U.S. patent application number 09/907287 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-20 for holding device for spare string trimmer line spools.
Invention is credited to Knizner, Robert.
Application Number | 20030052218 09/907287 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25423834 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030052218 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Knizner, Robert |
March 20, 2003 |
Holding device for spare string trimmer line spools
Abstract
A device to hold a spare spool of trimmer line on a string
trimmer while the trimmer is in use. The device has a clamp on its
frame's lower surface (22) to attach it to the string trimmer's
shaft, and elements (44A, 44B) on its frame's upper surface (20) to
retain the spare spool of trimmer line. These elements use the
spool's notched indexing lugs (34A, 34B) and spring (42) to retain
the spare spool. The spare spool is placed into the device by
compressing the spool's spring (42) and engaging the spool's
notched indexing lugs (34A, 34B) onto pins (28A, 28B) located on
curved slotted elements (24A, 25B) located on the upper surface of
the device's frame (20).
Inventors: |
Knizner, Robert; (Copper
Canyon, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert Knizner
913 Meadow Drive
Copper Canyon
TX
75077
US
|
Family ID: |
25423834 |
Appl. No.: |
09/907287 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/590 ; 224/.5;
242/404.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01D 34/416
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/590 ; 224/.5;
242/404.2 |
International
Class: |
B65H 075/18; A45F
003/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for holding a spare string trimmer spool on a string
trimmer, comprising: (a) a clamping means to hold the device on the
string trimmer's shaft, and (b) a frame that utilizes the
compression of the spare spool's spring to cause the spool to
engage elements of the frame as a means of holding the spool in
place whereby the spare spool of trimmer line is securely held on
the string trimmer during use of the string trimmer and can be
conveniently put into use on the string trimmer when required.
2. The holder of claim 1 wherein the clamping means comprises a
pair of curved members that grip the string trimmer's shaft after
the shaft is pushed between the curved members.
3. The holder of claim 1 wherein a plurality of ledges are attached
to the frame as a means to allow plastic wire ties to used to
enhance the security of the connection between spare spool holder
and the string trimmer's shaft.
4. The holder of claim 1 wherein the clamping means comprises a
split collar and threaded fastener.
5. The holder of claim 1 wherein the frame employs a plurality of
pins to engage the spare spool's notched indexing lugs as a means
of positively locating the spare spool on the spare spool
holder.
6. The holder of claim 1 wherein the frame employs a plurality of
recesses to engage the spare spool's indexing lugs as a means of
positively locating the spare spool on the spare spool holder.
7. The holder of claim 1 wherein the frame employs a pair of
ladder-like members and a retaining bar with hooks on each end to
engage the rungs of the ladder-like members as a means of
positively locating the spare spool on the spare spool holder.
8. The holder of claim 1 wherein a cross-shaped member is attached
to the said frame as a means of centering and retaining the spare
spool on the spare spool holder.
9. The holder of claim 1 wherein a knob-like element is located on
the cross-shaped member as a means of positively locating the spare
spool's spring.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates in general to string trimmers used to
cut grass and weeds. In particular, the invention relates to a
holding device comprising a single member for holding a spare spool
of trimmer line on the string trimmer while the string trimmer is
in use.
BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background
is described in connection holding a spare spool of trimmer line on
an operating string trimmer.
[0003] String trimmers are the most popular means to cut grass and
weeds where larger machines such as lawn mowers cannot go, such as
in ditches and along borders. String trimmers use a consumable
plastic filament or line to accomplish the cutting action. Since
this line is constantly abraded during the operation of the string
trimmer, most string trimmers employ a spool that holds a quantity
of line and dispenses it to allow continuous operation of the
string trimmer.
[0004] There are no means to verify the quantity of line present on
the spool without partially disassembling the spool assembly. Many
operators of string trimmers, particularly commercial landscapers,
use the string trimmers a significant distance from where spare
spools are stored. The size of these spare spools is large enough
that they will not fit in the pockets of pants. The combination of
these factors commonly results in wasted time and effort from
walking back to where the spare spools are kept.
[0005] As such, a need exists for a holding device which provides a
means to attach a spare spool of line to a string trimmer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides for a holding device for
spare string trimmer line spools.
[0007] Disclosed in one embodiment is a holding device for spare
string trimmer line spools. The holding device comprises a frame
having an upper and lower surface. The upper surface of the frame
is substantially flat with the exception of three protruding
elements. Two of these elements are located at the ends of the
frame and curve upward and over the flat portion of the frame, each
forming a shallow slot with the open end of the slots facing
towards the center of the frame. These slots will accommodate the
diameter and thickness of the spool's lower disc. Located in the
center of each slot is a pin consisting of a half cylinder with its
long axis perpendicular to the flat surface of the frame. This pin
does not extend all the way to the flat surface of the frame, but
stops a sufficient height above it to provide clearance for the
spool's indexing lugs to fit between the bottom of the pin and the
flat top surface of the frame.
[0008] The third element protruding from the flat surface of the
frame is substantially cross-shaped and located at the center of
the frame. The size of this cross-shaped element is such that it
will fit into the internal cavity of the spool, locating the spool
on the holder. The cross-shaped element further includes a
knob-like element located at the vertex of the flat portions of the
cross-shaped element. This knob-like element will fit inside and
positively locate the spool spring.
[0009] The lower surface of the frame is substantially flat with
the exception of two curved members forming a clamp. The inner
diameter of the circular area between these two curved members is
slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the string trimmer's
shaft, causing the curved members to deform slightly and provide
clamping force when placed on either side of the string trimmer
shaft. This clamp will firmly hold the shaft of the string trimmer
at a substantially right angle to the long axis of the frame. The
clamp is installed onto the string trimmer shaft by pressing the
opening of the clamp onto the string trimmer shaft. Additional
clamping action is provided if the user requires by allowing the
use of a plastic "wire tie" to encircle the string trimmer shaft
and pass over each of two ledges provided for this purpose. These
curved ledges are located coaxial to the string trimmer shaft and
are located opposite the open end of the clamp members. The ledge's
inner surface is substantially coincident to the inner surface of
the shaft clamp.
[0010] The spool is retained on the spool holder by placing the
spool spring on the knob-like element and pressing downward to
compress the spool spring while ensuring that the spool is rotated
such that the indexing lugs are on each side of the curved slotted
elements. When the indexing disc touches the upper surface of the
frame, the spool is rotated so that the notched indexing lugs are
under the spool holder's pins and the notches on the spool's
indexing lugs are centered under the pins. The spool is then
released, and the spool spring pushes the spool upward so that the
notches in the indexing lugs engage the pins. The upper surface of
the slots will contact the spool lower disc and keep enough
compression on the spool spring to keep the spool in place on the
spool holder.
[0011] The spool is removed from the holder by reversing the steps
taken to place it in the holder.
[0012] An advantage of the present invention includes the ease with
which a spool can be placed into or be removed from the holder, and
the positive way that the spool is held. Another advantage of the
present invention includes the relative ease of manufacturing the
spool holder and the low costs associated therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the spare spool holder.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a string trimmer spool.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spare spool holder
positioned above the string trimmers' shaft prior to the holder
being installed on the shaft.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the spare spool holder
installed on the string trimmer's shaft.
[0017] FIGS. 5 through 8 are perspective views of a spool being
installed on the spare spool holder.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the spare spool holder.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the spare spool holder.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the spare spool holder.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0021]
1 18 Holder, spool 20 Frame, upper surface 22 Frame, lower surface
.sup. 24A Curved, slotted elements .sup. 24B .sup. 26A Slots .sup.
26B .sup. 28A Pins .sup. 28B 30 Lower disc, spool .sup. 32A
Indexing lugs .sup. 32B .sup. 32C .sup. 32D .sup. 34A Lugs,
indexing, notched .sup. 34B 36 Element, cross-shaped 38 Cavity,
Spool, internal 40 Knob-like element 42 Spring, spool .sup. 44A
Curved members .sup. 44B 46 Shaft, string trimmer 48 Opening clamp
.sup. 50A Ledges .sup. 50B 52 Recess, alternate embodiment 54 Bar,
alternate embodiment .sup. 56A Arm, alternate embodiment .sup. 56B
58 Rung, alternate embodiment 60 Hook, alternate embodiment 80
Spool 64 Split collar, alternate embodiment 66 Hole, alternate
embodiment
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMODIMENTS
[0022] The present invention provides for a holding device for
spare string trimmer line spools.
[0023] Disclosed in one embodiment is a holding device for spare
string trimmer line spools illustrated in FIG. 1. A typical string
trimmer line spool is shown for reference in FIG. 2. The holding
device comprises a frame having an upper 20 and lower 22 surface.
The upper surface of the frame is substantially flat with the
exception of three protruding elements. Two of these elements 24A
and 24B are located at the ends of the frame and curve upward and
over the flat portion of the frame, each forming a shallow slot
26A, 26B with the open end of the slots facing towards the center
of the frame. These slots will accommodate the diameter and
thickness of the spool's lower disc 30 illustrated in FIG. 2.
Located in the center of each slot is a pin 28A, 28B consisting of
a half cylinder with its long axis perpendicular to the flat
surface of the frame. This pin does not extend all the way to the
flat surface of the frame, but stops a sufficient height above it
to provide clearance for the spool's indexing lugs 32A, 32B, 32C,
32D, 34A, 34B to fit between the bottom of the pin and the flat top
surface of the frame 20.
[0024] The third element protruding from the flat surface of the
frame is substantially cross-shaped and located at the center of
the frame 36. The size of this cross-shaped element is such that it
will fit into the internal cavity of the spool 38, locating the
spool on the holder 18. The cross-shaped element further includes a
knob-like element 40 located at the vertex of the flat portions of
the cross-shaped element. This knob-like element will fit inside
and positively locate the spool spring 42.
[0025] The lower surface 22 of the frame is substantially flat with
the exception of two curved members 44A, 44B forming a clamp. The
inner diameter of the circular area between these two curved
members is slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the sting
trimmer's shaft 46, causing the curved members to deform slightly
and provide clamping force when placed on either side of the string
trimmer shaft. This clamp will firmly hold the shaft of the string
trimmer 46 at a substantially right angle to the long axis of the
frame. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the installation of the spool holder 18
on the string trimmer shaft 46. The clamp is installed onto the
string trimmer shaft by pressing the opening of the clamp 48 onto
the string trimmer shaft 46. Additional clamping action is provided
if the user requires by allowing the use of a plastic "wire tie" to
encircle the string trimmer shaft 46 and pass over each of two
ledges 50A, 50B provided for this purpose. These curved ledges are
located coaxial to the string trimmer shaft and are located
opposite the open end of the clamp members. The ledge's inner
surface is substantially coincident to the inner surface of the
shaft clamp.
[0026] FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 illustrate the sequence of installing a
spare spool 80 in the spool holder 18. The spool is retained on the
spool holder by placing the spool spring 42 on the knob-like
element 40 and pressing downward to compress the spool spring 42
while ensuring that the spool 80 is rotated such that the indexing
lugs 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, 34A, 34B are on each side of the curved
slotted elements 24A, 24B as shown in FIG. 6. When the indexing
disc 30 touches the upper surface of the frame 20, the spool 80 is
rotated so that the notched indexing lugs 34A, 34B are under the
spool holder's pins 28A, 28B and the notches 52A, 52B on the
spool's indexing lugs 34A, 34B are centered under the pins 28A, 28B
as shown in FIG. 7. The spool is then released, and the spool
spring 42 pushes the spool upward so that the notches 52A, 52B in
the indexing lugs 34A, 34B engage the pins 28A, 28B. The upper
surface of the slots 26A, 26B will contact the spool lower disc 30
and keep enough compression on the spool spring 42 to keep the
spool in place on the spool holder as shown in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
[0027] One alternate embodiment provides for a holder for spare
string trimmer line spools for spools that have indexing lugs but
no notches in the lugs as described above in the preferred
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, this embodiment utilizes a recess
52 in the upper surface of each shallow slot 26A, 26B in place of
the pins 28A, 28B used in the preferred embodiment. The indexing
lugs 32A, 32B 32C, 32D, 34A, 34B engage the recess instead of the
pins 28A, 28B to retain the spare spool 80 on the spool holder
18.
[0028] The operation of this embodiment is identical to the
operation of the preferred embodiment except that since there are
no notched indexing lugs 34A, 34B, any indexing lug can be placed
in the shallow slot and engage the recess to retain the spool.
[0029] This embodiment is more versatile than the preferred
embodiment because it can be used with spools with or without
notched indexing lugs, but the recess requires a more expensive
plastic injection mold to produce than the pin used in the
preferred embodiment.
[0030] Another alternate embodiment provides for a holder for spare
trimmer spools for spools that have no external indexing lugs. As
shown in FIG. 10, this embodiment utilizes a set of arms 56A, 56B
extending from the frame 20 a sufficient distance to allow a
retaining bar 54 to pass over the spare spool 80 and keep the
spool's spring 42 compressed. The arms each have a ladder-rung-like
structure with several rungs 58 on each arm. The retaining bar 54
has two ends. Each end forms a hook 60 that snaps onto a rung 58 in
such a manner that the retaining bar is held in place but is free
to rotate about the axis of the rung. The other end of the
retaining bar forms a hook 60 that engages a rung on the opposite
arm of the spare spool holder and is held there by the tension of
the spool spring 42.
[0031] The plurality of rungs on each arm of the spare trimmer
spool holder allows spare trimmer line spools of varying heights to
be accommodated by moving the retaining bar up or down the rungs as
required.
[0032] In this embodiment of the spare spool holder 80, the spare
spool is placed in the holder by centering the spool over the
cross-shaped element 36 and pressing down to compress the spool
spring 42 as in the preferred embodiment. When the spool spring is
compressed, and the spool is touching the upper surface of the
frame 20, the retaining bar 54 is rotated over the spool 80, while
at the same time the arm opposite the one that the retaining bar is
fastened to is pushed slightly outward, away from the spool to
allow the retaining bar to swing past the rung corresponding to the
rung on the opposite arm that the retaining bar is attached to. The
arm being pushed outward is then released, causing the end of the
retaining bar to pass between rungs. The spool 80 is then released,
so that the spool spring 42 compels the spool to move away from the
frame 20. When the spool 80 contacts the retaining bar 54, it
pushes the hook 60 on the end of the retaining bar 54 onto the rung
58 above it, holding both the retaining bar and the spool
positively in place.
[0033] Another alternate embodiment provides for the curved members
44A, 44B described in the preferred embodiment to be replaced with
clamping arrangement utilizing a split collar 64 and a hole 66 to
accommodate a threaded fastener as shown in FIG. 11. This
embodiment provides a more positive clamping action at the expense
of higher manufacturing cost and reduced ease of installation.
* * * * *