System and method for automating line retraction on a reel

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for automating extension and/or retraction of a line on a spool. The system detachably couples a spool of line to an automated winding portion such as a power drill, extends the line out from the spool in some embodiments, positions a distal end of the line at a desired position, performs an operation with the line, and automatically retracts the line. A winding portion, such as an electric drill, couples to a mounting end of a spool of line. The winding portion receives power from a power source and actuates to rotate the spool in a first direction for extending the line, and a second direction for retracting the line. A distal end of the line positions at a desired point away from the spool. An operation is performed with the line in conjunction with automated extension and retraction of the line. Finally, the winding portion powers refraction of the line back onto the spool.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A rotary device to automate the retraction of a line, the rotary device comprising:
 a handheld power drill, the handheld power drill being configured to automatically rotate, the power drill further comprising a winding portion mounting end for mounting a detachable device;   a spool, the spool being configured to carry the line, the spool being disposed to detachably join with the power drill, the spool being operable to be rotated by the power drill for retracting the line, the spool comprising a spool mounting end, the spool mounting end being configured to couple to the power drill mounting end, the spool further comprising a spool handle end, the spool handle comprising a handle for helping to control the rotary device; and   a power source, the power source being operable to power the winding portion.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the line comprises a chalk line for creating a mark on a surface. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power drill end comprises a portable power source. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power drill end comprises a socket configured to couple with the spool mounting end. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the spool mounting end comprises a hexagonal nut configured to couple with the power drill mounting end. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the axial rod is disposed to extend between the spool handle end and the spool mounting end. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the spool comprises an external sleeve for at least partially receiving the spool. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the spool comprises a guiding portion for helping to guide the line during retraction, and for providing tension on the line during extension and retraction. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power source comprises a portable battery. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle for manually retracting and winding line back onto the device. 
     
     
         11 . A method for automating rotation of a line, the method comprising the steps of:
 coupling a winding portion to a spool;   providing power to the winding portion;   loading the spool with a line automatically;   extending a distal end of the line from the spool automatically;   performing an operation with the line; and   retracting the line automatically.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of coupling winding portion to a spool comprises detachably coupling a winding portion mounting end to a spool mounting end. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the winding portion comprises an electrical drill. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the line comprises a string. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of providing power to the winding portion comprises a portable power source positioned on the winding portion mounting end. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of loading the spool with a line comprises attaching a proximal end of the line with axial rod. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of extending a distal end of the line from the spool comprises creating tension on the line and actuating the winding portion in a first direction to wind up the line on the spool. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of retracting the line comprises actuating the winding portion in a second direction to wind up the line on the spool.