Land vehicles – Wheeled – Extensible
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-08
2001-01-09
Swann, J. J. (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Extensible
C280S047315, C280S047371, C280S079600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170855
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to the handling of web material for use with web utilization devices. More particularly, this invention relates to a web roll cart for transferring rolls of web material to, from and between such devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a variety of web handling devices, including impact printers, bursters, collators, inserters and the like. These devices operate on a continuous sheet of web ma- terial fed to and/or from a large roll of web material. While web handling devices work quite well, it is difficult to handle the rolls of web material upon which they operate. A web roll cart is used to transport rolls of web material. A typical prior art roll cart
10
is shown in FIG.
1
. The bed
12
of the web roll cart
10
includes a v-shaped portion
14
formed from a sheet material such as steel for receiving a large roll of web material (not shown). The bed
12
is supported by four wheels including two rear wheels
16
and is two front wheels
18
. The front wheels
18
typically include casters
20
rotatably attached to the bed
12
to permit steering of the web roll cart
10
. The web roll cart
10
also includes a handle
22
with two upright arms
24
and a gripping portion
26
which an operator uses to manipulate the web roll cart
10
. Due to the weight of typical rolls of web material, the arms
24
are reinforced with metal fillets
28
attached between the arms
24
and the bed
12
by welding or other well known securing techniques.
Web rolls typically weigh between 400-800 pounds or more. Due to their weight and large size, it is difficult to transport them without damaging the outer layers of web material. Further, due to their circular cross section, the rolls must sometimes be secured in position when unattended or while being transferred between locations.
A particular problem arises when transferring rolls between two web handling devices. Web handling devices are typically end-loaded, in the sense that a roll of web material is presented to the device along the axis of web feeding. A wheeled cart with a handle for pushing is typically provided for this task, with an operator wheeling the cart into the web handling device from one end. In this operation, the roll is bounded on all sides, i.e., by the web handling device on the back and top, by the floor on the bottom, by the roll mounting chucks and arms on each side, and by the wheeled cart's handle on the front. Due to the space constraints created by the web handling device and its chucks, the wheeled cart will have a specific loading end and a handling end which includes an elongated handle so that an operator can direct the roll into position free from interference. This is adequate for a single loading or unloading operation. However, when a roll is transferred between devices, the orientation of the roll must sometimes be changed so that the loading end of the cart presents a roll oriented to feed from the top instead of the bottom, or vice versa.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a bidirectional web roll cart, i.e., a device which can present a web roll to a web handling device in either of two possible orientations while providing a handle for operator manipulation. The web roll cart should also provide for easy transportation of web rolls, in a manner which prohibits uncontrolled motion of the web rolls.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To accomplish the foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention there is provided a web roll cart for loading and unloading rolls of web material, and for transporting rolls of web material to and from web handling devices that enables a user to easily switch between two handle orientations at selected times regardless of the presence (or absence) of a roll thereon. The invention further provides a locking mechanism such that the handle will be held securely in either orientation while a web roll is being transported.
In the preferred embodiment, the web roll cart includes four wheels, with two of the wheels mounted with casters to permit the roll cart to be steered. The web roll cart further includes a pivotally mounted handle which may be swung over the top of the web roll and locked into position on either side of the web roll, thus permitting an operator to s steer the cart from either of two sides, and more particularly permitting an operator to present the web roll to a web handling device in either of two orientations.
The web roll cart can also include a v-shaped upper surface for securely receiving a roll of web material having a circular cross section. The web material may be paper or may be other forms of web material generally used in a web handling device, and the web roll may weigh 400-800 pounds or more.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 346252 (1994-04-01), Jones et al.
patent: 882296 (1908-03-01), Carroll
patent: 1210826 (1917-01-01), Minor
patent: 1930078 (1933-10-01), Bentley et al.
patent: 2133010 (1938-10-01), Barry
patent: 2791437 (1957-05-01), Knarzer
patent: 3481123 (1969-12-01), Lessig
patent: 4240773 (1980-12-01), Terry
patent: 4458906 (1984-07-01), Lamson
patent: 4561239 (1985-12-01), Cook
patent: 5253972 (1993-10-01), Drew et al.
Cesari and McKenna LLP
Loginov William A.
Roll Systems Inc.
Shriver J. Allen
Swann J. J.
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