阅读说明：本技术 用于处理管的卷轴的系统和方法 (System and method for processing spools of tubing ) 是由 提姆·富兰克林-汉斯乐 乔纳森·格雷罗 理查德·赖玛斯 于 2018-10-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种系统包括框架和联接到框架的第一侧的第一对辊。该第一对辊构造为支撑管卷轴的第一端。该系统还包括纵向地设置在第一对辊和联接至框架的第二侧的第二对辊之间的第一托架。第二对辊构造为支撑管卷轴的第二端。该系统还包括纵向地设置在第二对辊之间的第二托架、在第一侧和第二侧之间联接至框架的第三侧的管引导件、联接至框架的管制动器以及联接至框架的管重绕器。(A system includes a frame and a first pair of rollers coupled to a first side of the frame. The first pair of rollers is configured to support a first end of the tube spool. The system also includes a first bracket disposed longitudinally between the first pair of rollers and a second pair of rollers coupled to a second side of the frame. The second pair of rollers is configured to support the second end of the tube spool. The system also includes a second bracket disposed longitudinally between the second pair of rollers, a tube guide coupled to a third side of the frame between the first side and the second side, a tube brake coupled to the frame, and a tube rewinder coupled to the frame.)

1. A system, comprising:

a frame;

a first pair of rollers coupled to a first side of the frame, wherein the first pair of rollers are configured to support a first end of a tube spool;

a first carriage longitudinally disposed between the first pair of rollers;

a second pair of rollers coupled to a second side of the frame, wherein the second pair of rollers are configured to support a second end of the tube spool;

a second carriage longitudinally disposed between the second pair of rollers;

a tube guide coupled to the third side of the frame between the first and second sides;

a tube actuator coupled to the frame; and

a tube rewinder coupled to the frame.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the tube rewinder includes a wheel having a flexible surface configured to rotationally engage at least one of the first and second ends of the tube spool.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the tube guide comprises a first bracket having a first roller and a second bracket having a second roller, and the windable tube disposed on the tube spool is configured to pass between the first and second brackets.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the tube brake comprises at least one of a brake pad or a caliper brake configured to engage at least one of the first and second ends of the tube spool.

5. The system of claim 1, comprising a tube tensioning arm having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be coupled to the frame and the second end configured to be coupled to the aperture of the tube spool, wherein the tube tensioning arm is configured to hold the tube spool against at least one of the first and second pairs of rollers or the tube rewinder.

6. The system of claim 1, comprising:

a retention shaft configured to be inserted into a bore of the tube spool; and

a chain having a first end coupled to the retention shaft and a second end coupled to the frame, wherein the retention shaft and chain are configured to retain the tube spool against at least one of the first and second pairs of rollers or the tube rewinder.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a rectangular frame having a first structural component on a first side, a second structural component on a second side, a third structural component on a third side, a fourth structural component on a fourth side, and the third and fourth structural components couple the first and second structural components together.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second carriages are configured to support the tube spool when the tube spool is not supported by the first and second pairs of rollers.

9. The system of claim 1, comprising a containment system configured to at least partially support the tube spool when the tube spool is not supported by at least one of the first and second pairs of rollers.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers are configured as at least one of a tube stopper or a tube rewinder.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at least one of forklift tine notches or grommets for manipulating the system.

12. A method, comprising:

providing a tube spool carrier, the tube spool carrier comprising:

a frame;

a first pair of rollers coupled to a first side of the frame, wherein the first pair of rollers are configured to support a first end of a tube spool;

a first carriage longitudinally disposed between the first pair of rollers;

a second pair of rollers coupled to a second side of the frame, wherein the second pair of rollers are configured to support a second end of the tube spool;

a second carriage longitudinally disposed between the second pair of rollers;

a tube guide coupled to a third side of the frame between the first side and the second side; and

a tube actuator coupled to the frame;

disposing the tube reel in the tube reel bracket, wherein a coilable tube is disposed about the tube reel;

guiding a coilable tube through the tube guide as the coilable tube is removed from the tube spool;

rotating the tube spool against the first and second pairs of rollers as the windable tube is removed from the tube spool; and

at least one of slowing or stopping rotation of the tube spool is performed by abutting the tube stopper against the tube spool.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the coilable tube is removed from the tube spool by at least one of: pulling the coilable tubing from the tube spool carrier while the tube spool carrier is stationary; or moving the tube reel bracket away from the fixed end of the coilable tube.

14. The method of claim 12, comprising at least partially supporting the tube spool via a containment system when the tube spool is not supported by at least one of the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers.

15. The method of claim 12, providing the tube reel carriage on a trailer, a multi-wheeler trailer, or a ship.

16. The method of claim 12, comprising rounding the coilable tube with a tube rounder coupled to the frame.

17. A method, comprising:

providing a tube spool carrier, the tube spool carrier comprising:

a frame;

a first pair of rollers coupled to a first side of the frame, wherein the first pair of rollers are configured to support a first end of a tube spool;

a first carriage longitudinally disposed between the first pair of rollers;

a second pair of rollers coupled to a second side of the frame, wherein the second pair of rollers are configured to support a second end of the tube spool;

a second carriage longitudinally disposed between the second pair of rollers;

a tube guide coupled to a third side of the frame between the first side and the second side; and

a tube rewinder coupled to the frame;

disposing the tube spool in the tube spool carrier, wherein a first portion of windable tube is disposed about the tube spool and a second portion of windable tube extends away from the tube spool;

engaging the tube rewinder against the tube reel;

rotating the tube rewinder to rotate the tube spool about the first and second pairs of rollers to rewind the second portion onto the tube spool; and

guiding the second portion through the tube guide while rewinding the second portion.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising:

disengaging the tube rewinder from the tube spool; and

removing the tube reel with the rewound coilable tube from the tube reel carrier.

19. The method of claim 17, comprising restraining the tube reel against the tube rewinder by a tube tensioning arm having a first end and a second end, the first end being removably coupled to the frame, the second end being removably coupled to the aperture of the tube reel.

20. The method of claim 17, comprising: the tube spool is at least partially supported by a containment system when at least one of the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers is not supporting the tube spool.

Background

Flexible pipe is useful in a variety of environments, including the oil and gas industry. Flexible pipe can be durable and can operate under harsh operating conditions and can accommodate high pressures and temperatures. The flexible tubing may be bundled into one or more coils to facilitate transport and use of the tubing.

The tube coil may be positioned in an "eyelet to the side" or "eyelet to the sky" orientation. When the flexible pipe is coiled and arranged with its internal passage facing upwards, such that the coil is in a horizontal orientation, then the pipe coil is said to be in an "eyelet to sky" orientation. Conversely, if a flexible pipe coil is wound and arranged such that the internal passage is not facing upward with the coil in an upright or vertical orientation, the pipe coil is said to be in an "eyelet-to-side" orientation.

The flexible tube may be transported as a coil to various locations for deployment (also referred to as deployment or uncoiling). Different types of devices and vehicles are currently used to load and transport pipe coils, but additional equipment and manual labor are typically involved in loading or unloading such coils for transport and/or deployment. Such tube coils are typically large and heavy. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method and apparatus for loading and unloading a coil of pipe.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system comprising a frame and a first pair of rollers coupled to a first side of the frame. The first pair of rollers is configured to support a first end of the tube spool. The system also includes a first bracket disposed longitudinally between the first pair of rollers and a second pair of rollers coupled to the second side of the frame. The second pair of rollers is configured to support the second end of the tube spool. The system also includes a second bracket disposed longitudinally between the second pair of rollers, a tube guide coupled to a third side of the frame between the first side and the second side, a tube stopper coupled to the frame, and a tube rewinder coupled to the frame.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method that includes providing a tube reel carriage. The tube reel bracket includes a frame and a first pair of rollers coupled to a first side of the frame. The first pair of rollers is configured to support a first end of the tube spool. The tube reel bracket also includes a first bracket disposed longitudinally between the first pair of rollers and a second pair of rollers coupled to a second side of the frame. The second pair of rollers is configured to support the second end of the tube spool. The tube spool carrier also includes a second carrier disposed longitudinally between the second pair of rollers, a tube guide coupled to a third side of the frame between the first side and the second side, and a tube actuator coupled to the frame. The method also includes disposing the tube spool in a tube spool carrier. The windable tube is disposed about the tube spool. The method further comprises the following steps: guiding the windable tube through a tube guide while removing the windable tube from the tube spool; the method includes rotating a tube spool against first and second pairs of rollers when removing a windable tube from the tube spool, and slowing or stopping rotation of the tube spool by engaging a tube brake against the tube spool.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method that includes providing a tube reel carriage. The tube reel bracket includes a frame and a first pair of rollers coupled to a first side of the frame. The first pair of rollers is configured to support a first end of the tube spool. The tube reel bracket also includes a first bracket disposed longitudinally between the first pair of rollers and a second pair of rollers coupled to the second side of the frame. The second pair of rollers is configured to support the second end of the tube spool. The tube spool carrier also includes a second carrier longitudinally disposed between the second pair of rollers, a tube guide coupled to a third side of the frame between the first side and the second side, and a tube rewinder coupled to the frame. The method also includes disposing the tube spool in a tube spool carrier. A first portion of the windable tube is disposed about the tube spool and a second portion of the windable tube extends away from the tube spool. The method further includes engaging the tube rewinder against the tube spool; rotating the tube rewinder to rotate the tube spool about the first and second pairs of rollers to rewind the second portion onto the tube spool; and guiding the second portion through the tube guide while rewinding the second portion.

Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following description and appended claims.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a tube spool carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a spool of windable pipe according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a tube spool carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tube stopper and a tube rewinder of a tube reel carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a pipe spool carrier being manipulated by a forklift according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a rear side of a tube spool carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tube spool carrier with a spool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a tube reel bracket having a tube tensioning arm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a tube spool carrier with a retention shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a front side of a tube spool carrier with a spool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a system for unwinding a spool of flexible pipe. A tube reel carriage according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a frame, rollers, a carriage, a tube guide, a tube stopper, and a tube rewinder.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to embodiments for unwinding a windable tube using a tube reel bracket.

As used herein, the terms "coupled" or "coupled to" may indicate that a direct or indirect connection is established, and is not limited to one, unless explicitly so referenced. The term "group" may refer to one or more items. Wherever possible, similar or identical reference numbers are used in the drawings to identify common or identical elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale for clarity.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a tube reel carriage 10. As described in detail below, the pipe spool carrier 10 may be used to unwind a coilable pipe 12, which may refer to any type of flexible pipe or tubing that is capable of being bent into a coil. The coilable tube 12 can be wound on a winder or spool 14. Such a reel, which may be wound around the tube 12, may reduce the amount of space taken up by the tube during manufacture, shipping, transport and deployment compared to a rigid tube that cannot be bent into a coil.

As understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the tube may be a tube for transporting or transferring any water, gas, oil, or any type of fluid known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The coilable tube 12 can be made of any type of material including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, combinations thereof, composite materials (e.g., fiber reinforced composite materials), or other materials known in the art. One type of windable pipe 12 is flexible pipe, which is often used in many applications, including but not limited to oil and gas applications both onshore and offshore. The flexible tube may comprise a bonded or unbonded flexible tube, a flexible composite tube (FCP), a thermoplastic composite Tube (TCP), or a reinforced thermoplastic tube (RTP). The FCP/RTP tube itself may typically consist of several layers. In one or more embodiments, the flexible pipe may include a high density polyethylene ("HDPE") liner having a reinforcing layer and an HDPE outer cover. Thus, the flexible pipe may comprise different layers, which may be made of a variety of materials, and may also be treated to be corrosion resistant. For example, in one or more embodiments, the pipe used to make up the pipe coil may have a corrosion protective layer disposed over another layer of steel reinforcement. In the steel reinforcing layer, a helically wound steel strip may be placed on a liner made of thermoplastic pipe. Flexible tubing can be designed to handle a variety of pressures, temperatures, and fluids being delivered. In addition, flexible pipe may provide unique features and advantages over steel/carbon steel pipelines in terms of corrosion resistance, flexibility, installation speed, and reusability. Another type of coilable tubing is coiled tubing, which may be made of steel. The coiled tubing may also have a corrosion protective coating.

The tube reel carriage 10 of fig. 1 includes a frame 16, the frame 16 providing a base for supporting the components of the tube reel carriage 10. For example, the rollers 18 may be coupled to the frame 16 and used to support the spool 14. A bracket 20 may also be coupled to the frame 16 and disposed between the rollers 18. Additionally, one or more tube guides 22 may be coupled to the frame 16 and used to guide the windable tube 12 during unwinding from the spool 14. A tube brake 24 may be coupled to the frame 16 and used to slow or stop rotation of the spool 14. Finally, a tube rewinder 26 may be coupled to the frame 16 and used to rewind the portion of windable tube 12 back onto the spool 14. These components of the pipe spool carrier 10 are described in more detail below. Additionally, although the roller 18, tube stopper 24, and tube rewinder 26 are described separately below, in certain embodiments, the roller 18 may provide the functionality of one or both of the tube stopper 24 and the tube rewinder 26. In still other embodiments, other optional equipment may be added to the pipe spool carriage 10 or connected to the frame 16, such as a pipe rounder for rounding the coilable pipe 12. In still other embodiments, one or more components, such as tube stopper 24 and/or tube rewinder 26, may be omitted from tube reel carrier 10.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a spool 14 that may wind a tube 12. In many cases, the coil 40 of coilable tubing 12 can be wound around the components of the spool 14. The coil 40 may be defined by an axial axis or direction 42, a radial axis or direction 44, and a circumferential axis or direction 46. The coil 40 may be wound around the spool 14 such that the inner passage of the coil 40 is concentric with the central bore of the spool 14. As understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the reel may include a cylindrical drum, such as cylindrical drum 48, around which the tube layer may be wound to form coil 40. The spool 14 may include two substantially circular spool ends, a first spool end 50 and a second spool end 52, which are capable of rotating about a shared axis. Thus, the first spool end 50 and the second spool end 52 may be attached to the cylindrical drum 48.

As shown in fig. 2, a hole 54 is provided in each of the first and second spool ends 50 and 52 at a substantially central location. In addition, the apertures 54 for each of the first and second spool ends 50, 52 are substantially aligned with each other (and may also be aligned with the central axis of the cylindrical drum 48). The windable tube 12 (e.g., flexible tube) may be wound around the cylindrical drum 48 using any means known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the spool 14 may be defined by a spool width 56 and a spool diameter 58. In further embodiments, spool ends 50 and 52 may be permanently or temporarily coupled to cylindrical drum 48. In still other embodiments, the tube reel carriage 10 may be used with other winder-like devices similar to the reel 14, such as the various embodiments of expandable drums equipped with circular receiving flanges.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a tube spool carrier 10, which may have a front side 70 and a back side 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 16 is made of a plurality of structural members 74 that are connected to one another such that the tube spool carrier 10 can support other components of the tube spool carrier 10, the weight of the spools 14, and the weight of the coilable tubing 12, all of which may have a total weight in excess of 22,000 pounds (9,979 kilograms). For example, the structural members 74 may be made of square or round steel pipes, I-beams, or composite structural members coupled to one another by various fastening techniques (such as, but not limited to, welding or screwing). The frame 16 may have a generally rectangular shape, but may have other shapes, such as circular, oval, square, or other polygonal shapes.

The illustrated embodiment of the tube reel carriage 10 includes a first pair of rollers 76 coupled to a first side 78 of the frame 16 and a second pair of rollers 80 coupled to a second side 82 of the frame 16. The first pair of rollers 76 may support the first spool end 50 and the second pair of rollers 80 may support the second spool end 52. Thus, the width 83 of the rollers 76 and 80 may be approximately equal to or greater than the width of the first and second spool ends 50 and 52. For example, the width 83 of the rollers 76 and 80 may be twice, three times, four times, or more than the nominal width of the first and second spool ends 50 and 52. The additional width 83 of the rollers 76 and 80 may be used to accommodate spools 14 having first and second spool ends 50 and 52 that are not perpendicular to each other, or to accommodate spools 14 of different spool widths 56. The first and second pairs of rollers 76, 80 may be wheels configured to rotate against the first and second spool ends 50, 52. For example, the first pair of rollers 76 and the second pair of rollers 80 may rotate about an axle 84 coupled to a roller frame 86 coupled to the frame 16.

In certain embodiments, the first and second pairs of rollers 76, 80 may be fixedly coupled to the frame 16, and in other embodiments, the position of the first and second pairs of rollers 76, 80 may be adjustable. For example, the first and second pairs of rollers 76 and 80 may be movable in the radial direction 44 (e.g., up and down), which may be used to move the spool 14 in the radial direction 44, or the rollers 76 and 80 may be movable in the axial direction 42 (e.g., closer or further apart from each other), which may be used to accommodate spools 14 of different spool widths 56. In certain embodiments, the rollers of each pair of rollers 76 and 80 may be adjusted to be closer to or farther apart from each other, which may be used to accommodate spools 14 having different spool diameters 58. The adjustment of the first pair of rollers 76 and the second pair of rollers 80 may be accomplished hydraulically or electrically. In further embodiments, the first pair of rollers 76 and the second pair of rollers 80 may be shaped to match the first spool end 50 and the second spool end 52. In other words, the shape of the first pair of rollers 76 and the second pair of rollers 80 may help prevent the spool 14 from moving in the axial direction 42. For example, the first and second pairs of rollers 76, 80 may include flanges similar to train wheels. In some embodiments, the rollers 76 and 80 may be shaped like an hourglass, which may also help prevent the spool 14 from moving in either direction in the axial direction 42. Rollers 76 and 80 having an hourglass shape may also allow spool 14 to rotate more smoothly with less likelihood of binding. In certain embodiments, the roller frame 86 may help prevent the spool 14 from moving in the axial direction 42. For example, the roller frame 86 may include extensions 87 that extend away from the rollers 76 and 80 to help limit movement of the first and second spool ends 50 and 52 between the extensions 87. In further embodiments, the extensions 87 may flare outward from the centerline of the rollers 76 and 80 to provide a funnel shape to facilitate placement of the spool 14 on the tube spool carrier 10. In addition, the flared extensions 87 may limit large movement of the first and second spool ends 50, 52 without excessive contact with the first and second spool ends 50, 52 during small axial 42 and/or radial 44 movement of the spool 14.

The illustrated embodiment of the tube reel carriage 10 includes a first carriage 88 disposed longitudinally between the first pair of rollers 76 and a second carriage 90 disposed longitudinally between the second pair of rollers 80. The first and second brackets 88, 90 may support the spool 14 if the spool 14 is not supported by the first and second pairs of rollers 76, 80, for example if the first and second pairs of rollers 76, 80 are lowered in the radial direction 44 or are damaged or worn. Thus, the first and second brackets 88, 90 have a curved or arcuate shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the first and second spool ends 50, 52. In certain embodiments, the first bracket 88 and the second bracket 90 may be manufactured with different radii of curvature to accommodate spools 14 of different spool diameters 58. In addition, the width 92 of the first and second brackets 88, 90 may be approximately equal to or greater than the width of the first and second spool ends 50, 52. The first and second brackets 88, 90 may be made of bent sheet metal or other suitable material coupled to the frame 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tube reel carriage 10 includes four tube guides 22, two of which are disposed at the front side 70 and two of which are disposed at the rear side 72. In other embodiments, the tube reel carriage 10 may include only two tube guides 22 at either the front side 70 or the back side 72. During deployment, the coilable tube 12 is received between the two tube guides 22. In certain embodiments, the tube guide 22 includes a bracket 94 and rollers 96, wherein the pairs of rollers 96 are located at the front side 70 or the back side 72 that face each other. The rollers 96 help reduce friction if the windable tube 12 contacts the tube guide 22 during unwinding. In certain embodiments, the tube guide 22 may be coupled to the tube guide beam 98 of the frame 16, and the tube guide 22 may be adjustable along the tube guide beam 98 in the axial direction 42. For example, for narrower spools 14, or when additional accommodation of the coilable tube 12 between the tube guides 22 is desired, the tube guides 22 may be moved closer to each other. In other embodiments, the tube guide 22 may be secured to the frame 16 or the tube guide beam 98. In further embodiments, the tube guide 22 may not include the rollers 96. For example, the tube guide 22 may be coated with a low friction material or use other techniques to reduce friction, such as bearings.

As shown in fig. 3, the pipe reel carriage 10 may also include two or more forklift tine notches 100 coupled to the frame 16 to enable a forklift to be used to manipulate and move the pipe reel carriage 10. For example, two forklift tine notches 100 may be located at the first side 78, and two forklift tine notches 100 may be located at the second side 82. The forklift tine notches 100 can be sized to accommodate tines of various sizes and can also be spaced from each other by an appropriate distance corresponding to commonly available forklifts. Additionally or alternatively, certain embodiments of the pipe spool carrier 10 may include one or more cushion eyes 102, the cushion eyes 102 coupled to the frame 16 to enable the pipe spool carrier 10 to be lifted for manipulation and movement using a crane or similar device. The cushion eyes 102 may be located at the corners of the frame 16 to provide even weight distribution during handling. In further embodiments, the pipe spool carrier 10 may include other anchors or attachment points for other applications. For example, the pipe reel carriage 10 may be removably coupled to a trailer bed, a multi-wheeler platform trailer, or a ship deck during transport or deployment. Additionally, certain embodiments of the tube spool carrier 10 may include various corner brackets or supports to enable multiple tube spool carriers 10 to be stacked on top of one another during transport. The tube stopper 24 and the tube rewinder 26 are described in more detail below.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the tube stopper 24 and tube rewinder 26 of an embodiment of the tube reel carrier 10. Both the tube stopper 24 and the tube rewinder 26 are coupled to the frame 16. In the illustrated embodiment, two tube actuators 24 are shown at the rear side 72 (shown in FIG. 3). In other embodiments, a different number of tube detents 24 may be used, such as 1, 3, or 4 tube detents 24, and the tube detents 24 may be disposed in other locations, such as the front side 70 or along one or both of the first and second brackets 88, 90. For example, the first bracket 88 and the second bracket 90 may have cutouts through which the tube stopper 24 protrudes. As shown in fig. 4, the tube brake 24 includes brake pads 120 coupled to a brake bracket 122, the brake pads 122 then being coupled to a brake actuator 124. When it is desired to brake (e.g., slow or stop) the rotating spool 14, the tube brake 24 may be actuated to bring the brake pads 120 into contact with the rotating first and second spool ends 50 and 52. Friction between the brake pad 120 and the first and second spool ends 50 and 52 then slows or stops rotation of the spool 14. The brake pad 120 may be made of various materials, such as, but not limited to, a non-metallic material, a semi-metallic material, an all-metallic material, or a ceramic material. The brake pad 120 may be detachably coupled to the brake bracket 122 to be easily replaced when worn. Brake actuator 124 may be an electric or hydraulic actuator or motor to enable movement of brake pad 120 toward or away from first and second spool ends 50 and 52. The brake actuator 124 also enables the braking force against the spool 14 to be adjusted. The brake bracket 122 may take different forms, but is used to support the brake pad 120 and the brake actuator 124. For example, the brake bracket 122 may be coupled to the roller frame 86 and the brake actuator 124 may be coupled to the frame 16. In certain embodiments, the tube brake 24 is adjustable in the axial direction 42 to accommodate spools 14 of different spool widths 56. In other embodiments, tube brake 24 may be configured as a caliper brake having one or more calipers to engage first spool end 50 and second spool end 52. In still other embodiments, the roller 18 may include the functionality of the tube stopper 24. In other words, the rollers 18 may be driven or actuated such that slowing or stopping the rotation of the rollers 18 slows or stops the rotation of the spool 14. In such an embodiment, the surface of the roller 18 may be made of a material similar to the brake pad 120 to provide sufficient friction between the roller 18 and the first and second spool ends 50 and 52.

As shown in fig. 4, the tube rewinder 26 includes a wheel 126 coupled to a rewinder bracket 128, the wheel 126 then being coupled to a rewinder actuator 130. In the illustrated embodiment, two tube rewinders 26 are shown at the back side 72 (as shown in FIG. 3). In other embodiments, a different number of tube rewinders 26 may be used, such as 1, 3, or 4 tube rewinders 26, and the tube rewinders 26 may be disposed at other locations, such as the front side 70, or along one or both of the first and second brackets 88, 90. For example, the first and second brackets 88, 90 may have cutouts through which the wheels 126 extend. When rewinding is desired (e.g., to put the unwound windable tube 12 back onto the spool 14), the rewinder actuator 130 may be actuated to rotate the wheel 126 in a direction opposite to the desired direction of the spool 14. In some embodiments, the rewinder actuator 130 may also be used to bring the wheel 126 into contact with the first spool end 50 and the second spool end 52. Alternatively, when not being wound, wheel 126 may remain in contact with first and second spool ends 50, 52, allowing wheel 126 to rotate freely (e.g., rewinder actuator 130 is not actuated). The rewinder actuator 130 may also be used to adjust the speed of rewinding (e.g., the rotational speed of the spool 14).

The wheel 126 of the tube rewinder 26 may be made of various materials, such as, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, or metal. The material for the wheel 126 may be selected to provide sufficient friction or grip to enable the spool 14 to rotate as the wheel 126 rotates. Additionally, the wheel 126 may have a flexible or compliant surface to accommodate variations in the roundness of the first and second spool ends 50, 52 and to provide additional contact surface area when the wheel 126 is pushed against the first and second spool ends 50, 52. In one embodiment, the wheel 126 may be a pneumatic tire. In addition, the wheel 126 may be removably coupled to the rewinder bracket 128 to be easily replaced when worn. The rewinder actuator 130 may be an electric or hydraulic actuator or motor to enable movement of the wheel 126 toward or away from the first and second spool ends 50, 52. The rewinder bracket 128 may take different forms but serves to support the wheels 126 and the rewinder actuator 130. For example, the rewinder bracket 128 may be coupled to the frame 16. In certain embodiments, the tube rewinder 26 is adjustable in the axial direction 42 to accommodate spools 14 of different spool widths 56. In further embodiments, the rollers 18 may include the function of the tube rewinder 26. In other words, the roller 18 may be driven or actuated such that rotation of the roller 18 in a first direction causes rotation of the spool 14 in a second direction opposite the first direction. In such an embodiment, the surface of the roller 18 may be made of a material similar to the wheel 126 to provide sufficient friction between the roller 18 and the first and second spool ends 50 and 52.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a pipe reel carriage 10 being manipulated by a forklift 140. As shown in fig. 5, the tines 142 of the forklift 140 are inserted into the forklift tine notches 100. Thus, the pipe reel carriage 10 may be lifted from one surface, removed by the forklift 140, and lowered by the forklift 140 onto another surface. In certain embodiments, the tines 142 of the forklift 140 may be moved away from each other to lock the pipe spool carrier 10 in place, or another fastening or securing technique may be used to secure the pipe spool carrier 10 to the forklift 140.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the back side 72 of an embodiment of the tube spool carrier 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the rollers 96 of the tube guide 22 may be shaped as two conical frustums joined together at their narrow ends. Thus, the shape of the rollers 96 helps to keep the windable tube 12 being unwound toward the middle of the rollers 96. In certain embodiments, one or more wires 160 may be electrically connected to an electrical component of the tube spool carrier, such as brake actuator 124 or rewinder actuator 130. One or more hydraulic hoses may be coupled to the pipe spool carrier 10 when hydraulically driving the components of the pipe spool carrier 10. In some embodiments, certain functions of the tube reel carriage 10 may be accomplished remotely by a wired or wireless remote control. Additionally, fig. 6 shows two tube tensioning arms 162 that may be used with the tube reel bracket 10, as described in detail below.

FIG. 7 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of a tube spool carrier 10 having a spool 14. As shown in fig. 7, the first and second spool ends 50, 52 rest on the rollers 18 (only the first spool end 50 is visible). Thus, when the windable tube 12 is unwound from the spool 14, the roller 18 enables the spool 14 to rotate. In contrast to other deployment methods, no rod extends into the bore 54 to support the weight of the spool 14 and windable tube 12. Rather, the rollers 18 of the tube reel carriage 10 support the weight of the reel 14 and windable tube 12. In addition, the wheel 126 of the tube rewinder 26 is shown in contact with the first spool end 50 and the second spool end 52. Additionally, a gap 164 is shown between the first and second spool ends 50, 52 and the carrier 20. As described above, the spool 14 may not normally be in contact with the bracket 20 during deployment of the windable tube 12. Conversely, if the roller 18 is intentionally or unintentionally lowered in the radial direction 44 (e.g., if the roller 18 is damaged or worn), the bracket 20 may help support the spool 14.

Fig. 8 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of a tube reel carrier 10 having a tube tensioning arm 162. Although only one tube tensioning arm 162 is shown in fig. 8, in certain embodiments, a second tube tensioning arm 162 may be used on the opposite side of the tube spool carrier 10. As shown in fig. 8, the tube tensioning arm 162 has a first end 180 removably coupled to the frame 16 and a second end 182 removably coupled to the bore 54 of the spool 14. The tube tensioning arm 162 may help maintain contact of the spool 14 against the roller 18 or the tube rewinder 26 (not shown in fig. 8). For example, as the windable tube 12 unwinds, the total weight of the spool 14 and windable tube 12 decreases, which may cause the spool 14 to lose contact with one or more of the rollers 18 or the tube rewinder 26. Thus, the tube tensioning arm 162 may counteract any movement of the spool 14 away from the roller 18 or tube rewinder 26 by providing a fixed distance between the aperture 54 and the frame 16. In certain embodiments, the frame 16 may include a plurality of arm holes 184 at different locations for insertion of the first end 180. Thus, the plurality of arm holes 184 enables tube-tensioning arms 162 having a fixed length to be used with spools 14 of different spool diameters 58.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of tube spool carrier 10 with a retention shaft 200. As shown in fig. 9, a retention shaft 200 may be used in place of tube tensioning arm 162 or in addition to tube tensioning arm 162 to secure reel 14 to tube reel bracket 10. The retaining shaft 200 may be a cylindrical rod or shaft that is inserted into the bore 54 of the spool 14. In certain embodiments, the retention shaft 200 may include bearings or similar devices to enable the spool 14 to easily rotate about the retention shaft 200. The chain 202 may be coupled to one end of the retention shaft 200 and to the tube spool carrier 10, such as the cushion eye 102 of the tube spool carrier 10 or similar attachment point. The holding shaft 200 and chain 202 together may help prevent the spool 14 from coming out of the spool carrier 10 for any reason. In other words, the retention shaft 200 and chain 202 help retain the spool 14 within the tube spool carrier 10. A cotter pin 204 or similar device may be used to secure the chain 202 to the holding shaft 200. In some embodiments, a hook and loop hanger or similar device may be used to secure the chain 202. In further embodiments, other devices may be used for the chain 202, such as wires or ropes. Although only one side of the spool 14 is shown in fig. 9, the holding shaft 200 may be fixed on both sides of the spool 14 in a similar manner as described. In some embodiments, more than one chain 202 may be used on the spool 14 side, such as two, three, or more chains 202. In these embodiments, the chains 202 may be fixed to the same location or different locations of the tube spool carrier 10. For example, if two chains 202 are used, they may be arranged like an inverted letter V, with the tip representing the hole 54 and the leg representing the two chains 202. In certain embodiments, if tube tensioning arm 162, retaining shaft 200, and/or chain 202 fails, extension 87 (including the flared version of extension 87) may help retain spool 14 within tube spool carrier 10.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the front side 70 of an embodiment of a tube spool carrier 10 having a spool 14. As shown in fig. 10, the extensions 87 of the roller frame 86 may extend radially 44 away from the roller 18 to help prevent the first and second spool ends 50, 52 from moving in the axial direction 42 outside the roller 18. Thus, undesired movements or tilting of the reel can be avoided. In other embodiments, the tube spool carrier 10 may include a containment system to at least partially support the spool 14 without the spool 14 being supported by the rollers 18. For example, the containment system may include a post, beam, wall, or the like that extends radially 44 away from the frame 16. Thus, if the spool 14 moves away from one or more rollers 18, the containment system may prevent further movement of the spool 14 outside the confines of the tube spool carrier 10. This containment system may be useful when the pipe reel carrier 10 is not placed on a horizontal surface, or when the pipe reel carrier 10 is located on a moving surface (e.g., the deck of a ship).

When the windable pipe 12 is unwound using the pipe spool carriage 10, the pipe spool carriage 10 can be moved to a desired position using the forklift tine notches 100 and/or the grommet 102. The reel 14 can then be placed in the pipe reel carriage 10 using a crane or similar device. One end of the windable tube 12 can be pulled away from the fixed spool 14 and tube spool bracket 10, thereby rotating the spool 14 against the roller 18 when the windable tube 12 is removed from the spool 14. Alternatively, the tube reel carriage 10 may be placed on a trailer or similar device. The end of the windable tube 12 may be removed from the spool 14 and secured. The tube spool carrier 10 can then be moved away from the fixed end, thereby unwinding additional windable tube 12 as the spool 14 rotates against the roller 18. In either deployment method, the windable tube 12 may be guided through the tube guide 22 as the windable tube 12 is deployed. When a desired amount of the windable tube 12 has been deployed or it is desired to halt or stop deployment for any reason, the tube brake 24 may be engaged to slow or stop rotation of the spool 14. Deployment may resume after disengaging the tube brake 24.

In some instances, it may be desirable to rewind the unwound coilable tube 12. For example, the spool 14 may be located in the tube spool carrier 10, with a first portion of the windable tube 12 disposed about the spool 14 and a second portion of the windable tube 12 extending away from the spool 14. The tube rewinder 26 may then be engaged with the spool 14 and the tube rewinder 26 rotated to rotate the spool 14 against the roller 18 in a direction such that the second portion will be rewound onto the spool 14. The windable tube 12 may be guided through a tube guide 22 during rewinding. After rewinding, the tube rewinder 26 may be disengaged from the spool 14 and the spool 14 may be removed from the tube spool carrier 10 for transport to another location.

While the disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should be limited only by the attached claims.