Reel transport, stand and payoff device

Abstract

A reel transport, stand and payoff device is provided, which operates to maneuver and jack up a reel for payoff. The reel device may include two reel mechanisms coupled together with a hydraulic system housing. Each reel mechanism includes a wheel housing and a wheel coupled to a central portion of the wheel housing. Each reel mechanism includes an arm coupled on an end to a central portion of the wheel housing. An actuator is coupled between the wheel housing and the arm to raise or lower the arm. The reel device may include at least one caster to help support and stabilize the reel device. An axle is inserted through a reel and coupled on each end to an arm by a bracket. A method of use of a reel transport, stand and payoff device is also disclosed.

1 . A reel device comprising:
 two reel mechanisms, each reel mechanism comprising:
 a wheel housing; 
 a wheel coupled to a central portion of the wheel housing; 
 an arm coupled on an end to a central portion of the wheel housing; and 
 an actuator operably coupled between the wheel housing and the arm, whereby extension of the actuator rotates the arm to a lifted position and retraction of the actuator rotates the arm to a lowered position; 
   a hydraulic system housing coupled between the two reel mechanisms, wherein the hydraulic housing retains a hydraulic system for operating the actuators;   an arm assembly coupled between the two wheel housings; and   an axle coupled between an end of each arm of the reel mechanisms, the axle configured to receive a reel thereon.   
     
     
         2 . The reel device of  claim 1 , further comprising a brake system biased to a brake engaged position and moveable to a brake released position for transport of the reel device. 
     
     
         3 . The reel device of  claim 2 , wherein the brake system comprises a brake handle mechanism; a brake pad mechanism moveable between the brake engaged position and the brake released position; and a brake defeat. 
     
     
         4 . The reel device of  claim 3 , wherein the brake handle system comprises a brake handle rotatable away from and adjacent the handle member of the reel device, wherein the brake handle is in a brake engaged position when rotated away from the handle member and in a brake release position when rotated adjacent the handle member. 
     
     
         5 . The reel device of  claim 4 , the brake handle system comprises an activation arm coupled to the brake handle, such that rotation of the brake handle rotates the activation arm. 
     
     
         6 . The reel device of  claim 5 , wherein rotation of the activation arm operates the brake pad mechanism to move from a brake engaged position to a brake released position. 
     
     
         7 . The reel device of  claim 6 , wherein the brake defeat is rotatably coupled adjacent the brake handle. 
     
     
         8 . The reel device of  claim 7 , wherein the brake defeat is rotated to an engaged position with the brake, wherein the brake defeat maintains the brake handle in the brake release position. 
     
     
         9 . The reel device of  claim 8 , further comprising a release cable coupled to the brake defeat on one end and coupled on the opposing end to the operator, wherein in response to the reel device moving a distance away from the operator greater than a length of the release cable, the release cable will apply a force from a weight of the operator to the brake defeat to rotate the brake defeat and disengage from the brake handle to automatically move the brake handle to the brake engaged position. 
     
     
         10 . A reel device comprising:
 two reel mechanisms, each reel mechanism comprising:
 a wheel housing; 
 a wheel coupled to a central portion of the wheel housing; 
 an arm coupled on an end to a central portion of the wheel housing; and 
 an actuator operably coupled between the wheel housing and the arm, whereby extension of the actuator rotates the arm to a lifted position and retraction of the actuator rotates the arm to a lowered position; 
   a hydraulic system housing coupled between the two reel mechanisms, wherein the hydraulic housing retains a hydraulic system for operating the actuators;   an arm assembly coupled between the two wheel housings;   an axle coupled between an end of each arm of the reel mechanisms, the axle configured to receive a reel thereon; and   a take-up system operable coupled to the axle for take-up of cable on to the reel.   
     
     
         11 . The reel device of  claim 10 , wherein the take-up system comprises a motor and an axle adapter, wherein the axle adapter is releasably coupled to the axle. 
     
     
         12 . The reel device of  claim 11 , wherein operation of the motor rotates the axle for take-up of cable on to the reel. 
     
     
         13 . A method of use of a reel device, comprising:
 extending a shaft of the reel device through an axle of the reel;   coupling the shaft between arms of reel mechanisms of the reel device;   moving the arms from a retracted position to a partially extended position, wherein the partially extended position lifts the reel off of a ground surface, in response to operating at least one actuator;   transporting the reel by use of wheels of the reel device; and   moving the arms to an extended position for reel payoff, in response to operating at least one actuator.