Patent ID: 6598378
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: B65B,B65H,F16C

Abstract:
A quick release mechanism for a roller comprising:frame means in which the roller is adapted to be mounted in use; apertures in either end of the roller, the apertures aligned with the axis of rotation of the roller; and stub axle means which connect either end of the roller to the frame means by passing through respective holes aligned in the frame means and into the respective roller apertures, the connection between the roller and each stub axle means allowing substantially free angular rotation of the roller relative to the frame means; wherein one of the stub axle means is axially fixed in the frame means and driven rotationally and provided at or near its end with a non-circular cross-section, the cross-section of the roller aperture into which the driven stub axle means fits having a corresponding shape to allow the roller to be rotated by the driven stub axle means; and wherein the other stub axle means is releasable from its connection with the roller aperture and its connection with the frame means solely by movement along the axis of rotation of the roller, away from the roller, the removable stub axle means having a cylindrical shaft which is adapted at one end to pass through the hole in the frame means and to fit within the aperture in the roller and provided at its opposite end with a knob to facilitate removal of the removable stub axle means from the roller aperture and frame means, the cylindrical shaft including at least two axially separated detents to allow the removable stub axle to be selectively positioned either engaged with the roller and frame means or disengaged from the roller but still engaged with the frame means to facilitate removal of the roller from the frame means.