled to the second ends


51


of the bars


49


. A pair of wheels


55


is each removably mounted on the second axle


54


and is positioned between the bars


49


. The wheels


55


are adapted to be positioned anywhere along the length of the second axle


54


to accommodate varying sized spools


5


.




A disc portion


56


is securely mounted on the second axle


54


such that the second axle


54


extends through an axis of the disc portion


56


. The disc portion


56


is located generally adjacent to the first bar. A braking means


57


frictionally engages the disc portion and is securely coupled to the first of the bar


49


. The braking means


57


is mechanically coupled to the power supply


24


and preferably comprises a hydraulic brake.




A motor


58


is securely coupled to a plate


59


. The plate


59


has a rod


52


extending therefrom. The rod


80


is removably extendable in the protruding member


52


. The plate


59


has a hole


81


therethrough for removably receiving an end of the second axle


54


. The motor


58


is adapted to rotate the second axle


54


. The motor


58


is mechanically coupled to the power supply


24


. The motor


58


preferably comprises a hydraulic motor adapted for selectively rotating the second axle forward or backward, though an electric motor may be used as well.




A cable guiding means guides the cable


6


on and off of the spool


5


. The cable guiding means includes an elongate member


60


. The elongate member


60


has a first end


61


and a second end


62


. The elongate member


60


has a bend


63


therein located generally adjacent to the first end


61


. The bend


63


ideally defines an angle generally between 135 degrees and 170 degrees.




A mounting member


64


receives the first end


61


of the elongate member


60


. The mounting member


64


is coupled to and extends upwardly from the back end


15


of the trailer


11


. The mounting member


60


has a well extending therein. The first end


61


of the elongate member


60


is extendable into the well such that the elongate member


60


is rotatable with respect to the trailer portion


11


.




A panel


65


, which is substantially rigid, has a top side


66


, a bottom side


67


, a distal portion


68


, a middle portion


69


and a proximal portion


70


. The second end


62


of the elongate member


60


is removably coupled to the bottom side


67


of the distal portion


68


of the panel


65


. The panel


65


has a slot


71


therethrough positioned in a middle portion


69


of the panel.




A pair of walls


72


extends downwardly from and is integrally coupled to the bottom side


67


of the panel


65


. Each of the walls


72


is positioned on an opposite side of the slot


71


. An arm


73


extends between and is rotatably coupled to the walls


72


. The arm


73


extends through and is securely attached to a first tire portion


74


such that a perimeter of the first tire portion extends upwardly through the slot


71


. One of the walls


72


has a hole


75


therethrough for receiving the rod


80


coupled to the plate


59


such that the motor


58


may engage the arm


73


.




A vertically extending implement


76


is integrally coupled and extends upwardly from the top side


66


of the panel


65


. A bracket


77


is movably positioned on the vertically extending implement


76


. A second tire portion


78


is rotatably coupled to the bracket


77


such that the second tire


78


may be selectively positioned nearer or further away from the panel


65


. The bracket


77


is selectively securable in a vertical direction to place a desired distance between the first


74


and second


78


tire portions.




A pair of guide members


79


guide the cable


6


between the first


74


and second


78


tire portions. Each of the guide members


79


is positioned on opposite sides of the second tire portion


78


. Each of the guide members


79


comprises a pair of upstanding members.




A cylinder


90


is securely attached to the top side


66


of the proximal portion


70


and extends away therefrom. The cylinder


90


has a pair of ends. The cylinder


90


has a peripheral wall having a slit


91


therein. The slit


91


extending between the ends of the cylinder.




An extension member


94


comprises an outer sleeve


95


and an inner sleeve


96


. The inner sleeve


95


is positioned in the outer sleeve


96


. Each of the sleeves are substantially rigid. Each of the sleeves has a generally cylindrical shape. The inner sleeve


95


is rotatable with respect to the outer sleeve


95


. Each of the sleeves has an elongate slit


97


extending between their respective ends. The extension member


94


is positionable in the cylinder


90


.




A control means


100


controls the power supply


24


. The control means


100


is operationally coupled to the power supply


24


, the first


38


and second


41


actuators, the actuating member


45


, the breaking means


57


and the motor


58


. The control means is securely attached to the trailer. The control means


100


comprises conventional controls.




In use, the apparatus


10


is used for laying cable


6


, such as fiber optic cable, which cannot be easily spliced for re-routing under roadways and such. A user first uses the support arms


31


to pick up the spool


5


. This is done by moving the support arms


31


away from the trailer


11


and placing the second ends


33


of the support arms under the elongate pole


28


which is inserted through the spool. The first


38


and second


41


actuators then lift the spool onto the trailer. The spool may be transported in this way as well. When a user of the apparatus


10


comes across a roadway, it is necessary to unwind the entire spool of cable to get to the end to run it under the roadway. The user does this by placing the elongate member


60


in the mounting


64


on the back end of the trailer


11


. The cable


6


is positioned into the guide members


79


, between the tire portions


74


,


78


and placed in the slits in the cylinder


90


and extension member


94


. The inner sleeve


95


is rotated to close the slit in the extension member


94


. The motor


58


is positioned on the wall


72


so that it may engage the arm


73


to turn the first wheel portion


74


. The motor


58


is turned on and the tire portions begin to extract the cable


6


by pulling it off of the spool


5


. The elongate member


60


is moved back and forth to allow the cable to fall upon the ground in the shape of a figure-8 so that it does not tangle. The wheels


55


are placed against the outer discs as shown in FIG.


3


and the breaking means


57


is used to slow the spool if it should turn too fast. When all of the cable


6


is off of the spool, it is returned to the spool by running the cable through the cable guiding means and back on the spool. The motor is attached to the first axle


54


and the spool is rotated using the wheels


55


. The operator moves the cable guide member back and forth to evenly distribute the cable onto the spool.




The breaking means


57


also serves the dual purpose of creating tension in the cable while the cable is being laid. This useful when the cable is being position on telephone poles and the like where the cable must have tension to keep it off of the ground.




As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.




With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized 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. 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.



Claims
  • 1. A winding and unwinding apparatus for winding cable on a spool, said spool comprising a middle section and a pair of outer discs, said apparatus comprising:a trailer, said trailer having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, a back end a pair of lateral sides; a power supply, said power supply being securely attached to a top surface of said trailer; an elongate pole for extending through said spool; a pair of support arms, each of said support arms having a first end and a second end, each of said first ends being rotatably coupled to one of said lateral sides, each of said second ends comprising a clamp adapted to removably and rotatably couple to said pole; a first actuator, said first actuator comprising an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end, said first actuator being adapted to selectively vary the length between said first and second ends of said first actuator, said first end of said first actuator being pivotally coupled to said a first of said lateral sides, said second end of said first actuator being pivotally coupled to a first of said support arms, said first actuator being mechanically coupled to said power supply; a driving means for controlling rotation of said spool; a cable guiding means for guiding the cable on and off of said spool, said cable guiding means being removably mounted to said back end of said trailer; and a control means for controlling said power supply, said control means being operationally coupled to said power supply, said first actuators, and said driving means.
  • 2. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said trailer further comprises:said front end comprising a male hitch portion, said back end having a female hitch portion coupled thereto, each of a pair of wheels being rotatably coupled to one of said lateral sides, each of a pair of ramps being movably positioned on guide rails securely attached to said bottom surface of said trailer, said guide rails being orientated generally parallel with said lateral sides and positioned generally adjacent to said back end.
  • 3. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 2, further comprising:a pair of stabilizing legs, each of said stabilizing legs being coupled to a free end of one of said lateral sides, each of said stabilizing legs being selectively extendable in a vertical direction.
  • 4. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said power supply comprises:said power supply being securely attached to said top surface and positioned generally adjacent to said front end, said power supply comprising a hydraulic pump.
  • 5. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 4, further comprising:said hydraulic pump being fluidly coupled to a tank adapted for holding oil, said tank being located generally adjacent to said power supply and being securely attached to said top surface, said tank having a temperature gauge thereon, said tank having a volume gauge thereon.
  • 6. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:a pair of securing members, each of said securing members comprising a cylinder movably positionable on said elongate pole, each of said cylinders having a wall integrally coupled thereto and radially extending away therefrom for placement against said spool, each of said securing members being selectively securable to said elongate pole, wherein said pole is extended through said spool and each of said securing members is secured to said pole on an opposite side of said spool.
  • 7. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said support arms comprise:each of said arms being telescoping arms such that a length between said first and second ends of each of said arms may be selectively varied.
  • 8. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:a second actuator, said second actuator comprising an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end, said second actuator being adapted to selectively vary the length between said first and second ends of said second actuator, said first end of said second actuator being pivotally coupled to said a second of said lateral sides, said second end of said second actuator being pivotally coupled to a second of said support arms pivotally coupled to said second lateral side, said second actuator being mechanically coupled to said power supply.
  • 9. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 8, wherein said first actuator comprises a hydraulic actuator and said second actuator comprises a hydraulic actuator.
  • 10. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said driving means comprises:a first axle, said first axle extending between and being rotatably coupled to said lateral sides, said first axle being positioned generally between said front end and said support arms; an actuating member, said actuating member comprising an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end, said actuating member being adapted to selectively vary the length between said first and second ends of said actuating, member, said first end of said actuating member being pivotally coupled to said top surface of said trailer, said second end of said actuating member being pivotally coupled to an upright member integrally coupled to said first axle, said actuating member being mechanically coupled to said power supply; a pair of bars, each of said bars being elongate and having a first end and a second end, said first ends being integrally coupled to said first axle and extending away from said axle in a parallel direction, each of said bars being located generally adjacent to one of said lateral sides; a protruding member, said protruding member being integrally coupled to a first of said bars and being positioned generally adjacent to said second end of said first arm, said protruding member having a hole extending therein; a second axle, said second axle extending between and being rotatably coupled to said second ends of said bars; a pair of wheels, each of said wheels being removably mounted on said second axle and being positioned between said bars; and a motor, said motor being securely coupled to a plate, said plate having a rod extending therefrom, said rod being removably extendable in said protruding member, said plate having a hole therethrough for removably receiving an end of said second axle, wherein said motor is adapted to rotate said second axle, said motor being mechanically coupled to said power supply.
  • 11. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 10, wherein said comprises a hydraulic motor adapted for selectively rotating said second axle forward or backward.
  • 12. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 10, further comprising:a disc portion, said disc portion being securely mounted on said second axle such that said second axle extends through an axis of said disc portion, said disc portion being located generally adjacent to said first bar; a braking means for frictionally engaging said disc portion, said braking means being securely coupled to said first bar, said braking means being mechanically coupled to said power supply.
  • 13. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 10, wherein said cable guiding means comprises:an elongate member, said elongate member having a first end and a second end, said elongate member having a bend therein located generally adjacent to said first end; a mounting member for receiving said first end of said elongate member, said mounting member being coupled to and extending upwardly from said back end of said trailer; a panel, said panel being substantially rigid, said panel having a top side and a bottom side, said panel having a distal portion, a middle portion and a proximal portion, said second end of said elongate member being removably coupled to said bottom side of said distal portion of said panel, said panel having a slot therethrough positioned in a middle portion of said panel; a pair of walls extending downwardly from and being integrally coupled to said bottom side of said panel, each of said walls being positioned on an opposite side of said slot; an arm extending between and being rotatably coupled to said walls, said arm extending through and being securely attached to a first tire portion such that a perimeter of said first tire portion extends upwardly through said slot, one of said walls having a hole therethrough for receiving said rod coupled to said plate such that said motor may removably engage said arm; a vertically extending implement being integrally coupled and extending upwardly from said top side of said panel; a bracket being movably positioned on said vertically extending implement; a second tire portion being rotatably coupled to said bracket such that said second tire may be selectively positioned nearer or further away from said panel; and a cylinder, said cylinder being securely attached to said top side of said proximal portion and extending away therefrom, said cylinder having a pair of ends, said cylinder having a peripheral wall having a slit therein, said slit extending between said ends of said cylinder.
  • 14. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 13, further comprising:an extension member, said extension member comprising a outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, said inner sleeve being positioned in said outer sleeve, each of said sleeves bein, substantially rigid, each of said sleeves having a generally cylindrical shape, said inner sleeve being, rotatable with respect to said outer sleeve, each of said sleeves having an elongate slit extending between their respective ends, said extension member being positionable in said cylinder.
  • 15. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said cable guiding means comprises:an elongate member, said elongate member having a first end and a second end, said elongate member having a bend therein located generally adjacent to said first end; a mounting member for receiving said first end of said elongate member, said mounting member being coupled to and extending upwardly from said back end of said trailer; a panel, said panel being substantially rigid, said panel having a top side and a bottom side, said panel having a distal portion, a middle portion and a proximal portion, said second end of said elongate member being removably coupled to said bottom side of said distal portion of said panel, said panel having a slot therethrough positioned in a middle portion of said panel; a pair of walls extending downwardly from and being integrally coupled to said bottom side of said panel, each of said walls being positioned on an opposite side of said slot; an arm extending between and being rotatably coupled to said walls, said arm extending through and being securely attached to a first tire portion such that a perimeter of said first tire portion extends upwardly through said slot, a motor, said motor being securely coupled to a plate, said plate having a rod extending therefrom, said plate having a hole therethrough for removably receiving an end of said arm, wherein said motor is adapted to rotate said arm, said motor being mechanically coupled to said power supply; one of said walls having a hole therethrough for receiving said rod coupled to said plate such that said motor may removably engage said arm; a vertically extending implement being integrally coupled and extending upwardly from said top side of said panel; a bracket being movably positioned on said vertically extending implement; a second tire portion being rotatably coupled to said bracket such that said second tire may be selectively positioned nearer or further away from said panel; and a cylinder, said cylinder being securely attached to said top side of said proximal portion and extending away therefrom, said cylinder having a pair of ends, said cylinder having a peripheral wall having a slit therein, said slit extending between said ends of said cylinder.
  • 16. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 15, further comprising:a pair of guide members for guiding said cable between said first and second tire portions, each of said guide members being positioned on opposite sides of said second tire portion, each of said guide members comprising a pair of upstanding members.
  • 17. The winding and unwinding apparatus as in claim 15, further comprising:an extension member, said extension member comprising a outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, said inner sleeve being positioned in said outer sleeve, each of said sleeves being substantially rigid, each of said sleeves having a generally cylindrical shape, said inner sleeve being rotatable with respect to said outer sleeve, each of said sleeves having an elongate slit extending between their respective ends, said extension member being positionable in said cylinder.
  • 18. A winding and unwinding apparatus for winding cable on a spool, said spool comprising a middle section and a pair of outer discs, said apparatus comprising:a trailer, said trailer having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, a back end, a first lateral side and a second lateral side, said front end comprising a male hitch portion; a power supply, said power supply being securely attached to said top surface and positioned generally adjacent to said front end, said power supply comprising a hydraulic pump; an elongate pole for extending through said spool; a pair of support arms, each of said support arms having a first end and a second end, each of said first ends being rotatably coupled to one of said lateral sides and positioned generally adjacent to said back end, each of said second ends comprising a clamp, each of said clamps being adapted to removably couple to said pole such that said pole is rotatably coupled to each of said support arms, each of said arms being telescoping arms such that a length between said first and second ends of each of said arms may be selectively varied; a first actuator, said first actuator comprising an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end, said first actuator being adapted to selectively vary the length between said first and second ends of said first actuator, said first end of said first actuator being pivotally coupled to said first lateral side and positioned generally between said front and back ends, said second end of said first actuator being pivotally coupled to a first of said support arms pivotally coupled to said first lateral side, said first actuator being mechanically coupled to said power supply, said first actuator comprising a hydraulic actuator; a second actuator, said second actuator comprising an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end, said second actuator being adapted to selectively vary the length between said first and second ends of said second actuator, said first end of said second actuator being pivotally coupled to said second lateral side and positioned generally between said front and back ends, said second end of said second actuator being pivotally coupled to a second of said support arms pivotally coupled to said second lateral side, said second actuator being mechanically coupled to said power supply, said second actuator comprising a hydraulic actuator; a driving means for controlling rotation of said spool; a cable guiding means for guiding the cable on and off of said spool, said cable guiding means comprising; an elongate member, said elongate member having a first end and a second end, said elongate member having a bend therein located generally adjacent to said first end; a mounting member for receiving said first end of said elongate member, said mounting member being coupled to and extending upwardly from said back end of said trailer, said mounting member having a well extending therein, wherein said first end of said elongate member is extendable into said well such that said elongate member is rotatable with respect to said trailer portion; a panel, said panel being substantially rigid, said panel having a top side and a bottom side, said panel having a distal portion, a middle portion and a proximal portion, said second end of said elongate member being removably coupled to said bottom side of said distal portion of said panel, said panel having a slot therethrough positioned in a middle portion of said panel; a pair of walls extending downwardly from and being integrally coupled to said bottom side of said panel, each of said walls being positioned on an opposite side of said slot; an arm extending between and being rotatably coupled to said walls, said arm extending through and being securely attached to a first tire portion such that a perimeter of said first tire portion extends upwardly through said slot; a motor being removably coupled to said arm and adapted to rotate said arm, said motor being operationally coupled to said power supply; a vertically extending implement being integrally coupled and extending upwardly from said top side of said panel; a bracket being movably positioned on said vertically extending implement; a second tire portion being rotatably coupled to said bracket such that said second tire may be selectively positioned nearer or further away from said panel; a cylinder, said cylinder being securely attached to said top side of said proximal portion and extending away therefrom, said cylinder having a pair of ends, said cylinder having a peripheral wall having a slit therein, said slit extending between said ends of said cylinder; an extension member, said extension member comprising a outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, said inner sleeve being positioned in said outer sleeve, each of said sleeves being substantially rigid, each of said sleeves having a generally cylindrical shape, said inner sleeve being rotatable with respect to said outer sleeve, each of said sleeves having an elongate slit extending between their respective ends, said extension member being positionable in said cylinder; and a control means for controlling said power supply, said control means being operationally coupled to said power supply, said first and second actuators, and said motor, said control means being securely attached to said trailer.
  • 19. A winding and unwinding apparatus for winding cable on a spool, said spool comprising a middle section and a pair of outer discs, said apparatus comprising:a trailer, said trailer having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, a back end, a first lateral side and a second lateral side, said front end comprising a male hitch portion, said back end having a female hitch portion coupled thereto, each of a pair of wheels being rotatably coupled to one of said lateral sides, each of a pair of ramps being movably positioned on guide rails securely attached to said bottom surface of said trailer, said guide rails being orientated generally parallel with said lateral sides and positioned generally adjacent to said back end; a pair of stabilizing legs, each of said stabilizing legs being coupled to a free end of one of said lateral sides, each of said stabilizing legs being selectively extendable in a vertical direction; a power supply, said power supply being securely attached to said top surface and positioned generally adjacent to said front end, said power supply comprising a hydraulic pump, said hydraulic pump being fluidly coupled to a tank adapted for holding oil, said tank being located generally adjacent to said power supply and being securely attached to said top surface, said tank having a temperature gauge thereon, said tank having a volume gauge thereon; an elongate pole for extending through said spool; a pair of securing members, each of said securing members comprising a cylinder movably positionable on said elongate pole, each of said cylinders having a wall integrally coupled thereto and radially extending away therefrom for placement against said spool, each of said securing members being selectively securable to said elongate pole, wherein said pole is extended through said spool and each of said securing members is secured to said pole on an opposite side of said spool; a pair of support arms, each of said support arms having a first end and a second end, each of said first ends being rotatably coupled to one of said lateral sides and positioned generally adjacent to said back end, each of said second ends comprising a clamp, each of said clamps being adapted to removably couple to said pole such that said pole is rotatably coupled to each of said support arms, each of said arms being telescoping arms such that a length between said first and second ends of each of said arms may be selectively varied; a first actuator, said first actuator comprising an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end, said first actuator being adapted to selectively vary the length between said first and second ends of said first actuator, said first end of said first actuator being pivotally coupled to said first lateral side and positioned generally between said front and back ends, said second end of said first actuator being pivotally coupled to a first of said support arms pivotally coupled to said first lateral side, said first actuator being mechanically coupled to said power supply, said first actuator comprising a hydraulic actuator; a second actuator, said second actuator comprising an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end, said second actuator being adapted to selectively vary the length between said first and second ends of said second actuator, said first end of said second actuator being pivotally coupled to said second lateral side and positioned generally between said front and back ends, said second end of said second actuator being pivotally coupled to a second of said support arms pivotally coupled to said second lateral side, said second actuator being mechanically coupled to said power supply, said second actuator comprising a hydraulic actuator; a driving means for controlling rotation of said spool, said driving means comprising; a first axle, said first axle extending between and being rotatably coupled to said lateral sides, said first axle being positioned generally between said front end and said support arms; an actuating member, said actuating member comprising an elongate actuator having a first end and a second end, said actuating member being adapted to selectively vary the length between said first and second ends of said actuating member, said first end of said actuating member being pivotally coupled to said top surface of said trailer, said second end of said actuating member being pivotally coupled to an upright member integrally coupled to said first axle, said actuating member being mechanically coupled to said power supply; a pair of bars, each of said bars being elongate and having a first end and a second end, said first ends being integrally coupled to said first axle and extending away from said axle in a parallel direction, each of said bars being located generally adjacent to one of said lateral sides; a protruding member, said protruding member being integrally coupled to a first of said bars and being positioned generally adjacent to said second end of said first arm, said protruding member having a hole extending therein; a second axle, said second axle extending between and being rotatably coupled to said second ends of said bars; a pair of wheels, each of said wheels being removably mounted on said second axle and being positioned between said bars; a disc portion, said disc portion being securely mounted on said second axle such that said second axle extends through an axis of said disc portion, said disc portion being located generally adjacent to said first bar; a braking means for frictionally engaging said disc portion, said braking means being securely coupled to said first bar, said braking means being mechanically coupled to said power supply, said braking means comprising a hydraulic brake; a motor, said motor being securely coupled to a plate, said plate having a rod extending therefrom, said rod being removably extendable in said protruding member, said plate having a hole therethrough for removably receiving an end of said second axle, wherein said motor is adapted to rotate said second axle, said motor being mechanically coupled to said power supply, said motor comprising a hydraulic motor adapted for selectively rotating said second axle forward or backward; a cable guiding means for guiding the cable on and off of said spool, said cable guiding means comprising; an elongate member, said elongate member having a first end and a second end, said elongate member having a bend therein located generally adjacent to said first end, said bend defining an angle generally between 135 degrees and 170 degrees; a mounting member for receiving said first end of said elongate member, said mounting member being coupled to and extending upwardly from said back end of said trailer, said mounting member having a well extending therein, wherein said first end of said elongate member is extendable into said well such that said elongate member is rotatable with respect to said trailer portion; a panel, said panel being substantially rigid, said panel having a top side and a bottom side, said panel having a distal portion, a middle portion and a proximal portion, said second end of said elongate member being removably coupled to said bottom side of said distal portion of said panel, said panel having a slot therethrough positioned in a middle portion of said panel; a pair of walls extending downwardly from and being integrally coupled to said bottom side of said panel, each of said walls being positioned on an opposite side of said slot; an arm extending between and being rotatably coupled to said walls, said arm extending through and being securely attached to a first tire portion such that a perimeter of said first tire portion extends upwardly through said slot, one of said walls having a hole therethrough for receiving said rod coupled to said plate such that said motor may engage said arm; a vertically extending implement being integrally coupled and extending upwardly from said top side of said panel; a bracket being movably positioned on said vertically extending implement; a second tire portion being rotatably coupled to said bracket such that said second tire may be selectively positioned nearer or further away from said panel; a pair of guide members for guiding said cable between said first and second tire portions, each of said guide members being positioned on opposite sides of said second tire portion, each of said guide members comprising a pair of upstanding members; a cylinder, said cylinder being securely attached to said top side of said proximal portion and extending away therefrom, said cylinder having a pair of ends, said cylinder having a peripheral wall having a slit therein, said slit extending between said ends of said cylinder; an extension member, said extension member comprising a outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, said inner sleeve being positioned in said outer sleeve, each of said sleeves being substantially rigid, each of said sleeves having a generally cylindrical shape, said inner sleeve being rotatable with respect to said outer sleeve, each of said sleeves having an elongate slit extending between their respective ends, said extension member being positionable in said cylinder; and a control means for controlling said power supply, said control means being operationally coupled to said power supply, said first and second actuators, said actuating member, said breaking means and said motor, said control means being securely attached to said trailer.
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