Holder to maintain a continuous elongated flexible materials in a coiled orientation

Abstract

A holder to maintain elongated flexible materials in a coiled orientation, has at least one coil support assembly. Each coil support assembly has a first support and a second support. At least one roller is supported by the first support. The second support is positioned in spaced linear relation to the first support. The first support and the second support are capable of relative linear movement toward each other and away from each other. At least one roller is supported by the second support. A linear stop limits movement of the first support and the second support away from each other. A retraction mechanism biases the first support and the second support away from each other.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A holder to maintain elongated flexible materials in a coiled orientation, comprising:
 at least one coil support assembly, each coil support assembly comprising;
 first support; 
 at least one roller supported by the first support; 
 a second support in spaced linear relation to the first support, the first support and the second support being capable of relative linear movement toward each other and away from each other; 
 at least one roller supported by the second support; 
 a linear stop to limit movement of the first support and the second support away from each other; and 
 a retraction mechanism biasing the first support and the second support away from each other. 
   
     
     
         2 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one coil support assembly is encased within a housing. 
     
     
         3 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein there is more than one coil support assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein the retraction mechanism is a telescopically extendible cylinder having a retracted position and an extended position. 
     
     
         5 . The holder of  claim 4 , wherein the telescopic cylinder is biased by one of a mechanical spring or an air spring into the extended position. 
     
     
         6 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein first support and the second support each have inner stop surfaces that engage the other of the first support or the second support and outer curved coil supporting surfaces with more than one roller positioned at spaced intervals along the outer curved surface. 
     
     
         7 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one roller of the first support and the at least one roller of the second support are capable of supporting more than one coil. 
     
     
         8 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein a heat source is provided to prevent freezing of the elongated flexible material.