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US20170094900A1 - Trimmer head with members for simplifying the loading of the cutting line - Google Patents

Trimmer head with members for simplifying the loading of the cutting line Download PDF

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Publication number
US20170094900A1
US20170094900A1 US15/141,210 US201615141210A US2017094900A1 US 20170094900 A1 US20170094900 A1 US 20170094900A1 US 201615141210 A US201615141210 A US 201615141210A US 2017094900 A1 US2017094900 A1 US 2017094900A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
cutting line
spool
trimmer head
housing
flange
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/141,210
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English (en)
Inventor
Fabrizio Arnetoli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ARNETOLI MOTOR Srl
Original Assignee
ARNETOLI MOTOR Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ARNETOLI MOTOR Srl filed Critical ARNETOLI MOTOR Srl
Assigned to ARNETOLI MOTOR S.R.L. reassignment ARNETOLI MOTOR S.R.L. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ARNETOLI, FABRIZIO
Publication of US20170094900A1 publication Critical patent/US20170094900A1/en
Priority to US16/898,724 priority Critical patent/US11234363B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D34/00—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
    • A01D34/01—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
    • A01D34/412—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters
    • A01D34/416—Flexible line cutters
    • A01D34/4166—Mounting or replacement of the lines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of gardening products. More in particular, the invention relates to improvements to trimmer heads for brush cutters or the like, using a line made for example of plastic as a vegetation cutting member.
  • trimmer heads applied at the end of a drive shaft of a brush cutter or other equipment, to cut vegetation.
  • trimmer heads of this type use a line made of synthetic resin, typically polyamide, to cut the vegetation.
  • the line is wound inside the trimmer head to form a stock and exits from one or more holes provided in a housing of the trimmer head, inside which a spool is usually provided forming a stock of cutting line.
  • the cutting line wears and breaks. Therefore, a length of the cutting line projecting through the passage holes of the housing shall be periodically replaced, so as to have a sufficient quantity of cutting line outside the housing of the trimmer head.
  • trimmer heads of this type that differ from one another for instance in the way the cutting line stock is accumulated inside the housing and in the way the cutting line is supplied from the housing to replace the cutting line length projecting from the head following that has worn or has broken during use.
  • a trimmer head comprising: a rotation axis; a housing; a spool insertable in the housing, configured and arranged to wind a cutting line stock therearound.
  • the spool comprises at least a first flange extending around a spool axis.
  • the housing comprises at least two cutting line passage holes, which are preferably arranged in approximately diametrically opposite positions and through which the cutting line passes from the inside to the outside of the housing.
  • this latter comprises at least one cutting line anchoring element extending from the first flange and spaced from the spool axis.
  • the anchoring element may be shaped like a column or a pin with a circular cross-section, or may have an elongated shape or any other suitable shape, and may extend nearly parallel to the spool axis.
  • the line when it is necessary to load a cutting line stock on the spool, the line is inserted through one of the two cutting line passage holes provided in the head and is pushed through the housing, until it exits from the opposite cutting line passage hole.
  • the line passes between the spool axis and the anchoring element, which is in an off-axis position. In this way, by rotating the spool with respect to the housing, the cutting line remains anchored to the spool and can be wound.
  • a system for line replacement may be provided that does not require positioning the spool angularly with respect to the outer housing.
  • the line can be anchored to the spool independently of the spool angular position with respect to the housing (and therefore especially with respect to the cutting line passage holes thereof through which the line passes).
  • the spool may have only one flange. However, in some embodiments the spool preferably has two flanges, which are spaced from each other in axial direction and between which a space is provided, where the stock of cutting line is wound. In advantageous embodiments, the cutting line anchoring element may extend from one flange to the other flange.
  • the spool may comprise a plurality of anchoring elements for the cutting line, which are angularly spaced from each other, extend from the first flange and are spaced from the spool axis.
  • the spool may comprise a central wall surrounding the spool axis and extending from the first flange about parallel to the spool axis.
  • the wall may be cylindrically shaped, and for instance a line elongation mechanism, known in se, or a pin for connecting the trimmer head to a drive shaft of a brush cutter or similar equipment,may be housed therein.
  • the cutting line anchoring elements may be associated with the wall.
  • the anchoring elements may be radially more distanced than the wall from the spool axis, i.e. they may be arranged outside the wall. In other embodiments, the anchoring elements may be integrated into the wall.
  • guides may be associated with at least one of the cutting line passage holes, converging towards the cutting line passage hole.
  • the guides may have a curved extension on a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis of the trimmer head and of the spool, when it is mounted in the head.
  • the curved guides facilitate the insertion of the cutting line in the cutting line passage hole opposite to the cutting line passage hole from which the leading end of the line has been introduced in the trimmer head.
  • a pair of converging guides is preferably associated with each cutting line passage hole.
  • the guides may be made in a single piece with the housing, for instance in a tangential wall of the housing, where also the cutting line passage holes are provided.
  • the guides may be provided on inserts separate from the housing, which are then inserted in the housing and locked in it.
  • the inserts may form, for example, bushes for the cutting line passage, which are inserted in the cutting line passage holes provided in the housing.
  • a method is provided to wind a cutting line stock in a trimmer head,having a rotation axis, a housing with at least two cutting line passage holes and a spool housed in the housing and comprising at least a first flange, and at least one cutting line anchoring element, which extends from the first flange about parallel to the rotation axis and is spaced from the spool axis; the method comprising the following steps:
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a trimmer head
  • FIG. 2 is a diameter section view according to line II-II of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a diameter section view according to line III-III of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the head of FIGS. 1 to 3 ;
  • FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the head of FIGS. 1 to 4 , wherein the upper portion of the housing and the line spool have been partially removed;
  • FIG. 6A is a view of a part of a sequence to insert the cutting line into the head of FIGS. 1 to 5 ;
  • FIG. 6B is a view of another part of the sequence to insert the cutting line into the head of FIGS. 1 to 5 ;
  • FIG. 6C is a view of yet another part of the sequence to insert the cutting line into the head of FIGS. 1 to 5 ;
  • FIG. 7A is a view of a portion of an operative sequence for line replacement in a modified embodiment
  • FIG. 7B is a view of another portion of the operative sequence for line replacement in the modified embodiment.
  • FIG. 7C is a view of yet another portion of the operative sequence for line replacement in the modified embodiment.
  • FIG. 7D is a view of yet another portion of the operative sequence for line replacement in the modified embodiment.
  • FIG. 7E is a view of yet another portion of the operative sequence for line replacement in the modified embodiment.
  • FIG. 8A is a view of a portion of an operative sequence for line replacement in yet another modified embodiment
  • FIG. 8B is a view of another portion of the operative sequence for line replacement in the yet another modified embodiment
  • FIG. 8C is a view of yet another portion of the operative sequence for line replacement in the yet another modified embodiment
  • FIG. 8D is a view of yet another portion of the operative sequence for line replacement in the yet another modified embodiment
  • FIG. 9 is a side view of a spool in a possible embodiment
  • FIG. 10 is an isometric view of FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 11 is a plan view according to XI-XI of FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 12 is a side view of the spool of FIGS. 9 and 11 , subdivided into two parts in a possible embodiment
  • FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the spool of FIGS. 9 and 11 , subdivided into two parts in a possible embodiment
  • FIG. 14 is a side view of a spool of a different embodiment, subdivided into two parts;
  • FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the spool of FIG. 14 , subdivided into two parts;
  • FIG. 16 is a side view of a further embodiment of a spool
  • FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the spool of FIG. 16 ;
  • FIG. 18 is a side view of a further embodiment of the spool.
  • FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the spool of FIG. 18 ;
  • FIG. 20 is a side view of a spool similar to the spool of FIGS. 9 to 11 , without an axial inner wall;
  • FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the spool of FIG. 20 ;
  • FIG. 22 is a view of a spool similar to the spool of FIGS. 20 and 21 without an upper flange;
  • FIG. 23 is a view of a spool similar to the spool of FIGS. 20 and 21 without the upper flange;
  • FIG. 24 is a view of a modified embodiment of the spool of FIGS. 22 and 23 ;
  • FIG. 25 is a view of a modified embodiment of the spool of FIGS. 22 and 23 ;
  • FIG. 26 is a view of a further modified embodiment of the spool of the previous figures.
  • FIG. 27 is a view of a further modified embodiment of the spool of the previous figures.
  • FIG. 28 is a view of a further modified embodiment of a spool for a trimmer head according to the invention.
  • FIG. 29 is a view of a further modified embodiment of a spool for a trimmer head according to the invention.
  • FIG. 30 is a side view of a spool without a control button, with the components thereof disassembled;
  • FIG. 31 is an isometric view of the spool of FIG. 30 ;
  • FIG. 32 is a side view of a further embodiment of a spool for a trimmer head according to the invention.
  • FIG. 33 is an isometric view of the spool of FIG. 32 ;
  • FIG. 34 is a plan view according to XXXIV-XXXIV of FIG. 32 ;
  • FIG. 35 is a side view of a further embodiment of a spool for a trimmer head according to the invention.
  • FIG. 36 is an isometric view of the spool of FIG. 35 ;
  • FIG. 37 is a plan view according to XXXVII-XXXVII of FIG. 35 ;
  • FIG. 38 is a side view of a further modified embodiment of a spool for a trimmer head according to the invention.
  • FIG. 39 is an isometric view of the spool of FIG. 38 ;
  • FIG. 40 is a plan view according to XL-XL of FIG. 38 ;
  • FIG. 41 is a side view of a modified embodiment of the spool of FIGS. 38 to 40 ;
  • FIG. 42 is an isometric view of the spool of FIG. 41 ;
  • FIG. 43 is a plan view according to XLIII-XLIII of FIG. 41 .
  • a first embodiment of a trimmer head according to the invention will be described below with specific reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 .
  • the trimmer head is indicated as a whole with number 1 .
  • a housing 3 which can comprise an upper part 3 A and a lower part 3 B.
  • the upper part 3 A and the lower part 3 B are snap-coupled together, for example by means of elastic tabs 5 which can be integral with the upper part 3 A, and slots 7 which can be provided in an edge 9 of the lower part 3 B of the housing 3 .
  • the method for coupling together the two parts or portions 3 A, 3 B of the housing 3 may be different than those illustrated, and that any means can be used, suitable for coupling together the two portions 3 A, 3 B of the housing 3 , so that the two portions are axially and torsionally joined during the operation of the trimmer head.
  • A-A indicates a head rotation axis, around which the trimmer head rotates when it is connected to a brush cutter or similar machine (not shown).
  • a space 11 is provided inside the housing 3 of the trimmer head 1 , inside which space a spool 13 can be inserted.
  • the housing 3 is comprised of two halves coupled together and surrounding the spool completely (with the exception of a control knob, described below), it is also possible that the housing is open and the spool, for instance a flange thereof, forms the housing closing element.
  • the spool 13 comprises a flange 13 A, a flange 13 B and a central wall 13 C, which in this example is approximately cylindrical and extends parallel to a spool axis B-B from one to the other of the two flanges 13 A, 13 B.
  • the axis B-B of the spool 13 may coincide with the rotation axis A-A of the trimmer head 1 .
  • the spool 13 furthermore comprises a button or knob 13 D, projecting from the outer surface of the flange 13 B, i.e. from the surface opposite to the surface facing the flange 13 A of the spool 13 .
  • the button or knob 13 D projects through a central hole 4 ( FIG. 5 ) provided in the lower portion 3 B of the housing 3 , and constitutes an actuating member to supply cutting line wound around the spool 13 and/or to facilitate the winding of the cutting line around the spool 13 when it is necessary to restore a line stock on the spool, as will be better explained below.
  • Linear elements in the form of pegs or pins 15 , extend between the flange 13 A and the flange 13 B; in the illustrated embodiment, the pins are shaped like columns or posts with substantially circular cross-section extending substantially parallel to the spool axis B-B. As it is better shown in FIGS. 6(A)-6(C) , in the illustrated embodiment four pins 15 are provided, arranged along a circumference concentric with the axis B-B, for instance at a constant angular pitch of 90°. The distance of the pegs or pins 15 , i.e.
  • the radius of the circle along which the pins 15 are aligned is greater than the outer radial dimension of the central wall 13 C, so as to leave a space between each pin 15 and the outer surface of the central wall 13 C of the spool 13 extending coaxially with the spool axis.
  • the housing 3 has two cutting line passage holes 17 for the cutting line schematically indicated with F that is wound around the spool 13 in the way described below.
  • each bush 19 is inserted inside the passage holes 17 for the cutting line F.
  • the bushes may be made of metal and may have a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • each bush 19 forms an integral part of a respective component 21 forming perimeter guides 23 for the head or leading end of the cutting line. More in particular, as shown in detail in FIG. 5 , where the portion 3 A of the housing 3 has been partially removed and where also the spool 13 has been removed, each insert 21 has curved arms that can be substantially symmetrical with respect to the central part forming the respective bush 19 .
  • Each curved arm has a respective groove extending on the surface of the curved arm facing the inside of the housing, i.e. facing towards the rotation axis A-A of the trimmer head 1 .
  • the grooves define the guides 23 , which converge in a passage opening 19 A provided in the bush 19 .
  • the guides 23 of each insert 21 converge towards the axis of the line passage opening 19 A.
  • the guides 23 provided in the inserts 21 facilitate the insertion of the cutting line F when a cutting line stock begins being wound inside the trimmer head 1 .
  • FIGS. 6(A)-6(C) schematically illustrate a cross-section of the housing 3 and of the spool 13 according to a plane orthogonal to the axis A-A and arranged in an intermediate position between the flanges 13 A, 13 B of the spool 13 .
  • FIGS. 6(A)-6(C) show the flange 13 of the spool 13 and, in sectional view, the inserts 21 , the bushes 19 , the pegs or pins 15 and the central wall 13 C of the spool 13 .
  • F indicates the cutting line
  • FT indicates the head or leading end thereof.
  • FIG. 6A shows a first insertion step of the leading end FT of the cutting line F through one of the passage holes 17 provided in the housing 3 and inside which the bushes 19 are inserted, forming the passage openings 19 A for the cutting line F.
  • the leading end FT achieves one of the perimeter guides 23 formed by the insert 21 provided in the housing 3 on the opposite side with respect to the opening 19 A through which the cutting line F has been inserted.
  • the guide 23 causes the diversion of the leading end FT of the cutting line F towards the opening 19 A of the bush 19 , opposite to the bush 19 where the line enters.
  • FIG. 6B shows how, due to the interaction between the leading end FT of the cutting line F and the opposite guide 23 , the initial part of the cutting line F is bent and diverted towards the opposite passage opening 19 A.
  • the leading end FT of the cutting line F When the leading end FT of the cutting line F, continuing to move according to arrow S, achieves the edge of the opening 19 A opposite to the opening 19 A through which the cutting line F has been inserted, the leading end FT penetrates the opening 19 A and crosses it, exiting from the housing 3 of the head 1 at the side opposite to the insertion side.
  • the cutting line F When the cutting line F has achieved the position of FIG. 6C , it can be drawn from the leading end FT until a sufficient length thereof is extracted. If the cutting line is taken from a reel of great length, it is possible to cut, from the supply reel, a line stock of sufficient length (for instance some meters) to ensure a prolonged use of the trimmer head 1 .
  • the cutting line F, cut to-measure, is arranged with respect to the head 1 so as to project through the two passage holes 17 by a same entity.
  • cutting line F When this condition has been achieved, i.e. when two substantially equal segments—even some meters long—of cutting line F may project from the trimmer head 1 , the cutting line is wound in the spool 13 by rotating the spool 13 with respect to the housing 3 , for instance keeping the housing 3 with one hand and acting with the other hand on the knob 13 D projecting from the housing 3 .
  • arrow FA represents the rotation of the spool 13 inside the housing 3 .
  • the cutting line F begins to wind around the pegs or pins 15 and the central wall 13 C, remaining anchored, at its central position, to the spool 13 thanks to the same pins 15 , so as to form a stock of line turns in the spool 13 , the two lengths of cutting line F projecting form the holes 17 being gradually drawn inside the trimmer head 1 . Winding continues until from the housing 3 two segments of line F project, which have a length suitable for the head operation, for instance some tens of centimeters.
  • the guides 23 By arranging the guides 23 at both openings 19 A, it is possible to insert the cutting line F in one or in the other of the two openings 19 A.
  • the guides 23 may be arranged at only one of the two openings 19 A, for example providing a sign on the outer surface of the housing 3 , allowing the user to identify which of the two openings 19 A shall be used to insert the leading end FT of the cutting line F, i.e. the opening opposite that with which the guides 23 are associated.
  • the use of a double pair of guides 23 is however preferred, due to both a greater convenience in use as well as for dynamic reasons, as the trimmer head 1 is more balanced.
  • the trimmer head 1 may be provided with any suitable mechanism for line winding and unwinding, known per se and not described below.
  • FIGS. 7(A)-7(E) show the same operation for introducing the line in a modified embodiment, wherein the guides 23 for the leading end FT of the cutting line F are configured differently.
  • the guides 23 are integrally formed with the side wall of the housing 3 .
  • the side wall of the housing 3 has holes inside which bushes are inserted, which are made, for example, of metal and in which the openings 19 A are provided. In this case the openings may have a size greater than that shown in FIGS. 6(A)-6(C) and are made as components separate from the guides 23 .
  • the sequence for the insertion of the cutting line F is otherwise substantially equal to that described above with reference to FIGS. 6(A)-6(C) .
  • FIG. 7(E) shows turns SF of cutting line F wound around the axis A-A of the trimmer head 1 .
  • the spool 13 is provided with a central wall 13 C that can be substantially cylindrical and coaxial with the spool axis B-B, in other embodiments the spool 13 may be devoid of said wall.
  • the central wall 13 C may be provided or dispensed with depending, for example, on the type of trimmer head 1 where the spool 13 shall be inserted.
  • the stock of cutting line F may be wound as described above, inserting the leading end FT of the cutting line F without opening the housing 3 .
  • FIGS. 8(A)-8(D) shows the way to insert and to start winding the cutting line F in a trimmer head 1 , wherein the spool 13 is devoid of a central wall 13 C.
  • the cutting line F may be more easily inserted because there are no axial obstacles.
  • the leading end FT of the cutting line F penetrates in a substantially diameter direction, thus more easily achieving the opening 19 A opposite to the entrance opening 19 A, as clearly apparent from FIGS. 8(A)-8(C) .
  • FIGS. 9 to 11 respectively show a side view, an isometric view and a plan view of the spool 13 separate from the housing 3 , in a possible embodiment.
  • the same reference numbers indicated parts already described with reference to the previous FIGS. 1 to 5 .
  • the two flanges 13 A, 13 B are shown, as well as the substantially cylindrical central wall 13 C, coaxial with the spool axis B-B, and the four pins 15 .
  • the knob 13 D projecting from the flange 13 B is illustrated.
  • teeth 31 and 33 are provided, which are part of the mechanism for the line elongation during use of the trimmer head 1 .
  • the elongation mechanism is known per se and will not be described herein. Briefly, it comprises abutments on the inner surfaces of the housing 3 , with which the teeth 31 and 33 cooperate, as well as an elastic member axially biasing the spool 13 in the housing 3 .
  • the spool 13 of FIGS. 9 to 11 may be made of plastic and molded in a single piece.
  • connection shaft may be provided for connecting the trimmer head 1 to the drive shaft of a brush cutter or other machine (not shown).
  • a spring may be also housed, that pushes the spool 13 against the lower part 3 B of the housing 3 and that is part of the elongation mechanism for the cutting line F.
  • the spool 13 may be comprised of two separately molded portions which are then joined together by gluing, ultrasonic welding or in any other suitable manner.
  • FIGS. 12 and 13 show respectively a side view and an isometric view of a spool 13 comprised of two portions that can be coupled together and that in FIGS. 12 and 13 are shown separate in an exploded view.
  • the same numbers indicate parts that are identical or equivalent to those already described above.
  • the spool 13 is comprised of two portions or parts comprising:
  • the wall 13 C extends into a shank 13 F that is inserted in a hole 13 G provided in the lower part of the spool 13 .
  • the two portions or parts forming the spool 13 may be connected together by welding the shank 13 F of the axial cylindrical wall 13 C in the seat 13 G.
  • the two separately molded and subsequently joined portions of the spool 13 may be divided differently than as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 .
  • a modified embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15 , showing a side view and an isometric view of the spool 13 disassembled into the two constituents thereof.
  • a first portion, or part, of the spool 13 comprises the flange 13 A, the flange 13 B, the approximately central wall 13 C, the teeth 31 , the teeth 33 .
  • Both the flanges 13 A and 13 B may have through holes 41 and 43 ( FIG. 15 ).
  • the second portion, or part, of the spool 13 comprises the knob 13 D and the pins 15 .
  • the two parts or portions of the spool 13 are joined together for example by welding or gluing, the pins 15 being inserted in the holes 43 and 41 provided in the flanges 13 A and 13 B.
  • the pins 15 it is possible to provide only the holes 43 , wherein the pins 15 are shorter and are positioned against or very close to the inner surface of the flange 13 A.
  • the pins 15 forming the anchoring elements to anchor the cutting line F to the spool 13 , are provided at such a distance from the spool axis B-B that they are outside the central wall 13 C provided nearly coaxially to the spool axis B-B.
  • the pins 15 forming the anchoring elements for the cutting line F, may be provided as an integral part of the cylindrical wall 13 C.
  • Two exemplary embodiment of this kind of spool 13 are shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 18, 19 respectively. In these four figures, the same reference numbers indicate elements equal or corresponding to those already described with reference to the previous embodiments and which will not be described again.
  • the central wall 13 C has an axial length L smaller than the axial distance D between the inner surfaces of the two flanges 13 A, 13 B.
  • the pins 15 are substantially formed like an extension of the cylindrical wall 13 C towards the flange 13 B and have a length substantially corresponding to the difference between D and L.
  • the central wall 13 C coaxial with the spool axis B-B, is provided with four large windows, through which the leading end FT of the cutting line F may pass when the line is inserted through the spool 13 contained in the housing 3 , according to the sequence illustrated in FIGS. 6(A)-6(C) .
  • FIGS. 18 and 19 show a configuration substantially equivalent to that of FIGS. 16 and 17 , with the difference that, in this case, the central wall 13 C, coaxial to the axis B-B of the spool 13 , is subdivided into two parts projecting from the inner surfaces of the flange 13 A and of the flange 13 B respectively.
  • the central area of the central wall 13 C is interrupted and the two parts of the central wall 13 C are joined together by means of pins 15 . Therefore, in this configuration the windows delimited by the pins 15 in the cylindrical wall 13 C are arranged in an intermediate position of the axial extension of the central wall 13 C, instead of being positioned close to the flange 13 B as in FIGS. 16 and 17 .
  • the pins 15 may be arranged near the inner surface of the flange 13 A.
  • the spool 13 may be devoid of a central wall 13 C coaxial with the spool axis B-B.
  • FIGS. 20 and 21 show a side view and an isometric view of a spool 13 of this kind The same numbers indicate equal or equivalent parts to those described above, that do not require further detailed explanations. Between the two flanges 13 A, 13 B only the pins 15 are provided, forming anchoring elements for the cutting line F, while wall 13 C is dispensed with.
  • FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an isometric view and a plan view of a spool 13 without the flange 13 A.
  • the flange may be added on top of the pins 15 , which form the anchoring elements for the cutting line F, but in some embodiments the flange 13 A may be also completely omitted.
  • FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate a modified embodiment similar to that of FIGS. 22 and 23 , where, instead of four pins, twelve pins 15 are provided forming twelve anchoring elements for the cutting line F.
  • This arrangement with twelve pins 15 here represented without the flange 13 A and without the central wall 13 C of the spool 13 , may be used also in the other embodiments described above.
  • a different number of pins 15 may be provided, forming anchoring elements for the cutting line F.
  • the line anchoring elements have been represented as pins or columns 15 with a circular cross-section and which extend parallel to the axis B-B of the spool 13 and are arranged according to a circumferential alignment around the axis B-B and spaced from it.
  • FIGS. 26 and 27 show respectively an isometric view and a plan view of a spool 13 , of which only the flange 13 B is shown and which is provided with four pins 15 , whose shape is equal to that described above, and with two anchoring elements of different shape for the cutting line F that are indicated with 16 .
  • the anchoring elements 16 are approximately fin-shaped and preferably curved, delimited for instance by cylindrical surfaces coaxial with the axis B-B of the spool 13 . In FIG. 27 the cylindrical surfaces are indicated with 16 A and 16 B, respectively.
  • all the anchoring elements for the cutting line F may be shaped as fin-shaped elements 16 , without the use of pin-shaped elements 15 .
  • FIGS. 26 to 29 the anchoring elements 16 are represented in combination with a spool 13 devoid of a flange 13 A and having no central wall 13 C, it shall be understood that this modified embodiment of the anchoring elements 16 for the cutting line F may be used also in a spool 13 configured differently, for instance provided with a central cylindrical wall 13 C and/or with an upper flange 13 A.
  • FIGS. 30 and 31 show a further modified embodiment of a spool 13 for a trimmer head 1 according to the invention.
  • the spool 13 is configured in two portions or parts, molded separately and then joined together by welding, gluing or in other suitable manner. It should be understood that, by using a suitable mold, the spool 13 of FIGS. 30 and 31 may be made also in a single piece, with a single molding operation.
  • the spool 13 comprises again a flange 13 A and a flange 13 B spaced from each other and coaxial with the axis B-B of the spool 13 .
  • a central wall 13 C for instance cylindrical, may extend between the two flanges 13 A, 13 B.
  • the spool 13 of FIGS. 30 and 31 is devoid of a knob 13 D projecting from the lower flange 13 B.
  • the anchoring elements 15 for the cutting line F are in the form of pins or columns 15 , namely four pins around the axis B-B of the spool 13 .
  • Different shapes or different number of anchoring elements may also be provided in this embodiment.
  • the anchoring elements for the cutting line F may be formed on a component separate from the main body of the spool comprising the flanges 13 A, 13 B and the central wall 13 C.
  • the component comprising the pins 15 may also comprise a ring 18 joining the pins 15 together, so that the latter can be molded in a single piece together with the ring 18 and can be more easily mounted on the pair of flanges 13 A, 13 B, for example being inserted in through holes 43 provided in the flange 13 B ( FIG. 31 ).
  • the two components that, once assembled, form the spool 13 may be joined for instance by welding or gluing, wherein the upper surface of the ring 18 is advantageously made adhere to the outer surface of the flange 13 B.
  • the ends of the pins 15 may be made adhere to the inner surface of the flange 13 A.
  • the pins 15 may be manufactured as separate components, inserted one separately from the other through the through holes 43 and suitably welded or glued to the flange 13 B or to both the flanges 13 A and 13 B.
  • the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 13 C forms a toothing 45 suitable to cooperate with members, not shown and known in se, contained in the trimmer head 1 , to control the gradual elongation of the cutting line F.
  • FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 show a further embodiment of the spool 13 for use in a trimmer head according to the invention.
  • the same reference numbers indicate equal or equivalent parts to that described with reference to the previous embodiments.
  • a shank 47 containing for instance a metal insert 49 ( FIGS. 33 and 34 ) projects from the outer surface of the flange 13 A.
  • the metal insert 49 may have an internally threaded hole 51 to screw the spool directly on a drive shaft of a brush cutter. Instead of a threaded hole 51 , a threaded pin may be provided projecting from the insert 49 .
  • anchoring elements for the cutting line F are provided that are indicated with 15 and in this exemplary embodiment are configured like columns or pins.
  • the central wall 13 C is provided in a position coaxial with the axis B-B of the spool 13 , between the flanges 13 A and 13 B; the outer diameter of the wall is smaller than the diameter of the line along which the pins 15 are arranged, so as to leave a free space between each pin 15 and the outer surface in the central wall 13 C for the purposes described above.
  • FIGS. 35, 36 and 37 show a modified embodiment of a spool 13 , configured in this case to form, together with the flange 13 B, a closing lid for a trimmer head 1 .
  • the flange 13 B comprises a perimeter edge 53 that may surround the edge of the portion 3 A of the housing 3 of the trimmer head. In this case, the housing is closed by a part of the spool 13 .
  • a central, e.g. cylindrical wall 13 C coaxial with the axis B-B of the spool 13 may be provided between the flanges 13 A and 13 B.
  • pins 15 are provided, forming anchoring elements for the cutting line F.
  • FIGS. 38, 39 and 40 show a further embodiment of a spool 13 for a trimmer head 1 according to the invention.
  • the spool 13 has two flanges 13 A and 13 B, between which a central. e.g. cylindrical wall 13 C extends and is substantially coaxial with the axis B-B of the spool 13 .
  • Pins 15 are provided at a radial distance from the outer surface of the wall 13 C, and form the anchoring elements for the cutting line F.
  • teeth 31 and 33 project, configured to cooperate with elements integral with the housing 3 of the trimmer head 1 , known per se and provided to control the elongation of the cutting line.
  • FIGS. 41, 42 and 43 show a further embodiment of the spool 13 for a trimmer head according to the invention, wherein the same reference numbers indicate equal or corresponding parts to those described above.
  • the spool of FIGS. 41 to 43 is substantially similar to the spool of FIGS. 30 and 31 , but it is molded in a single piece.

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US15/141,210 2015-10-01 2016-04-28 Trimmer head with members for simplifying the loading of the cutting line Abandoned US20170094900A1 (en)

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IT102015000057357 2015-10-01
ITUB2015A004104A ITUB20154104A1 (it) 2015-10-01 2015-10-01 Una testina tosaerba con organi per semplificare la carica del filo di taglio

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Cited By (14)

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US9826679B2 (en) * 2014-12-23 2017-11-28 Andreas Stihl Ag & Co. Kg Filament cutterhead for a brushcutter
USD813000S1 (en) 2016-03-18 2018-03-20 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD816440S1 (en) * 2015-02-26 2018-05-01 Aero-Flex Technologies, Inc. Convertible trimmer head
USD823080S1 (en) * 2016-10-07 2018-07-17 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD826013S1 (en) 2016-10-07 2018-08-21 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD826663S1 (en) 2016-10-07 2018-08-28 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD831447S1 (en) 2017-06-28 2018-10-23 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
US10448566B2 (en) 2014-02-28 2019-10-22 Aero-Flex Technologies, Inc. Convertible cap and head system
US11167952B2 (en) * 2018-09-12 2021-11-09 Tecomec S.R.L. Winding spool for a wire
US20210400867A1 (en) * 2018-08-07 2021-12-30 Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd. Grass cutting head and grass trimmer using the same
USD970321S1 (en) 2014-11-20 2022-11-22 Torvent Llc Line trimmer component
US11582905B2 (en) 2008-04-22 2023-02-21 Torvent, Llc Spool for straight through line feed vegetation trimmer apparatus with modules and spokes
US12376515B2 (en) 2021-06-30 2025-08-05 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation String trimmer assembly and trimmer head for use with same
US12439846B2 (en) 2021-04-19 2025-10-14 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation String trimmer head

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US3184180A (en) * 1962-05-22 1965-05-18 Robert E Rockwell Garden hose reels
US3859776A (en) * 1973-01-08 1975-01-14 Weed Eaters Inc Rotary cutting assembly
US4250623A (en) * 1979-08-01 1981-02-17 Pittinger Charles B Filament vegetation trimmer
US20040134078A1 (en) * 2003-01-10 2004-07-15 Pfaltzgraff James R. Vegetation cutting device

Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11582905B2 (en) 2008-04-22 2023-02-21 Torvent, Llc Spool for straight through line feed vegetation trimmer apparatus with modules and spokes
US10874048B2 (en) 2014-02-28 2020-12-29 Aero-Flex Technologies, Inc. Convertible cap and head system
US10448566B2 (en) 2014-02-28 2019-10-22 Aero-Flex Technologies, Inc. Convertible cap and head system
USD970321S1 (en) 2014-11-20 2022-11-22 Torvent Llc Line trimmer component
US9826679B2 (en) * 2014-12-23 2017-11-28 Andreas Stihl Ag & Co. Kg Filament cutterhead for a brushcutter
USD816440S1 (en) * 2015-02-26 2018-05-01 Aero-Flex Technologies, Inc. Convertible trimmer head
USD813000S1 (en) 2016-03-18 2018-03-20 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD823080S1 (en) * 2016-10-07 2018-07-17 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD826013S1 (en) 2016-10-07 2018-08-21 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD826663S1 (en) 2016-10-07 2018-08-28 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD836412S1 (en) 2017-06-28 2018-12-25 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD854895S1 (en) 2017-06-28 2019-07-30 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD833838S1 (en) 2017-06-28 2018-11-20 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD831448S1 (en) 2017-06-28 2018-10-23 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD831449S1 (en) 2017-06-28 2018-10-23 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
USD831447S1 (en) 2017-06-28 2018-10-23 Tecomec S.R.L. Head trimmer
US20210400867A1 (en) * 2018-08-07 2021-12-30 Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd. Grass cutting head and grass trimmer using the same
US11937541B2 (en) * 2018-08-07 2024-03-26 Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd. Grass cutting head and grass trimmer using the same
US11167952B2 (en) * 2018-09-12 2021-11-09 Tecomec S.R.L. Winding spool for a wire
US12439846B2 (en) 2021-04-19 2025-10-14 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation String trimmer head
US12376515B2 (en) 2021-06-30 2025-08-05 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation String trimmer assembly and trimmer head for use with same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3355676B1 (en) 2020-08-19
WO2017055359A1 (en) 2017-04-06
AU2016330827A1 (en) 2018-04-26
JP2018529366A (ja) 2018-10-11
US20200296888A1 (en) 2020-09-24
US11234363B2 (en) 2022-02-01
AR106222A1 (es) 2017-12-27
CN108289411A (zh) 2018-07-17
CA3000567A1 (en) 2017-04-06
ITUB20154104A1 (it) 2017-04-01
EP3355676A1 (en) 2018-08-08
BR112018006321A2 (pt) 2018-10-23
ZA201802024B (en) 2019-01-30

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