Traceable Cable Drum and Kit for Traceable Cable Drum

Abstract

A traceable cable drum includes a reel region, at least one flange region, a cradle having anchor members configured for anchoring the cradle to the flange region, and a sensor case containing a tracking sensor and configured for being inserted into the cradle. The cradle includes a number of engagement elements and the sensor case includes a number of connection elements. The engagement elements or the connection elements are movable between a retain condition where the engagement elements and the connection elements cooperate to retain the sensor case in the cradle, and a release condition where the engagement elements and the connection elements are disengaged and the sensor case is extractable from the cradle.

Claims

1. A traceable cable drum comprising: a reel region; a flange region; a cradle comprising anchor members configured for anchoring the cradle to the flange region, wherein the cradle comprises a plurality of engagement elements; and a sensor case containing a tracking sensor and configured for being inserted into the cradle, wherein the sensor case comprises a plurality of connection elements, the plurality of engagement elements or the plurality of connection elements being movable between a retain condition where the plurality of engagement elements and the plurality of connection elements cooperate to retain the sensor case in the cradle, and a release condition where the plurality of engagement elements and the plurality of connection elements are disengaged and the sensor case is extractable from the cradle.

2. The traceable cable drum according to claim 1, wherein, in the release condition, the plurality of engagement elements or the plurality of connection elements are elastically deformed.

3. The traceable cable drum according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of engagement elements comprises a plurality of engagement clips and the plurality of connection elements comprise a plurality of recesses such that each engagement clip is inserted into a corresponding recess in the retain condition.

4. The traceable cable drum according to claim 3, wherein each recess of the plurality of recesses is provided in a lateral wall of the sensor case and has a closed end.

5. The traceable cable drum according to claim 4, wherein the cradle comprises a hollow portion and a flange portion and wherein the anchor members comprise a plurality of indented flaps provided on the hollow portion of the cradle, the indented flaps being outward elastically deformed by the sensor case when inserted into the hollow portion of the cradle, wherein the engagement clips are provided on the hollow portion of the cradle each engagement clip is aligned with at least one indented flaps and being placed closer to the flange portion of the cradle.

6. The traceable cable drum according to claim 3, wherein the sensor case comprises a plurality of slots for accessing to the plurality of engagement clips and for moving the engagement clips from the retain to the release condition, at least some of the slots being covered by relevant detachable flaps.

7. The traceable cable drum according to claim 6, wherein the sensor case comprises lateral walls surrounding a cavity for containing the tracking sensor and a lid for closing the cavity, the plurality of slots being provided on the lid and presents an arched shape.

8. The traceable cable drum according to claim 1, wherein the cradle comprises a hollow portion and a flange portion, the hollow portion being configured for receiving the sensor case and the flange portion being configured for abutting on the flange region.

9. The traceable cable drum according to claim 8, wherein the anchor members comprise holes in the flange portion of the cradle configured for being engaged by screw heads.

10. The traceable cable drum according to claim 9, wherein the sensor case comprises lateral walls surrounding a cavity for containing the tracking sensor and a lid for closing the cavity, the lid abutting on the flange portion of the cradle and covering the holes.

11. The traceable cable drum according to claim 8, wherein the anchor members comprise a plurality of indented flaps provided on the hollow portion of the cradle, the indented flaps being outward elastically deformed by the sensor case when inserted into the hollow portion of the cradle.

12. The traceable cable drum according to claim 1, wherein the sensor case comprises lateral walls surrounding a cavity for containing the tracking sensor and a lid for closing the cavity.

13. The traceable cable drum according to claim 12, wherein the lid comprises a recessed rib configured for being gripped by an extraction tool.

14. A kit for a traceable cable drum, the comprising: a cradle configured to be anchored to a cable drum and comprising a plurality of engagement clips; a sensor case containing a tracking sensor, the sensor case comprising a plurality of recesses and configured to be inserted into the cradle so that the engagement clips engage the recesses; and a disengaging tool configured for contacting the engagement clips and disengaging the engagement clips from the recesses.

15. The kit according to claim 14, wherein the sensor case comprises a lid having a plurality of slots, the disengaging tool comprising a plurality of pins configured for being inserted into the slots and for contacting the engagement clips.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The present invention will be now described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0055] Drawings illustrating the embodiments are not to scale representations.

[0056] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, use of the a or an are employed to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0057] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a traceable cable drum according to the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a first component of the traceable cable drum of FIG. 1;

[0060] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a second component of the traceable cable drum of FIG. 1;

[0061] FIG. 4 shows a further schematic perspective view of the second component of FIG. 3;

[0062] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the first component of FIG. 2 coupled with the second component of FIG. 3;

[0063] FIG. 6 shows a schematic section view along plane VI-VI of the first component coupled with the second component of FIG. 5;

[0064] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a disengaging tool;

[0065] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the disengaging tool of FIG. 7 when in use; and

[0066] FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of the disengaging tool in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0067] A traceable cable drum according to the present invention is indicated with the reference number 10 in FIG. 1.

[0068] The traceable cable drum 10 can be made of various materials, such as wood, metal or polymeric material. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the traceable cable drum 10 is made of wood.

[0069] The traceable cable drum 10 comprises a reel region 11 which, preferably, presents a cylindrical shape. The reel region 11 is configured for supporting a wound cable 100 of predetermined length. The cable 100 can be a telecommunication cable, an energy cable or a hybrid cable.

[0070] The traceable cable drum 10 comprises two opposed flange regions 12 placed at opposite ends of the reel region 11. The flange region 12 delimits a storage space for the wound cable 100.

[0071] One of the flange regions 12 has a housing 13 preferably presenting a cylindrical shape. The housing 13 can be provided on the flange region 12 after the traceable cable drum 10 is assembled or during the manufacturing of the traceable cable drum 10. As an example, in case the traceable cable drum 10 is made of wood, the housing 13 can be obtained by drilling the flange region 12.

[0072] A tracking sensor 20 (illustrated in dotted line in FIG. 3) is inserted into a sensor case 21.

[0073] The tracking sensor 20 comprises memories or data stores to store characteristic information related to the cable spooled on the cable drum 10, such as the length of the cable, the type of the cable, the diameter of the cable, the numbers of conductors of the cable and any other information that can help in identifying the cable. The data stored in the tracking sensor 20 can be updated when a length of cable is used, so as to update the information on the actual cable wound on the cable drum 10.

[0074] The tracking sensor 20 can transmit the stored characteristic information for reception by suitable device. The data transmission and/or update can be performed by directly connecting the tracking sensor to suitable devices or by a wireless connection between the tracking sensor 20 and a suitable receiving device. To this end, the tracking sensor can include a data transceiver to emit and receive signals, such as a Bluetooth, GPRS or any other suitable device or module. The tracking sensor 20 can also include a positioning device or module for transmitting its position, such as a GPS device or module. The tracking sensor 20 is preferably energized by a suitable battery.

[0075] The sensor case 21 comprises lateral walls 22 surrounding an internal cavity 21a configured for containing the tracking sensor 20.

[0076] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lateral walls 22 are preferably curved and define a substantially cylindrical container for the tracking sensor 20, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0077] In other embodiments, the lateral walls 22 of the sensor case 21 can define a prismatic shape for the sensor case 21.

[0078] Any case, the sensor case 21 further comprises a base wall 23 (FIG. 4) from which the lateral walls 22 extend.

[0079] The sensor case 21 comprises a lid 24 for closing the internal cavity 21a. The lid 24 is opposite to the base wall 23 of the sensor case 21. The lid 24 is coupled to the lateral walls 22 of the sensor case 21 and is removable to access the internal cavity 21a and thus the tracking sensor 20.

[0080] The coupling between the lid 24 and the lateral walls 22 can be performed by threaded portions provided on the lid 24 and on the lateral walls 22 or by a snap fitting.

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the lid 24 comprises a groove 25 facing the lateral walls 22 of the sensor case 21. A sealing member 26, such as an O-ring, is inserted into the groove 25 and acts between the lid 24 and the lateral walls 22 in order to seal the internal cavity 21a.

[0082] A cradle 27 is configured for being coupled to the flange region 12 of the traceable cable drum 10. In particular the cradle 27 is configured for being coupled to the housing 13 provided on the flange region 12.

[0083] The cradle 27 comprises a hollow portion 28 surrounded by a peripheral wall 29. The peripheral wall 29 has a substantially cylindrical shape, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0084] The cradle 27 further comprises a flange portion 30 extending from an end portion 28a of the hollow portion 28. The flange portion 30 presents an extension along a transversal direction greater than the extension in the same direction of the hollow portion 28, so as to define a flange. The flange portion 30 and the hollow portion 28 are preferably made as a single piece.

[0085] The flange portion 30 comprises an annular top surface 31 substantially flat that lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the peripheral wall 29 of the hollow potion 28.

[0086] The flange portion 30 is configured for abutting on the flange region 12 of the cable drum 10 and the hollow portion 28 is configured for being inserted into the housing 13.

[0087] In particular, a surface of the flange portion 30 opposite to the annular top surface 31 is designed for leaning against the flange region 12 of the cable drum 10.

[0088] In order to stably coupling the cradle to the housing 13, the cradle 27 comprises anchor members 32.

[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the anchor members 32 comprise a plurality of holes 33 (four in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2) provided in the flange portion 30 of the cradle 27.

[0090] The holes 33 are configured for being crossed by screws screwed in the flange region 12 of the cable drum 10. The holes 33 are countersunk so as to receive screw heads and allowing the latter to flush with the annular top surface 31 of the flange portion 30.

[0091] The anchor members 32 further comprise a plurality of indented flaps 34 provided on the peripheral wall 29 of the hollow portion 28 of the cradle 27, as depicted in FIG. 2.

[0092] Each indented flap 34 is elastically connected to the peripheral wall 29 so that it can be moved outwardly from the peripheral wall 29. On the external surface 35 of each indented flap 34 there is provided a plurality of wedged ribs 36 (FIG. 6) designed for gripping the housing 13.

[0093] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there are provided four stacks of indented flaps 34, each of which angularly spaced apart of about 90 around the peripheral wall 29, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Each stack of indented flaps 34 comprises two superposed indented flaps 34.

[0094] In other embodiment not shown, the number and position of the indented flaps 34 can be different. Any case, it is preferable providing at least two indented flaps 34 circumferentially opposed on the peripheral wall 29.

[0095] Moreover, the anchor members 32 can comprise both the cited holes 33 and indented flaps 34 (as in the preferred embodiment), only holes 33 or only indented flaps 34.

[0096] The cradle 27 is configured for receiving the sensor case 21.

[0097] In particular, the lateral walls 22 of the sensor case 21 are insertable into the hollow portion 28 of the cradle 27. The lid 24 of the sensor case 21 abuts against the flange portion 30 of the cradle 27 with the annular top surface 31 of the flange portion 30 in contact with the lid 24.

[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the lid 24 of the sensor case 21 covers the holes 33 in the flange portion 30 of the cradle, so blocking any access to the screws inserted into the holes 33.

[0099] As depicted in FIG. 6, the portion of the sensor case 21 inserted into the hollow portion 28 of the cradle 27 fits in the hollow portion 28. In particular, the lateral walls 22 of the sensor case 21 contacts the peripheral wall 29 of the hollow portion 28 of the cradle 27.

[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the sensor case 21 is inserted in the cradle 27, the lateral walls 22 of the sensor case 21 elastically deform the indented flaps 34 of the cradle 27 by pushing the same against the housing 13 in the flange portion 12 of the cable drum 10, which assists the indented flaps 34 in holding the cradle 27 in position.

[0101] The sensor case 21 can be inserted and removed from the cradle 27.

[0102] To this end, the hollow portion 28 of the cradle comprises a plurality of engagement elements 37 and the sensor case 21 comprises a plurality of connection elements 38 which cooperate with the engagement elements 37 for holding and releasing the sensor case 21.

[0103] In particular, the engagement elements 37 are movable between a retain condition and a release condition.

[0104] In the retain condition, the engagement elements 37 are engaged with the connection elements 38 and the sensor case 21 is held into the hollow portion 28 of the cradle 27. In the release condition, the engagement elements 37 are disengaged from the connection elements 38 and the sensor case 21 can be extracted from the hollow portion 28 of the cradle 27.

[0105] The engagement elements 37 move between the retain condition and the release condition by an elastic deformation of the engagement elements 37.

[0106] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the engagement elements 37 comprise a plurality of engagement clips 39 provided in the peripheral wall 29 of the hollow portion 28 of the cradle 27.

[0107] Each engagement clip 39 is connected at an end portion 40 to the peripheral wall 29 and presents a free end portion 41 opposed to the first end portion 40. The free end portion 41 is provided with a tooth 42 protruding inwardly toward a centre of the hollow portion 28.

[0108] When the engagement clip 39 is in its undeformed condition, the tooth 42 emerges from the peripheral wall 29 toward the centre of the hollow portion 28, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0109] The connection elements 38 comprise a plurality of recesses 43 each of which is designed for being engaged by a relevant engagement clip 39.

[0110] The recesses 43 are provided on the lateral walls 22 of the sensor case 21 at position facing the teeth 42 of the engagement clips 39 when the sensor case 21 is inserted in the cradle 27.

[0111] The recesses 43 have a closed end so that the recesses 43 do not pass through the lateral walls 22 of the sensor case 21, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0112] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the engagement clips 39, as well as the recesses 43, are four and are angularly spaced by angles of 90. The recesses 43 are provided on the lateral walls 22 of the sensor case 21 above the indented flaps 34, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6.

[0113] When the sensor case 21 is inserted in the cradle 27, the teeth 42 of the engagement clips 39 insert into the recesses 43, so realizing the retain condition, and retain the sensor case 21 in the cradle 27, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0114] In order to extract the sensor case 21 from the cradle 27 all the engagement clips 39 need to be moved to reach the release condition. In this respect, all the engagement clips 39 need to be elastically deformed and the elastic deformation of all the engagement clips 39 needs to be maintained.

[0115] In particular, the teeth 42 need to be disengaged from the recesses 43 by moving outwardly the engagement clips 39.

[0116] To this end, the lid 24 of the sensor case 21 comprises a plurality of slots 45 for accessing the engagement clips 39. The slots 45 are vertically aligned with the engagement clips 39, in order to realize apertures in the lid 24 that allow to reach the engagement clips 39.

[0117] The number of slots 45 is identical to the number of engagement clips 39 and the slots 45 are angularly spaced apart each other by about 90.

[0118] The slots 45 present a curved shape, namely they are not rectilinear slits but follow, on the surface of the lid 24, a curved path.

[0119] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each slot 45 is covered by a detachable flap 46 that needs to be removed for accessing to the slot 45.

[0120] The detachable flaps 46 have two main functions. The first function, that is performed when the detachable flaps 46 are still attached to the lid 24, is to prevent from a direct access to the slots 45 (and thus to the engagement clips 39). The second function, that is performed when the detachable flaps 46 have been removed from the lid 24, is to indicate that the sensor case 21 has been, at least potentially, accessed.

[0121] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the lid 24 of the sensor case 21 comprises a recessed rib 47. Beside the recessed rib 47 are provided two opposed grooves 48 which allow the nose of a pliers to grip the recessed rib 47. The two grooves 48 do not pass through the lid 24.

[0122] For using the traceable cable drum 10, the cradle 27 is inserted into the housing 13 provided in the flange region 12 of the cable drum.

[0123] In particular, the hollow portion 28 of the cradle 27 is inserted into the housing 13 with the flange portion 30 abutting onto a portion of the flange region 12 surrounding the housing 13.

[0124] Screws or similar fastening elements are inserted into the holes 33 of the flange portion 30 and screwed in the flange region 12 surrounding the housing 13. This allows the cradle to be held in position in the housing 13.

[0125] The tracking sensor 20 is inserted into the sensor case 21 (or the sensor case is supplied with the tracking sensor 20 already inserted therein).

[0126] Then the sensor case 21 is inserted into the hollow portion 28 of the cradle 27.

[0127] As above explained, the sensor case 21 elastically deforms the indented flaps 34 of the cradle 27 by pushing the same against the housing 13, so improving the connection between the cradle 27 and the housing 13.

[0128] At the same time, the teeth 42 of the engagement clips 39 enter into the recesses 43 and retain the sensor case to the cradle 27.

[0129] In this condition, as above stated, the sensor case 21 is prevented from being extracted from the cradle 27, since the detachable flaps 46 cover the slots 45 for accessing the engagement clips 39. The cradle 27 is prevented from being extracted from the housing 13, since the heads of the screws are covered by the lid 24 of the sensor case 21 and the indented flaps 34 are pushed against the housing 13 by the sensor case 21.

[0130] In case an authorized technician needs to operate on the tracking sensor 20 for any reason, the technician removes the detachable flaps 46 from the lid 24, so exposing the slots 45.

[0131] The technician is provided with a disengaging tool 49, preferably with two disengaging tools 49, which forms a part of a kit comprising the sensor case 21, the tracking sensor 20 and the cradle 27.

[0132] The disengaging tool 49, illustrated in FIG. 7, comprises at least one, preferably two, pin 50 having the same shape of the slots 45 in the lid 24. Each pin 50 has a length that is equal to or slightly less than the distance between the top surface of the lid 24 and the tooth 42 of the engagement clip 39 (such a distance being measured when the sensor case 21 is inserted and held in the cradle 27).

[0133] In case the disengaging tool 49 comprises more than one pin 50, as in the preferred embodiment, the disengaging tool comprises a connecting portion 51 that connects the pins 50 and that separates the pins 50 by the same distance that separates the slots 45. The connecting portion can comprises an eyelet 52 for allowing the disengaging tool 49 to be coupled to a key chain.

[0134] The technician inserts the disengaging tools 49 into the slots 45 in the lid 24 and pushes the disengaging tools 49 into the slots 45 so that the pins 50 contact the engagement clips 39, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0135] By continuing pushing the disengaging tool 49, the pins 50 apply a pressure on the engagement clips 39 that elastically deforms the latter and disengages the teeth 42 from the recesses 43.

[0136] By leaving the disengagement tools in position, the engagement clips 39 are all elastically deformed and they reach the release condition.

[0137] The sensor case 21 is thus no longer constrained to the cradle 27 and can be extracted from the latter.

[0138] By gripping the recessed rib 47 with pliers, the technician can extract the sensor case 21 and can access the tracking sensor 20 for its maintenance.