US20190375606A1

US20190375606A1 - Spool Package Assemblies and Components

Info

Publication number: US20190375606A1
Application number: US16/439,221
Authority: US
Inventors: Jonathan D. O'Neal
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Shakespeare Co LLC
Priority date: 2018-06-12
Filing date: 2019-06-12
Publication date: 2019-12-12

Abstract

Spools, spool packages, and spool packaging assemblies are described. In aspects, a spool package assembly includes an outer package defining an interior volume. The spool package assembly also includes a plurality of prongs positioned within the interior volume. The spool package assembly also includes a spool rotatably secured on the plurality of prongs within the interior volume of the outer package.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/684,080 filed on Jun. 12, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to packaging for a line product, such as trimmer line, and relates more particularly to packaging for operably dispensing line from a spool.

BACKGROUND

Packaging for trimmer lines is often oddly shaped, inconvenient, and designed for one-time use (i.e., to be disposed of once all of the line has been dispensed). The typical packaging for spool line usually consists of a few zip ties around bundles of trimmer line that has been rolled onto itself in a circular pattern; a circular package where the line is laid loose within the packaging; or trimmer line wrapped around a stand-alone spool. Each of these designs can be useful for quickly dispensing trimmer line, but the reusability is poor and storage of the trimmer line and packaging is difficult. As a result, the traditional packaging creates large amounts of unnecessary environmental waste and creates inefficiencies for those in industries that cycle through large amounts of trimmer line. Therefore, any improvement for reusability and storage of trimmer line spool packaging would be useful.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes packaging for a line product, such as trimmer line, for example, packaging for operably dispensing line from a spool. The present disclosure also describes spool packaging assemblies and components.
In embodiments according to the present disclosure, a spool package assembly includes an outer package defining an interior volume. The spool package assembly also includes a plurality of prongs positioned within the interior volume. The spool package assembly also includes a spool rotatably secured on the plurality of prongs within the interior volume of the outer package.
In embodiments according to the present disclosure, a spool includes a shaft, a ledge, a plurality of shaft apertures, and at least two disks coupled to the shaft. The shaft includes a first end, a second end, an inner portion, and an exterior portion. The ledge is disposed about the inner portion of the shaft. The plurality of shaft apertures extends between the inner portion and the exterior portion of the shaft. One of the at least two disks is coupled to the first end and one of the at least two disks is coupled to the second end. One of the at least two disks includes at least one cavity configured to hold a trimmer line within the cavity. The at least two disks includes a series of disk apertures disposed on a surface of the disks.
In embodiments according to the present disclosure, a spool package includes an outer package defining an inner cylindrical volume and an opposing exterior surface. The spool package includes a plurality of prongs disposed within the inner cylindrical volume. Each of the plurality of prongs includes an aft end and a distal end. Each of the plurality of prongs is coupled to the outer package via the aft end. A detent extends from the distal ends of alternating prongs of the plurality of prongs. The spool package includes at least one line channel extending from the inner cylindrical volume to the opposing exterior surface. The at least one line channel is configured to grip a trimmer line. The spool package includes a flap extending from the opposing exterior surface configured to mount a cutting mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike. The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating examples of the disclosure, in which use of the same reference numerals indicates similar or identical items. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include elements, components, and/or configurations other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some of the elements, components, and/or configurations illustrated in the drawings may not be present in certain embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a rear view of one embodiment of a spool package assembly.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the spool package assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the spool package assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is another side view of the spool package assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the spool package assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of one embodiment of a spool.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the spool of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the spool of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of one embodiment of an outer package of a spool package assembly.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the outer package of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the outer package of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the outer package of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cutting mechanism of a spool package assembly.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the cutting mechanism of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cutting mechanism of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides spools, spool packages, and spool packaging assemblies for freely rotatable and replaceable internal spools within a spool package. The particular spool packaging assemblies described herein may help to reduce environmental waste, increase shelf storage efficiency, as well as help with dispensing trimmer line from a package.
In some embodiments, a spool package assembly includes an outer package defining an interior volume. Within the interior volume is a plurality of prongs. The spool package assembly also includes a spool rotatably secured on the plurality of prongs within the interior volume of the outer package. The spool may selectively attach to the plurality of prongs within the interior volume and is configured to rotate within the interior volume of the outer package.
In some embodiments, a spool includes a shaft, a ledge, a plurality of shaft apertures, and at least two disks coupled to the shaft. The shaft includes a first end, a second end, an inner portion, and an exterior portion. The ledge is disposed about the inner portion of the shaft. The plurality of shaft apertures extends between the inner portion and the exterior portion of the shaft. One of the at least two disks is coupled to the first end and one of the at least two disks is coupled to the second end. One of the at least two disks includes at least one cavity configured to hold a trimmer line within the cavity. The at least two disks includes a series of disk apertures extending through the disks.
In some embodiments, a spool package includes an outer package defining an inner cylindrical volume and an opposing exterior surface. The spool package includes a plurality of prongs disposed within the inner cylindrical volume. Each of the plurality of prongs includes an aft end and a distal end. Each of the plurality of prongs is coupled to the outer package via the aft end. A detent extends from the distal ends of alternating prongs of the plurality of prongs. The spool package includes at least one line channel extending from the inner cylindrical volume to the opposing exterior surface. The at least one line channel is configured to grip a trimmer line. The spool package includes a flap extending from the opposing exterior surface configured to mount a cutting mechanism.
The Spool Package Assembly
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the spool package assembly 100 includes an outer package 102, a spool 108, and a cutting mechanism 150. For example, the outer package 102 may define an interior volume 104 configured to complement, or receive, the spool 108. In some instances, the spool 108 may rotate within the interior volume 104 and selectively attach to a plurality of prongs 106 within the interior volume 104 of the spool package assembly 100. For example, the spool 108 may rotate to unwind trimmer line (not shown) within the spool package assembly 100. The trimmer line may be cut by the cutting mechanism 150 (as shown in FIG. 2) or some other method. That is, the trimmer line may be unspooled from the spool package assembly 100 to a specified length for the user and then precisely cut by the packaging, instead of requiring the user to find another cutting mechanism not attached to the outer package 102. In some embodiments, the spool 108 may be freely rotated, for example, with uninhibited 360degree movement, as the trimmer line is unspooled. The trimmer line may be wound back onto the spool 108. In some instances, the spool 108 may be removed from the interior volume 104 and replaced with another spool (i.e., another spool filled with wound trimmer line). In other embodiments, the spool 108 may be permanently set within the interior volume 104. Two possible benefits of replaceable spooling and an attached cutting mechanism to the spool package assembly include reducing manufactured waste and improving efficient trimmer line cutting.
The Spool
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the spool 108 is provided and configured to freely rotate about a plurality of prongs 106 within the interior volume 104 of the spool package assembly 100. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5-8, the spool 108 includes a shaft 120 extending from a first end 122 to a second end 124 of the spool 108. In some instances, the shaft 120 may be cylindrical. In other instances, the shaft 120 may be a variety of other shapes, including rectangular, cubical, triangular, pentagonal, or some other shape.
Thus, in some embodiments, the spool package assembly 100 includes the outer package 102 defining the interior volume 104, with the plurality of prongs 106 within the interior volume 104. The spool package assembly 100 may also include the spool 108 rotatably secured on the plurality of prongs 106 within the interior volume 104 of the outer package 102. The spool 108 may selectively attach to the plurality of prongs 106 within the interior volume 104 and is configured to rotate within the interior volume 104 of the outer package 102.
In some embodiments, as in FIGS. 6-8, the shaft 120 includes an inner portion, or wall, 126 and an exterior portion, or wall, 128. In some instances, the inner portion 126 and exterior portion 128 may be smooth. In other instances, the inner portion 126 and exterior portion 128 may be textured. The inner portion 126 and exterior portion 128 may be complementary shapes and/or may represent a first surface and an opposite second surface. For example, the inner portion 126 of the shaft 120 may be cylindrical and the exterior portion 128 may be cylindrical. In other instances, the inner portion 126 and the exterior portion 128 may be shaped as different prism shapes and have different volumes. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner portion 126 is smaller in diameter than the exterior portion 128. In some instances, one or more open volumes, or chambers, 132 may be defined between the inner portion 126 and the exterior portion 128. The open volumes 132 may be configured to receive rods (not shown) during manufacturing and molding processes. In other instances, the open volumes 132 may receive other tooling for loading and unloading trimmer line. In some instances, the spool 108 may not include an open volume 132 between the inner portion 126 and the exterior portion 128 of the shaft 120. In some embodiments, the exterior portion 128 of the shaft 120 is configured to receive trimmer line (not shown). For example, trimmer line may be wound around the exterior portion 128 of the shaft 120. As previously mentioned, the exterior portion 128 may be a smooth, cylindrical surface. Alternatively, the exterior portion 128 may include one or more tracks, ribs, or other features to aid in the winding or dispensing of the line. The trimmer line may wind over itself to fill the spool 108 and be configured to be unwound through the outer package 102 of the spool package assembly 100.
In some embodiments, as in FIGS. 6-8, the inner portion 126 of the shaft 120 may be cylindrical and configured to engage with a plurality of prongs 106 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5) at a ledge 130 associated with the inner portion 126 of the shaft 120. In some embodiments, the assembly 100 is configured such that the spool 108 is selectively removable. For example, the shaft 120 and the spool 108 may be selectively removable from the outer package 102. As used here, the terms “selectively removable” means the named element may be configured to be releasably and reconnectably coupled to a second element. For example, the ledge 130 may extend around the surface of the inner portion 126 of the shaft 120. In some instances, the ledge 130 may be discontinuous around the inner portion 126 of the shaft 120. In some instances, the ledge 130 may be closer in distance to the first end 122 of the shaft 120 than the second end 124 of the shaft 120. In other instances, the ledge 130 may be closer to the second end 124 of the shaft 120 or in the middle of the shaft 120 between the first end 122 and the second end 124. In other embodiments, one end (i.e., the first end 122 or the second end 124) may act as the ledge 130 for engaging the outer package 102. The ledge 130 may be a flat surface perpendicular to the inner portion 126 of the shaft. In other instances, the ledge 130 may be angled greater or less than 90 degrees from the surface of the inner portion 126 of the shaft 120. In some instances, the ledge 130 engages with detents 118 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5) of the outer package 102. For example, the ledge 130 may provide for a complementary surface for the detents 118 to rotatably secure the spool 108 into place within the interior volume 104 of the outer package 102. For example, the ledge 130 may include an edge disposed away from the inner portion 126 of the shaft 120 that creates a 30 degree angle towards the first end 122 of the shaft 120 (i.e., the angle measured from the connection point between the ledge 130 and the inner portion 126 of the shaft 120). The detent 118 may snap onto the ledge 130 with a protrusion angled towards the second end 124 of the shaft 120. In some instances, the ledge 130 may be shaped as a different engagement surface for the detent(s) 118 to latch onto the spool 108.
In some embodiments, the shaft 120 may be substantially solid and continuous between the inner portion 126 and the exterior portion 128. In other embodiments, the shaft 120 may define a plurality of shaft apertures 129 extending between the inner portion 126 and the exterior portion 128 of the shaft 120. The shaft apertures 129 may be included to reduce weight for storage and shipping of the spool 108 or the assembly 100 including the spool 108.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5-8, the spool 108 includes at least two disks 134 extending from the shaft 120. The at least two disks 134 may be configured to help secure trimmer line about the shaft 120. For example, each of the at least two disks 134 may be circular, flat disks located at either end of the shaft 120. In other embodiments, the at least two disks 134 may be a different shape, including square, oval, rectangular, triangular, or some other shape. In some instances, the overall shape of the spool 108 may be a variety of shapes, including square, oval, rectangular, triangular, or some other shape. In some instances, multiple disks may be located at varying points along the shaft 120. One of the at least two disks 134 may extend from the first end 122 of the shaft 120. One of the at least two disks 134 may also extend from the second end 124 of the shaft 120. As shown in FIG. 5, the spool 108 includes two disks 134. In other instances, several disks may be located along the shaft 120 of the spool 108. Several disks along the shaft 120 of the spool 108 may allow for several different types of wire or line to be contained and separated on the spool 108. For example, the shaft 120 may include three disks extending therefrom, two on either end of the shaft 120 and one disk in the middle of the shaft 120. The three disks then create two separate areas for winding separate types of wire or line onto the spool 108 without interference of the other wire or line. In some instances, several different types of wire or line may be wound onto the spool 108. In other embodiments, trimmer line or wire may be wound onto the spool 108 without any disks extending from the shaft 120. In other instances, the spool 108 may include one disk about one end of the spool 108.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the at least two disks 134 are of different diameters. For example, one disk located at the second end 124 of the shaft 120 has a shorter diameter than the disk located at the first end 122 of the shaft 120. In some instances, the at least two disks 134 are of the same diameter and shape. In other instances, the at least two disks 134 are of different diameter and shape. In some embodiments, as in FIG. 5, the at least two disks 134 include a series of disk apertures 166 extending through the disks. For example, the disk apertures 166 may be included to reduce weight for storage and shipping of the spool package assembly 100. For example, arms 172 may extend from the shaft 120 to an outer circular shape or other perimeter to define the disk. The disks 134 may also be solid surfaces, i.e. have no through-hole apertures.
In some embodiments, as in FIGS. 5 and 6, the disks 134 include one or more cavities 164 configured to clamp, hold, or otherwise secure a portion of trimmer line or wire. For example, the cavities 164 may be located on the edge of the at least two disks 134, furthest away from the shaft 120. The two disks 134 may be spaced apart from one another in a parallel orientation to one another, e.g., at opposed ends of the shaft 120. In some instances, the cavities 164 may have arcuate bumps configured to secure the trimmer line. For example, one of the cavities 164 may align with the dispensing opening 144 of the outer package and a trimmer line may be threaded through the dispensing opening 144 to be held by a cavity 164 on the disk. In some instances, one of the at least two disks 134 may not include the series of cavities 164.
In some embodiments, the spool 108 may be made of an appropriate material, such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate, acetal copolymer polyoxymethylene, acetal homopolymer polyoxymethylene, acrylic, nylon, butyl rubber, polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutadiene, or polychloroprene. In other embodiments, the spool 108 may be formed from a metal alloy, a metal, a plastic, or some combination thereof.
The Outer Package
In some embodiments, as in FIG. 1, an outer package 102 is included in the spool package assembly 100. For example, the outer package 102 may define an interior volume 104 configured to contain or otherwise house the spool 108. As used herein, “outer package” and “outer packaging” are used interchangeably to refer to the package configured to contain various embodiments of the spool 108. In some embodiments, the outer package 102 is substantially cylindrical. The outer package 102 may be another shape, such as cubical, rectangular, pyramidal, or some other shape. The interior volume 104 may complement the overall outer package 102 shape. For example, the interior volume 104 may be an inner cylindrical volume. In other instances, the interior volume 104 may have a different overall shape from the outer package 102. In some instances, the interior volume 104 complements the shape of the spool 108. In other instances, the interior volume 104 is a different shape than the spool 108, such as rectangular, cubical, triangular, or some other shape. As shown in FIG. 9, the outer package 102 includes an inner portion 138 and an opposing exterior surface 140. In some instances, the outer package 102 may have a plurality of package apertures extending from the inner portion 138 to the exterior surface 140 of the outer package 102. In other instances, the outer package may have a solid surface.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the outer package 102 includes a plurality of prongs 106 protruding from a base portion 148 of the outer package that are configured to secure the spool 108 thereon. As shown in FIG. 9, the base portion 148 is a circular side of the outer package 102 from which the plurality of prongs 106 may extend therefrom. For example, the plurality of prongs 106 may extend from the base portion 148 of the outer package 102 via an aft end 114 of the prong. Prongs 106 may define distal ends 116. In some instances, the distal ends of the plurality of prongs 106 are angled towards the center 112 of the outer package 102. For example, the plurality of prongs 106 may cooperate to form a tapered mount for the spool 108 to be secured onto. In other instances, the plurality of prongs 106 are angled away from the center 112 or are perpendicular to the center 112 of the outer package 102.
Each configuration of prongs 106 may engage the spool 108. For example, the plurality of prongs 106 may extend through hollow central portion of the shaft 120 of the spool 108 and allow for rotation of the spool 108 about the plurality of prongs 106. In some instances, the plurality of prongs 106 may prevent rotation of the spool 108. For example, a locking mechanism (not shown) may be included in the outer package 102 to releasably lock the spool 108 into place. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of prongs 106 may be positioned around a center 112 of the outer package 102. The outer package 102 may include two prongs. In other instances, the outer package 102 includes more than two prongs. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of prongs 106 of the outer package 102 may include four prongs. In some embodiments, center 112 of the outer package 102 may also be a center of the interior volume 104, and the base portion 148 may be disposed on a first side of the interior volume 104. The aft end 114 of each prong 106 (for example, of the four prongs) may be coupled to the base portion 148 adjacent the center 112 (of the interior volume 104 or of the outer package 102). In some such embodiments, the distal end 116 of each prong 106 (for example, of the four prongs) extends away from the base portion 148 and is angled towards the center 112 (of the interior volume 104 or of the outer package 102).
In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the plurality of prongs 106 include a detent 118 at the distal end 116 of the prong that is configured to engage the aforementioned spool 108. For example, the detent(s) 118 may be on every prong, on one prong, or alternating between prongs within the outer package 102. In some instances, the detent(s) 118 may be located anywhere along the plurality of prongs 106. For example, the detent 118 may protrude away from the center 112 of the outer package 102 at the distal end 116 of the prongs. In some instances, the detent 118 may protrude toward the center 112 of the outer package 102. The detent 118 may engage with the ledge 130 of the shaft 120 within the spool 108. For example, the detent 118 may be a triangular shape that snaps into place over the edge of the ledge 130. In some instances, the detent(s) 118 may be some other shape, including spherical, rectangular, pyramidal, or some other shape. In some instances, the detents 118 may secure the ledge by a snap fit. For example, the snap-fit (not shown) may include a ball detent latch to secure the spool 108. In other instances, the detents 118 may include a biasing force, a frictional fit, or any suitable mechanism for holding the spool 108 in place. The detent 118 may hold the spool 108 within the interior volume 104 by force. In some instances, the spool 108 may be able to rotate about the plurality of prongs 106 with the detent(s) 118 loosely holding the spool 108 within the interior volume 104. In other instances, the detent(s) 118 may prevent movement of the spool 108 in every direction.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of the prongs 106 includes the aft end 114 and the distal end 116, the prongs 106 being coupled to the outer package 102 via the aft ends 114, with each prong 106 having the detent 118, and with the detent 118 of each prong 106 extending away from the distal end 116. In some such embodiments, the detent(s) 118 are configured to hold the spool 108 within the interior volume 104.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer package 102 includes a set of legs 110 configured to stand the spool package assembly in an upright position from a horizontal surface. For example, the set of legs 110 may include a flat surface about which the outer package 102 may be capable of steady positioning without falling over. In some instances, the set of legs 110 may include two legs. In other instances, the outer package 102 may include more or less than two legs. Each of the set of legs 110 may be located along the exterior surface 140 of the outer package 102. In some embodiments, the set of legs 110 may be on the base portion 148 of the outer package 102. One benefit to the set of legs 110 on the outer package 102 may be the ability to improve storage or improve presenting a trimmer line product on a store shelf. The position of the set of legs 110 on the outer package 102 may have a volume smaller than the rest of the outer package 102, and the positioning of the set of legs 110 as well as the volume may allow for easy stacking of multiple outer package 102 on a shelf.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer package 102 includes a flap 146 configured to mount a cutting mechanism 150. For example, the flap 146 may include a series of flap slits and flat apertures to mount the cutting mechanism 150 to enable easy access for a user to slice or otherwise cut trimmer line or wire. In some embodiments, the cutting mechanism 150 may be secured to the outer package 102 by an adhesive, by a plastic weld, or by a clip or fastener. In some embodiments, the cutting mechanism 150 may be releasably or removably mounted or secured to the outer package 102, for example, to the flap 146. The flap 146 may extend from the exterior surface 140 of the outer package 102 and be adjacent or near a position of which trimmer line may protrude from the inner portion 138 of the outer package 102. The flap 146 may be a flat surface extending parallel to the base portion 148 of the outer package 102. In other instances, the flap 146 may extend from the base portion 148 or some other surface of the outer package 102. In some embodiments, as in FIG. 9, the flap 146 includes one or more flap apertures for hanging the spool package assembly 100 and/or for reducing weight. In some embodiment, the base portion 148 is disposed on a side of the outer package 102, and the base portion 148 including a circular face, with the flap 146 extending parallel to the base portion 148 of the outer package 102.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the outer package 102 includes at least one channel 136 extending from the interior volume 104 of the outer package 102 to a surface of the outer package 102. The at least one channel 136 may be a line channel, for example, disposed along the exterior surface 140 so as to allow trimmer line or wire to be threaded through the at least one channel 136. For example, the at least one channel 136 may be a line channel extending from the inner portion 138 of the outer package 102 to the opposing exterior surface 140. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, the outer package 102 includes three channels and a dispensing opening 144. For example, each of the channels may be configured to withdraw trimmer line from the spool 108 or perform different functions. For example, a first channel 136A may be larger than any common trimmer line diameter. The first channel 136A may be configured to withdraw string quickly from the spool 108. In some embodiments, as in FIG. 11, a pair of second channels 136B narrow towards one end and are configured to hold varying sizes of trimmer line. For example, the trimmer line may be secured by frictional engagement with the surfaces defining the channel. In some instances, the at least one channel 136 includes a series of arcuate ridges 142. The arcuate ridges may be configured to grip a trimmer line. Each of the arcuate ridges 142 may have a complementary arcuate ridge on the opposing side of the at least one channel 136 and configured to secure or hold varying sizes of trimmer line or wire therebetween. For example, industry standard trimmer line includes diameters of 0.065 inches to 0.155 inches and the at least one channel 136 and arcuate ridges 142 may be configured to hold each size. In other embodiments, the at least one channel 136 may be configured to hold diameters smaller than 0.065 inches or larger than 0.155 inches. As shown in FIG. 11, the outer package 102 includes at least one channel 136 with no arcuate ridge and a larger volume than the channels with arcuate ridges. In some embodiments, the outer package 102 includes a dispensing opening 144 opening away from the channels to the outside of the spool package assembly 100. For example, the at least one channel 136 may include the dispensing opening 144, and the trimmer line being configured to be removed from the at least one channel 136 through the dispensing opening 144. The dispensing opening 144 may be configured to allow trimmer line be pulled through the dispensing opening 144 into the series of cavities 164 in the at least two disks 134.
In some embodiments, the outer package 102 may be made of a suitable material, such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate, acetal copolymer polyoxymethylene, acetal homopolymer polyoxymethylene, acrylic, nylon, butyl rubber, polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutadiene, or polychloroprene. In other embodiments, the outer package 102 may be a metal alloy, a metal, a plastic, or some combination thereof. The outer package 102 and the spool 108 may be made of the same material, or of different materials.
The Blade Cutting Mechanism
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the spool package assembly 100 includes the cutting mechanism 150 configured to slice, cut, or otherwise separate a length of trimmer line, wire, or some other type of line. The cutting mechanism 150 may be mounted to the outer package 102. For example, the cutting mechanism 150 may include a mount 152 configured to engage the flap 146 or another portion of the outer package 102 adjacent or near to the at least one channel 136. For example, the mount 152 may slide into the narrowing channels 168 of the flap 146 into a position on the outer package 102. In some embodiments, as in FIGS. 14 and 15, the mount 152 may include a rod 154 which functions as a pivoting point for the pivoting blade 156. The mount 152 may include any other suitable type of fastener to engage the pivoting blade 156 at the pivotal end 160, such as a screw, pin, or flexible connection configured to allow rotation of the pivoting blade 156.
In some embodiments, the pivoting blade 156 of the cutting mechanism 150 includes a cutting end 158 coupled to a blade 162 configured to precisely cut a trimmer line or wire. In some embodiments, more than one blade, or two opposing edges, may be used to sever or slice the trimmer line or wire. In some such embodiments, the opposing edges may progressively narrow, and the line may be held between or pulled through the opposed edges to cause the line to slice or sever. In some instances, the blade 162 may sever or slice the line by the line first being set within at least one cavity 170 of the cutting mechanism 150 mount 152. The cavity 170 may have a series of arcuate ridges configured to hold the line, and the blade 162 may rotate about the pivotal end 160 to cut a piece of the line. Thus, the mount 152 may include at least one cavity 170 to hold the trimmer line in place during operation. In some instances, the blade 162 may sever slice the line by another method, including slicing the line by attempting to contact an opposing blade (not shown) within the mount 152. One benefit to the cutting mechanism 150 is that the inclusion of the mechanism may make accessing customizable length trimmer line more efficient because the spool package assembly is an all-in-one package for storing and cutting trimmer line.
While the disclosure has been described with reference to a number of embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosed embodiments can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not described herein, but which are commensurate with the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A spool package assembly, comprising:

an outer package defining an interior volume;

a plurality of prongs positioned within the interior volume; and

a spool rotatably secured on the plurality of prongs within the interior volume of the outer package.

2. The spool package assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer package comprises a set of legs configured to stand the spool package assembly in an upright position from a horizontal surface.

3. The spool package assembly of claim 1, wherein the spool is selectively removable from and replaceable into the assembly.

4. The spool package assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs comprises four prongs each with an aft end and a distal end.

5. The spool package assembly of claim 4, further comprising:

a center of the interior volume; and

a base portion disposed on a first side of the interior volume, wherein the aft end of each prong of the four prongs is coupled to the base portion adjacent to the center of the interior volume, wherein the distal end of each prong of the four prongs extends away from the base portion and is angled towards the center of the interior volume.

6. The spool package assembly of claim 1, wherein:

each of the plurality of prongs comprises an aft end and a distal end,

the plurality of prongs are coupled to the outer package via the aft ends, and

a detent of each prong extends away from the distal end, the detent being configured to hold the spool within the interior volume.

7. The spool package assembly of claim 1, wherein the spool comprises:

a shaft comprising a first end, a second end, an inner portion, and an exterior portion;

a ledge disposed about the inner portion of the shaft;

a plurality of shaft apertures extending between the inner portion and the exterior portion of the shaft; and

at least two disks coupled to the shaft at the first end and the second end.

8. The spool package assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer package comprises at least one line channel, wherein the line channel extends from the interior volume of the outer package to a surface of the outer package.

9. The spool package assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least one line channel comprises a series of arcuate ridges configured to grip a trimmer line.

10. The spool package assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least one line channel comprises a dispensing opening, wherein the trimmer line is configured to be removed from the line channel through the dispensing opening.

11. The spool package assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer package comprises:

a base portion disposed on a side of the outer package, the base portion comprising a circular face; and

a flap extending parallel to the base portion of the outer package.

12. The spool package assembly of claim 11, wherein the outer package comprises a cutting mechanism coupled to the flap.

13. The spool package assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cutting mechanism comprising:

a means for coupling the cutting mechanism to the outer package; and

a means for severing a length of line.

14. The spool package assembly of claim 13, wherein the means for coupling the cutting mechanism comprises a mount, the mount comprising a rod.

15. The spool package assembly of claim 14, wherein the mount comprises at least one cavity configured to hold a trimmer line in place during operation.

16. The spool package assembly of claim 14, further comprising a pivoting blade comprising a cutting end and a pivotal end, wherein the pivoting blade is configured to rotate about the rod of the mount on the pivotal end.

17. The spool package assembly of claim 16, wherein the pivoting blade comprises a blade at the cutting end.

18. The spool package assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer package and/or the spool are formed of a material comprising polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate, acetal copolymer polyoxymethylene, acetal homopolymer polyoxymethylene, acrylic, nylon, butyl rubber, polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutadiene, or polychloroprene.

19. A spool, comprising:

a ledge disposed about the inner portion of the shaft;

at least two disks coupled to the shaft, wherein one of the at least two disks is coupled to the first end and one of the at least two disks is coupled to the second end, wherein one of the at least two disks comprises a at least one cavity configured to hold a trimmer line within the cavity, the at least two disks comprising a series of disk apertures extending through the disks.

20. The spool of claim 19, wherein one of the at least two disks is greater in diameter than one of other disks of the at least two disks.

21. A spool package, comprising:

an outer package defining an inner cylindrical volume and an opposing exterior surface;

a plurality of prongs disposed within the inner cylindrical volume, each of the plurality of prongs comprising an aft end and a distal end, each of the plurality of prongs being coupled to the outer package via the aft end, wherein a detent extends from the distal ends of alternating prongs of the plurality of prongs;

at least one line channel extending from the inner cylindrical volume to the opposing exterior surface, wherein the at least one line channel is configured to grip a trimmer line; and

a flap extending from the opposing exterior surface configured to mount a cutting mechanism.