WO2007103400A2

WO2007103400A2 - Package for wound line and cutting tool attached thereto

Info

Publication number: WO2007103400A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/005742
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Dean Yarborough; David Skinner
Original assignee: Shakespeare Company, Llc
Priority date: 2006-03-08
Filing date: 2007-03-08
Publication date: 2007-09-13
Also published as: WO2007103400A3

Abstract

An enclosed spool for flexible wound line comprises a spool member (12) having a base axis member (16), and first and second circular sidewalls (18, 20) secured thereto and extending substantially radially to the axis of rotation (a) to provide an axial gap(g). The first and second circular sidewalls terminate at first and second peripheral edges (22, 24), respectively. An enclosure(14) encircles the first and second peripheral edges and spans the axial gap. A cutting tool (100) comprises a base member (102) having a groove (126) adapted to receive the flexible line and a blade (128) recessed within the groove, the blade being adapted to cut the flexible line when forced into the blade. The cutting tool includes an arm member (104) in operative relationship with and complementary to the base member, which arm member is capable of applying mechanical advantage in a manner that forces the flexible line received within the groove against the blade.

Description

PAOCAGE FOR WOUND IJNE AND CUTTING TOOL ATTACHED THERETO

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims priority from pending U.S. Patent Application No.

11/371,509, filed March 8, 2006, and from pending U.S. Patent Application No. 11/683,063, filed March 7, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention resides in the art of packages for flexible wound line, e.g., trimmer line, fishing line, pulling line, utility lines, and wire, and, more particularly, to cutting tools attached to the packages for flexible wound line. In one embodiment, the package may be an enclosed spool wherein the volume retaining the line is enclosed, and the line is rotationally movable relative to an enclosure. In another embodiment, the package may have a safe and effective cutting tool attached to it for cutting a length of the line, the cutting tool producing a mechanical advantage in cutting the line.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Monofilament lines are well known in the art and are commonly defined as strings made from a single fiber. Common examples of monofilament lines include, but are not limited to, vegetation trimmer or cutting lines, pulling lines, fishing lines, and utility lines. Such monofilament lines may be made from single component filaments or from multi-component filaments, and may be produced by any of a variety of methods known in the art, including, but not limited to, molding, extruding and/or spinning. Many types of monofilament lines are made from polymeric materials. [004] Typically, such monofilament lines are packaged in bulk form. That is, typically, the monofilament lines are produced as continuous lines of a single or multi- component filament that are wound or otherwise placed into containers for holding the monofilament lines. As such, the task of cutting the monofilament line to a desired length of line from the package is left to the user. [005] Packaging for the continuous-type monofilament line can take essentially any form known in that art, but is typically wound onto a spool or into a box or container of some type. Such containers may be of various shapes and sizes, but serve to maintain the monofilament line in an organized, wound configuration. Many containers are commonly made of plastic and may be thermoformed or molded into any shape or size desired to contain the wound monofilament line.

[006] Where spools have been used, they may be employed for a variety of materials that are able to wind around a central axis element, not just monofilament lines. Sometimes the material wound on the spool has a tendency to unwind, due to its inability to maintain the tightly wound configuration that it has when wound on the spool. This is particularly true with polymer-based monofilament lines, for example vegetation trimmer lines, fishing lines and pulling line, which is used to pull electrical wiring throughout buildings during wire installation.

[007] When sold in bulk, such flexible line is often provided on a plain spool member and it has a tendency to unravel from its original, tightly wound, state. Any portion of the wound line that unravels from the spool is difficult to neatly wind back thereon. The wound line is also exposed and not protected from debris and the elements. Thus, there exists a need in the art for a spool that prevents wound line thereon from unraveling and/or protects it from debris and the elements. [008] There are other types of packages besides spools that contain monofilament line however. One such plastic container or package commonly used for vegetation trimmer line or weed cutting line is known in the industry as a "donut package" due to the general appearance of the monofilament line that is wound within the cavity of the container. The cavity of the package, as well as the monofilament line wound within it, resembles the shape of a donut.

[009] Many vegetation trimming and weed cutting devices use monofilament line packaged in these types of containers. Previously, this winding of the monofilament line in a package may have been considered suitable for the user since many rotating string trimmers or weed cutters used most, if not all, of the spooled continuous lengths of monofilament line by winding the line onto the spool within the head of the rotary string trimmer or weed cutting apparatus. However, one trend in the area of monofilament line for a rotating string trimmer and weed cutter is the increased usage of fixed line heads, wherein only a relatively short length of line, typically about 6 to 18 inches (about 20 cm to 40 cm), are inserted into the heads of the string trimmers or weed cutting apparatuses. Thus, some manufacturers of trimmer line or weed cutting line have begun to produce pre-packaged, short strips of monofilament line pre-cut to lengths suitable for use in these newer vegetation trimmers or weed cutting apparatuses, all at greater cost to the manufacturer and/or at higher prices to the consuming public. Thus, the need exists for ways for provide the more economical, bulk wound continuous line packages to the consuming public in a manner that will provide the user with an easy and safe means to cut the line to the lengths desired, thereby obviating the need to provide short pre-cut strips to the consuming public.

[010] Heretofore, users of flexible wound monofilament line packaged in plastic containers have had to use auxiliary cutting devices such as, for example, knives, scissors, blades, or wire cutters, to cut the line to a desired length. The reliance on such auxiliary cutting devices is undesirable since the user, first, must possess a cutting device suitable for and capable of cutting the monofilament line and, second, must keep the cutting device close at hand or within the proximity of the user to enable the user to cut the line at a time of convenience when needed. In addition, many cutting devices, such as knives or blades, are known to be dangerous to the user due to the exposed sharp edges of these devices.

[011] Furthermore, scissors (and even wire cutters) often do not offer the advantages that even knifes or blades may offer in cutting the line. For instance, monofilament lines having large diameters are inherently difficult to sheer with scissors, due to the toughness of the line. This is understandable given that many monofilament lines, especially those used for vegetation trimmers or weed cutters, are made to withstand and endure abrasive and sheer forces in order to provide high performance characteristics. It is known that common scissors are not strong enough or durable enough to cut the larger diameter lines. When attempting to cut a line with scissors, the line tends to slide outwardly, away from the blades of the scissors. This, in turn, causes the user of the scissors to pull on the two ends of the line so that the line is forced into the blades of the scissors. This is an unsafe action and can lead to serious bodily injury to the user, depending upon the user's use of the scissors. Moreover, pulling on the ends of the line tends to bend the line and forces the blades of the scissors to spread apart. Thus, oftentimes, scissors will not cut the larger diameter monofilament lines. Still further, scissors with plastic handles have been known to break in the user's hand, again causing bodily injury to the user. Therefore, the need exists for a cutting tool suitable for cutting flexible wound line that can be attached to the package for the flexible wound monofilament line. The need further exists for a cutting tool that is safe and effective in cutting all polymeric monofilament lines up to at least 0.180 inches in diameter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[012] One or more aspects of the present invention, together with the advantages thereof over the known art relating to cutting tools and packaging, which shall become apparent from the specification and drawings that follows, may be accomplished by the invention as hereinafter described and claimed.

[013] The present invention provides an enclosed spool for flexible wound line.

The enclosed spool includes a spool member having a base axis member defining an axis of rotation and first and second sidewalls spaced apart by the base axis member to provide an axial gap. The first sidewall terminates at a first peripheral edge, and the second sidewall terminates at a second peripheral edge. A length of flexible line is wound about (but not necessarily onto) the base axis member, within the axial gap. The enclosed spool further includes an enclosure secured about the first and second peripheral edges and adapted to encase the flexible line within a volume defined by the spool member, the axial gap and the enclosure. A dispensing aperture is provided in the enclosure, and an end of the flexible line is fed through this aperture and the flexible wound line is rotationally movable about the axis of rotation and relative to the enclosure to dispense the flexible line through the dispensing aperture. [014] In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention provides an enclosed spool for flexible wound line including a spool member defining an axial gap, flexible line wound within the axial gap, at least two enclosure members joining together and encircling the spool member to span across the axial gap such that the flexible line is encased within a volume defined by the spool member and the at least two enclosure members, and a dispensing aperture in one of the at least two enclosure members, wherein an end of the flexible line is fed through the dispensing aperture. [015] In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention provides a cutting tool attached to a package for flexible wound line. The cutting tool is adapted to cut the flexible line upon its removal from the package. The cutting tool includes a base member having a groove adapted to receive the flexible line when the cutting tool is in use and a blade recessed within the groove, the blade being adapted to cut the flexible line when the line is forced into the blade during use of the cutting tool. The cutting tool further includes an arm member acting in complementary relationship to the base member so as to produce and apply mechanical advantage in a manner that forces the flexible line received within the groove against the blade to thereby sever the flexible line.

[016] In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention provides, in combination with a package containing flexible wound line, a cutting tool having a groove adapted to receive the flexible line upon its removal from the package and a blade adapted to cut the flexible line, the blade being recessed within the groove. The cutting tool further includes an arm member acting in complementary relationship to the base member so as to produce and apply mechanical advantage in a manner that forces the flexible line received by the groove against the blade to thereby sever the flexible line.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[017] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an enclosed spool in accordance with the present invention;

[018] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a spool member of the enclosed spool of Fig.

1; [019] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a first enclosure member of the enclosed spool;

[020] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second enclosure member of the enclosed spool;

[021] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the enclosed spool of Fig. 1, shown with the first and second enclosure members not yet fully closed around the spool member; [022] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a cutting tool of the enclosed spool;

[023] Fig. 7 provides a general schematic view of the interaction of female slots and male lock tabs for one embodiment of a handle for the enclosed spool; [024] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a cutting tool to be attached to a package in accordance with the present invention;

[025] Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the cutting tool with the cutting tool closed;

[026] Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the cutting tool with the cutting tool open;

[027] Fig. 11 is a side plan view of the cutting tool of Fig. 9;

[028] Fig. 12 is a side plan view of the cutting tool of Fig. 10 with a cross- sectional view of a piece of line disposed within the cutting tool;

[029] Fig. 13 is a right end view of the cutting tool with the cutting tool partially open; and

[030] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a package having a flexible line extending therefrom and having the cutting tool attached in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [031] An enclosed spool in accordance with the present invention is shown and generally designated by the numeral 10 in Fig. 1. Enclosed spool 10 includes spool member 12 and enclosure 14. Enclosure 14 encircles spool member 12 to define a spool volume in which flexible line may be retained.

[032] Referring to Figure 2, spool member 12 includes base axis member 16.

First sidewall 18 and second sidewall 20 extend from and are separated by base axis member 16. They extend substantially radially, and is one embodiment, substantially perpendicularly, to the axis of rotation A, which is defined by base axis member 16, i.e., the axis of rotation A extends through the center line of base axis member 16, as shown in Fig. 1. The extension of first and second sidewalls 18, 20 defines an axial gap G. First sidewall 18 terminates at first peripheral edge 22, and second sidewall 20 terminates at second peripheral edge 24.

[033] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that, in the embodiment shown, enclosure 14 includes first enclosure member 26 and second enclosure member 28. Enclosure 14 may include handle 30, which, as can be seen in Figs. 3-5, is formed from the connection of a first handle portion 32 of handle 30, provided on first enclosure member 26 proximate end 31, and a second handle portion 34 of handle 30, provided on second enclosure member 28 proximate end 35. First handle portion 32 includes female slots 36 while second handle portion 34 includes male lock tabs 38 to mate with slots 36. At an opposite end 33 of first enclosure member 26, hook member 40 is provided to interact with rod member 42 at end 37 of second enclosure member 28. This is shown and explained more particularly in Fig. 5. Dispensing apertures 44, 44A may be located anywhere within either enclosure member 26 or 28, but are provided proximate ends 31 and 33, respectively in the present embodiment. Support legs 46 may be provided on either enclosure member 26 or 28, but are provided on second enclosure member 28 and extend radially therefrom to define a substantially planer profile upon which the enclosed spool 10 can be placed on a surface in the present embodiment. In one embodiment, four support legs 46 are employed as shown in the Figures (although not every support leg can be viewed in the Figures).

[034] As can be seen in Figs. 1 and 5, first and second enclosure members 26, 28 join together to encircle or encase spool member 12 and enclose the spool volume V defined by spool member 12, the axial gap G, and the enclosure members 26, 28, when encircling or encasing spool member 12. From a review of Figs. 3-5, it will be appreciated that first and second enclosure members 26, 28 together provide a first peripheral groove 50 and second peripheral groove 52 for respectively receiving first peripheral edge 22 and second peripheral edge 24 of spool member 12. More particularly, first and second enclosure members 26, 28 pivotally join at hook member 40 and rod member 42 to lock around spool member 12 through the interaction of female slots 36 and male lock tabs 38. This creates the "enclosed" spool 10. [035] It will be appreciated that the enclosed spool 10 may be used for any flexible line product suitable for spooling (i.e., winding about an axis member of a spool), including particularly trimmer line, fishing line and pulling line, or other monofilament line. The flexible line may be wound about base axis member 16 in any of a number of ways, and each means for winding the flexible line about the base axis member permits a different type of enclosed spool structure, as will be described herein. [036] It can be seen in the embodiment of Fig. 2 that base axis member 16 includes starting hole 54, for receiving an end of a flexible line. After an end of a flexible line is placed in starting hole 54, spool 12 may be rotated to take up the flexible line onto base axis member 16, between first and second sidewalls 18, 20, i.e., within the axial gap G. It will be appreciated that starting hole 54 can be positioned on either first or second sidewall 18, 20 near the base axis member 16, and the flexible line would be inserted through this hole from the side of gap G and secured so that rotation of the spool member results in the line being wound on base axis member 16. When the spool volume V is filled with the desired amount of flexible line, spool member 12 can be enclosed with the first and second enclosure members 26, 28. To remove a length of flexible line 56 from such an enclosed spool 10, a free end (i.e., that end not secured to hole 54) of the flexible line is fed through dispensing aperture 44 (this can be done during the initial manufacturing of the enclosed spool, or afterward by the end user) and pulled outside of enclosure 14 until a desired length of flexible line is outside the enclosed spool 10. The line is then cut. To pull line outside of enclosure 14, it will be appreciated that spool member 12 rotates in a dispensing direction about axis A, because peripheral edges 22 and 24 rotationally slide or otherwise move within their respective grooves 50 and 52.

[037] It will be appreciated that the spool member 12 of the figures is shown with circular sidewalls 18, 20 because their peripheral edges 22, 24 are to slide or move within peripheral grooves 50, 52 of enclosure 14. This is due to the fact that the flexible line is ultimately secured to base axis member 16, and, thus, dispensing line from within enclosed spool 10 requires that spool member 12 rotate within enclosure 14. Non- circular sidewalls would not permit such rotation. In this embodiment, the enclosure members 26 and 28 are shown as being arcuate, but they may be made flexible enough to lie more flat so long as they are made to be capable of forming an enclosure around a the spool member.

[038] In an alternative embodiment, the spool member may be made without circular sidewalls if the enclosed spool is constructed such that the sidewalls of the spool member do not have to rotate relative to the enclosure. This may be accomplished by making the base axis member 16 and the sidewalls 18, 20 of a two part construction. The coil of flexible wound line may be secured about the base axis member either by affixing it thereto or by affixing it to another element that is rotationally movable about the base axis member. When pulling on the free end of the flexible line outside of the enclosed spool to unwind the line, the base axis member 16 (or element about the base axis member) rotates, but not the sidewalls. In other words, the flexible line would move rotationally relative to the axis of rotation defined by the base axis member as a desired length of line is unwound therefrom. Again, in such an embodiment, the sidewalls would not move during line dispensing, and virtually any shape of sidewall could be practiced.

[039] In another embodiment, and as suggested above, the spool member could be made to not rotate during dispensing of line by providing a collar member around the base axis member and securing the line to that collar. The collar would rotate about the base axis member, permitting the base axis member to remain stationary while the line moves rotationally relative to the axis of rotation defined by the base axis member. [040] In one embodiment, dispensing aperture 44 is positioned below a horizontal center line (see axis of rotation A) of enclosed spool 10 when placed on a support surface on support legs 46 (Fig. 1). This positioning may be preferred because it ensures that the flexible line extending outside of enclosed spool 10 will not be entirely drawn back through dispensing aperture 44 by rotation of spool member 12 in a counter- feed direction when the flexible line is cut, if there happens to be counter tension on the wound line. Where line tension is not an issue, it may be preferred to use the dispensing aperture 44A closer to a cutting tool or a handle as described herein. Such dispensing aperture 44A provides for less line to remain outside the enclosed spool. [041] In one embodiment and as shown in Fig. 1, line slots 71A and 71B may optionally be provided for holding the free end of the line when the enclosed spool is not in use or is being carried. line slot 71A is provided for line of a larger cross section than line slot 71B. Measuring indicia 73 may also optionally be provided on the enclosure 14 or, in an alternative embodiment, on the side walls 18, 20 near their peripheral edges 22, 24, to aid one in measuring the amount of line cut off of the wound line. [042] Fig. 7 provides a general schematic view of the interaction of female slots

36 and male lock tabs 38 for one embodiment of the present invention. Male lock tabs 38 have ramped surfaces, as at 72, having a narrow distal end 74 and a wide proximate end 76, which provides a lock surface 78. The ramped surfaces 72 permit the initial feeding of male lock tabs 38 into slots 36 (in direction of arrow C), and, when inserted the full length of the ramped surface 72, lock surfaces 78 extend axially beyond slots 36 such that male lock tabs 38 can not be easily removed from interaction with slots 36 (see phantom, Fig. 7). In order to remove male lock tabs 38 from their locking interaction with slots 36, they must be squeezed toward each other such that lock surfaces 78 realign with slots 36 so that male lock tabs 38 may be removed from slots 36 is the opposite manner in which they were inserted and locked. This type of connection is well known, and other connections can be practiced in accordance with the present invention. [043] In still another embodiment, a cutting tool is attached to the enclosed spool. Essentially any cutting tool known in the art may be used to cut the spooled line within the enclosed spool 10. However, referring to Fig. 6, a cutting tool for enclosed spool 10 is shown and designated by the numeral 60. Cutting tool 60 includes cutting blade 62 and cutting arm 64, both of which are shown mounted to first enclosure member 26 proximate first handle portion 32 of handle 30. More particularly, cutting blade 62 is mounted in slot 66 (between two sidewalls), and cutting arm 64 is pivotally mounted to be manipulate at grip 68 to pivot and contact cutting blade 62. Slot 66 has a line-receipt detent 70 into which cutting blade 62 extends. Thus, by placing a length of flexible line in line-receipt detent 70, touching against cutting blade 62, and thereafter pivoting cutting arm 64 in the direction of arrow B to contact cutting blade 62, the flexible line is pinched between cutting arm 64 and cutting blade 62, and is cut to the desired length.

[044] It will be appreciated that this is merely one type of cutting tool that may be used in accordance with the present invention, it being appreciated that other cutting tools may be employed and configured into or onto an enclosed spool or other package in accordance with this invention as further described below.

[045] For instance, one representative form of a different package embodying the concepts of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the numeral 80 in the Fig. 14, wherein the package 80 is illustrated as a plastic, thermoformed container commonly referred to in the monofilament line industry as a "donut package" inasmuch as die cavity within the package is said to resemble a donut. Such a package 80 may be made of one-piece (clamshell) or two-piece construction, wherein the package includes opposed portions 82 and 84 that generally form a housing or container defining a cavity 86 for storing flexible wound line M. Opposed portions 82 and 84 may be thermoformed, cut from pieces of material, or otherwise molded from the same mold and, diereby have the same identical shape and size, or may be cut, molded or thermoformed from different molds and, thereby, not have the same identical shape or size. In one embodiment, the opposed portions may be different such that one portion 82 is tiiermoformed, cut or molded with a substantially flat outer planar wall 88 radially extending from its center to its outer periphery forming the cavity 86, while the other portion 84 is tiiermoformed, cut or molded with a substantially indented or recessed wall 90 at its center but that extends substantially transversely, as at wall 92, and then radially outwardly, as at wall 94, to define the cavity 86 of the package 80. In one embodiment, the opposed portions 82 and 84 may be affixed together at walls 88 and 90 or near their centers to provide a spool-like effect to the package for flexible wound line M, inasmuch as the flexible line is essentially wound around the spool-like centers of the portions 82 and 84. Such packages of this type can typically hold from 1/3 to 1 pound of line.

[046] It will be appreciated, however, that other forms of packages or containers may be used in conjunction with the concepts of the present invention, and the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings, the breadth of the invention being determined by the scope and spirit of the attached claims. For example, the package 80 may alternatively be cut, extruded, molded or thermoformed into any desired container shape or size known in the art, including the enclosed spool package described further above. The package may be made from hard plastic, thin plastic, thermoformed plastic, molded plastic, cut plastic, paper, cardboard or even may be made from metal or aluminum or combinations of any of these. Still further, the package may be made so that the monofilament line M contained therein is wound onto a spool, or may be made such that no spool is necessary for the wound line. For example, the package may be a plastic bag. Alternatively, the package may be made as a loop package. Loop packages typically contain 3 to 50 feet of line. In contrast, spools may be used to hold up to 5 pounds of line. Essentially any size or shape container will be suitable as the package 80 provided it can contain and store flexible wound line M as shown in the drawings. However, in one embodiment, the package is made of non-metal. In another embodiment, the package is made solely of polymeric materials.

[047] As noted above, flexible wound line M may be essentially any line known in the art, including but not limited to, vegetation trimmer or cutting line, fishing line, pulling line, utility line, and the like. While it is preferably monofilament line, it will be appreciated that multi-filament lines, e.g., yarns, ropes, etc., may also be included as flexible wound line. Similarly, while the line is preferably polymeric, it will be appreciated that line made from non-polymeric materials, e.g., wire, cable, etc., may also be included as flexible wound line. Still further, tubing or other continuous filaments having a hollow core may also be included as flexible wound line for the purposes of this invention. However, in one embodiment, the present invention is a package containing a flexible wound line that is devoid of filaments having hollow cores. In another embodiment, the present invention is a package containing flexible wound line that is devoid of multi-filaments. And in yet another embodiment, the present invention is a package containing polymeric flexible wound line.

[048] Advantageously, a cutting tool, designated generally by the numeral 100 in the drawings, is attached to the package 80. By the term "attached," it is meant that the cutting tool 100 may be coupled in some manner to the package, either by fastening means or connecting means. For purposes of this invention, fastening means refer to those means that directly affix the cutting tool 100 to the package 80. Examples of such fastening means include, but are not limited to, the means shown in the drawings and described in greater detail below. Other examples of fastening means may include adhesives, tapes, screws, or other fasteners that maintain and affix the cutting tool 100 directly to the package 80. In contrast, connecting means refers to those means that provide a conduit to or tie the cutting tool 100 to the package 80 in a manner that does not necessarily require that the cutting tool 100 be directly affixed to the package 80, but instead, maintains the cutting tool 100 in close proximity to the package 80. Examples of such connecting means may be a chain, a rope or string having one end tied or otherwise secured to the cutting tool 100 and the other end tied or otherwise secured to the package 80.

[049] The cutting tool 100 may be made from any material known in the art. In one embodiment, the cutting tool in made entirely of plastic. In another embodiment, the cutting tool in molded entirely of plastic except for the blade. In yet another embodiment, the cutting tool is molded from a combination of materials, including plastic, metal and aluminum.

[050] The cutting tool 100 of the present invention includes a base member 102 and an arm member 104 acting in complementary relationship with and, optionally, connected to the base member 102. In one embodiment of the present invention, the base member 102 is attached to the package 80. In a more specific embodiment, the base member 102 is affixed to the package 80 by fastening means. In another embodiment, the base member 102 is coupled to the package 80 by connecting means. It will be appreciated that the manner as to how the arm member 104 and base member 102 are attached depends significantly upon the relationship of the members in performing their functions as more particularly described below.

[051] The base member 102 may take any shape and be of any size suitable for its use and positioning on the package 80, and may be made from any material known in the art. The base member 102 should preferably not be too large in size as to dwarf the package, although this would be preferred for aesthetic reasons, not necessarily for functional reasons. As shown in the drawings, one embodiment of the present invention provides that the base member 102 may be affixed to the package 80 by the use of one or more legs 106 that may be forced through at least the wall 88 of the package 80 and, if so constructed, walls 88 and 90 of the package 80. It will be appreciated that the cutting tool 100 does not have to be affixed to the package 80 where shown in Fig. 14, it being within the scope of the invention to locate the cutting tool 100 on the package 80 essentially anywhere it is desired and practical.

[052] In some embodiments, package 80 may have puncture points (not shown) prefabricated into them for ease of forcing the legs 106 through the package wall. In other embodiments, the legs 106 may be formed and take a shape suitable for puncturing the wall of the package without prior manipulation of the package wall. For example, as shown, each leg 106 may be shaped with a pointed conical end 108 that extends from a narrower, cylindrical body 110, such that, upon pressing the pointed conical end 108 through the wall of the package, the wall is captured between the fatter side of the conical end and the bottom of the base member. The resiliency and strength of the plastic wall and the design of the leg 106 prevents removal of the leg 106 from the wall once positioned through the package 80. Nevertheless, care should be taken so as to not rupture or tear the package beyond that necessary for securing the legs 106 of the base member 102 through the package 80.

[053] In at least one embodiment, the legs 106 may be adequate to secure the cutting tool 100 to the package 80. In other embodiments where the package walls are extremely thin, it may be desirable to ensure the security of the cutting tool 100 to the package 80 by means of a securing strap 112 adapted to receive the legs 106 of the cutting tool 100 after it has passed through the package wall. The strap 112 may be made of any rigid material known in the art and may take any shape desired provided it fits within the parameters of the package 80. In one embodiment, the strap 112 is a rigid but flexible and resilient band of plastic, metal or aluminum, and has apertures 116 adapted to receive the legs 106 of base member 102 from cutting tool 100. like the package wall, the strap 112 is flexible and resilient enough, and the apertures small enough, to allow the conical end 108 of the leg 106 to be forced through the aperture 116 and capture it between the fatter side of the conical end and the package wall. If necessary, in order to provide further strength to the package wall, the package wall may have a prefabricated ridge 114. Likewise, the strap 112 may have a complementary ridge (not shown) adapted to be congruent with the ridge 114 of the package 80. [054] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, base member 102 has an elongated body portion 120 with four prongs 122A, 122B, 122C and 122D extending upwardly proximate to one end 124 of the base member 102. The void between prongs 122A and 122C and between prongs 122B and 122D define a groove 126 in the base member 102, which groove 126 is substantially orthogonal to the axis of the elongated body portion 120 of the base member 102. Within the groove, a blade 128 is adapted to be received with a cutting edge 130 facing upwards toward the arm member 104. [055] Similarly, there may be a void between prongs 122A and 122B and between prongs 122C and 122D that define a recess 132 adapted for receiving the arm member 104 upon closing of the arm member 104 against base member 102 as described below. The recess 132 does not extend significantly deep into the body portion 120 of the base member 102, being defined generally by the height of the extended prongs 122A-D. However, the depth of the groove 126 is deeper than the depth of the recess 132 and may extend into body portion 120. This depth of the groove 126 enables the blade 128 to be positioned in line with the recess 132, transversely within the groove 126 and essentially parallel to the axis of the elongated body, portion 120 such that the cutting edge 130 of the blade 128 does not rise significantly above the height of the body portion 120 within the recess 132. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the blade 128 and, particularly, the cutting edge 130 of the blade is not accessible to the hands or fingers of the user, providing for a safer use of the cutting tool. [056] In an embodiment of the invention as shown in the drawings, prong 122D may be substantially elongated so as to extend further than end 124 of the base member 102. By elongating prong 122D, a connecting pin 134 may be provided on the prong that extends inwardly across the axis of the base member 102. Connecting pin 134 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may include a tooth 136 proximate its extended end. Connecting pin 134 is one means by which arm member 104 may be connected to base member 102. It will be appreciated that any connecting means known in the art may be used to operatively connect arm member 104 to base member 102, the embodiment shown being just one example of such means.

[057] The arm member 104 may take any shape and be of any size suitable for use in complementary operation with the base member 102. Like the base member, the arm member 104 preferably should not be too large in size as to dwarf the package or the base member, although this would be preferred for aesthetic reasons, not necessarily for functional reasons. In one embodiment as shown in the drawings, the arm member 104 may be elongated and have a work portion 140 positioned between an elongated handle or gripping portion 142 at one end of the arm member 104 for moving the arm member 104, and a connecting portion 144 on the other end of the arm member 104, for operatively engaging the arm member 104 with the base member 102. The arm member 104 may be of one-piece construction or each portion may be made from different pieces and/or materials. In one embodiment, the working portion 140 may include a slit 148 for receiving a portion of the blade 128 when the arm member 104 is closed. The handle portion 142 may be shaped in any manner known in the art and, in at least one embodiment, may be shaped for easy gripping by the user's hand or fingers. The work portion 140 may also be shaped in any manner known in the art but should be operative with the base member 102 in a manner that will allow for the cutting of flexible line by the blade 128 as further described below. The connecting portion 144 may include an opening 146 adapted to receive the connecting pin 134 of the base member 102, to permit the rotation of the arm member 104 around the connecting pin 134. In one embodiment as shown in the drawings, the opening 146 is essentially circular to allow relatively smooth operation and rotation of the arm member 104, but includes an extended opening to permit the tooth 136 of the connecting pin 134 through the opening 146 when the arm member 104 is rotated to a releasing position. That is, the arm member 104 may be adapted to be connected to or released from the base member 102 by placing the opening 146 of the arm member 104 in congruent alignment with the connecting pin 134 and its tooth 136 and passing the tooth 136 through the opening 146. Then, by rotating the arm member 104 to a working position, the tooth will have locked or otherwise secured the arm member 104 to the base member 102. [058] The cutting tool 100 is to be utilized by the user of the flexible line to cut the flexible line M contained in the package 80 to a desired length for further use of that length of line. Thus, upon pulling a length of the line M from the package 80, the user will rotate the arm member 104 to an open position to allow access to the groove 126 in the base member 102. The user will then position the line M into the groove 126 of the base member 102 above the blade 128 where it is desired that the line M is to be cut. In one embodiment, the groove 126 is of sufficient width to provide for the cutting of flexible line measuring up to at least 0.180 inches in diameter. In another embodiment, a groove may accommodate the cutting of monofilament line ranging from about 0.010 inches to about 0.180 inches in diameter.

[059] It will further be appreciated that any length of line may be cut. Therefore, if a short (about 6 to 18 inches) strip of monofilament line is desired for use in a fixed line head of a vegetation trimmer, then such a short strip can be cut. On the other hand, if the user desires a long length of line such is often the case with spooled line heads of vegetation trimmers, then a much longer length of line can be cut. [060] The groove 126, therefore, includes not only the blade 128, but is also adapted to receive the flexible line M to be cut. In at least one embodiment, the groove 126 is adapted to prevent movement of the of the line perpendicular to the direction of the cutting action. In another embodiment, the groove 126 prevents movement of the line in any direction other than in the direction of the blade, thereby holding the line in place during use of the cutting tool 100.

[061] Once the flexible line M is positioned in the groove 126, the arm member

104 may then be rotated in the direction of arrow A toward the closed position. The work portion 140 of the arm member 104 will then contact the flexible line M, forcing the line M against the cutting edge 130 of the blade 128 and cutting the line M. [062] Notably, the cutting tool advantageously uses mechanical advantage to assist in the cutting of the line M. Due to the construction of the cutting tool 100, and the placement of the line M and blade 128 relative to the pressing of the user's hand or fingers on the arm member and the connection point between the arm member and the base member, only a relatively small force is required by the user to create a much greater force on the line to cut it. This is because the input distance the user has to move the arm member is greater than the output distance the line has to move in order to be cut. This is the simple principal known as the Law of Conservation of Energy (work in equals work oiit), wherein work equals force times distance. Thus the input force (Fl) times the input distance (Dl) has to equal the output force (F2) times the output distance (D2). Where, as here, the input distance (Dl) is greater than the output distance (D2), the amount of input force (Fl), Le., the user's hand or fingers, is much less than the amount of output force (F2), Le., the force applied to the line by the work portion 140 of the arm member 104.

[063] As shown in the Fig. 8-14, the groove 126 and, thereby, the line M to be cut, is closer to the fulcrum, the point around which the arm member rotates, Ie., the connecting pin 134. In fact, the groove 126 is located between the fulcrum (connecting pin 134) and the effort force applied by the user. As such, this may be considered a second-class lever mechanism. Since the fulcrum is located closer to the resistance, i.e., the line M to be cut, than to the applied force, Ie., the pressing force made by the user, an increase in force (Le., a mechanical advantage) at the groove 126 results. [064] It will be appreciated that other forms and shapes of the arm member 104 can be made that will enable the arm member to apply and produce mechanical advantage. For instance, a first class lever mechanism can be created by moving the fulcrum, Le., the connecting pin 134, to a position between the groove 126 and the end of the arm member 104 where the force applied by the user will be, and maintaining the connecting pin 134 closer to the groove 126. [065] In other embodiments of the present invention, mechanical advantage may be created and applied by use of a wedge as the arm member. In one embodiment, the wedge would be slidable on and/or slidably connected to the base member, with the thinnest part of the sloped surface of the wedge resting proximate the line M held in groove 126 between the blade 128 and the wedge. If the blade is positioned below the line M, one may consider this to be an incline plane turned upside down. Alternatively, if the blade is positioned above the line, one may consider this to be a wedge with an upward slanting slope. In either event, the user would apply force to move the wedge toward the groove over a distance, thereby causing the sloped surface of the wedge to engage the line M and force it upward or downward onto the blade as a larger and larger portion of the wedge slides over the groove. Mechanical advantage is produced and applied because the distance the wedge is forcibly moved by the user is greater than the distance the line is moved into the blade. In at least one embodiment, the wedge may have fastening means for slidably engaging the base member and insuring that the wedge does not move upward (or downward) as it moves across the groove. [066] In still another embodiment, mechanical advantage may be created and applied by use of a screw as the arm member. The screw would be positioned over the groove in a manner such that as the user turns the screw tighter against the line M in the groove 126, the blade 128 would cut the line M. That is, because the screw rotates a greater distance in terms of rotation than the distance the screw moves the line into the blade, mechanical advantage is produced and applied. Fastening means for maintaining the screw in position over the groove and for maintaining the position of the screw relative to the base member would also be provided.

[067] Thus, it will be appreciated that several alternative embodiments and structural equivalents of the cutting tool are contemplated that enables the cutting tool 100 to produce and apply mechanical advantage to the components of the tool in cutting the line M. In each instance, however, an arm member, acting in complementary relationship with the base member, is used to create and apply the mechanical advantage. [068] In light of the foregoing, it should thus be evident that the present invention, substantially improves the art of cutting tools and spools for flexible line, and provides particular advantages for storing and dispensing flexible line. While a full and complete description of the invention has been set forth in accordance with the dictates of the patent statutes, it should be understood that modifications can be resorted to without departing from the spirit hereof or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An enclosed spool for flexible wound line comprising: a spool member including: a base axis member defining an axis of rotation, and first and second sidewalls spaced apart by said base axis member to provide an axial gap, said first sidewall terminating at a first peripheral edge, and said second circular sidewall terminating at a second peripheral edge; flexible line wound about said base axis member; an enclosure secured about said first and second peripheral edges and adapted to encase the flexible wound line within a volume defined by said spool member and said enclosure; and a dispensing aperture in said enclosure, wherein an end of said flexible line is fed through said dispensing aperture and said flexible line is rotationally movable about said axis of rotation and relative to said enclosure to dispense said flexible line through said dispensing aperture.

2. The enclosed spool of claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes a first peripheral groove receiving said first peripheral edge and a second peripheral groove receiving said second peripheral edge.

3. The enclosed spool of claim 1, wherein said enclosure is formed of first and second enclosure members.

4. The enclosed spool of claim 3, wherein said first enclosure member provides support legs extending therefrom to define a substantially planar profile upon which the enclosed spool can be placed on a surface.

5. The enclosed spool of claim 4, wherein said first enclosure member provides a first portion of a handle and said second enclosure member provides a second portion of said handle, said first and second portions of said handle being joined together.

6. The enclosed spool of claim 5, wherein said first and second portions of said handle are joined through the interaction of male tab members and female port members.

7. The enclosed spool of claim 5, wherein, when the enclosed spool rests on said support legs, said handle is offset from a vertical centerline of the enclosed spool at an angle of from 0 to 45 degrees around the circumference of said enclosure.

8. The enclosed spool of claim l,wherein said enclosure provides a line dispensing aperture.

9. The enclosed spool of claim 1, further comprising a cutting element.

10. The enclosed spool of claim 9, wherein said cutting element is secured to said enclosure.

11. The enclosed spool of claim 10, wherein said cutting element includes a slot, a cutting blade positioned in said slot, and cutting arm pivotally mounted to pivot toward said cutting blade in said slot.

12. The enclosed spool of claim 1, wherein said base axis member and first and second sidewalls are of one piece construction.

13. The enclosed spool of claim 1, wherein said base axis member and first and second sidewalls are of two-part construction.

14. An enclosed spool for flexible wound line comprising: a spool member defining an axial gap; flexible line wound within said axial gap; at least two enclosure members joining together and encircling the spool member to span across said axial gap such that at least a portion of said flexible line is encased within a volume defined by said spool member and said at least two enclosure members; and a dispensing aperture in one of said at least two enclosure members, wherein an end of said flexible line is fed through said dispensing aperture.

15. A cutting tool attached to a package containing flexible line and adapted for cutting the flexible line, the cutting tool comprising: a base member coupled to the package, said base member including a groove adapted for receiving the flexible line and a blade recessed within said groove and adapted to cut the flexible wound line; and an arm member acting in complementary relationship to said base member for producing and applying mechanical advantage to force the flexible line against the blade, thereby severing the flexible wound line.

16. The cutting tool of claim 15, wherein the base member is affixed to the package by fastening means.

17. The cutting tool of claim 16, wherein the base member is affixed to the package by legs secured through the package.

18. The cutting tool of claim 16, wherein the base member is affixed to the package by an adhesive.

19. The cutting tool of claim 15, wherein the base member is coupled to the package by connecting means.

20. The cutting tool of claim 19, wherein the base member is tied to the package.

21. The cutting tool of claim 15, wherein the groove can accommodate a line having a diameter of up to at least 0.180 inches.

22. The cutting tool of claim 21, wherein the groove can accommodate a line having a diameter ranging from about 0.01 inches to about 0.180 inches.

23. The cutting tool of claim 15, wherein the blade is not accessible to a user's hands or fingers.

24. The cutting tool of claim 15, wherein the arm member is connected to the base member.

25. The cutting tool of claim 23, wherein die arm member includes a handle for moving the arm member and a connecting portion for connecting the arm member to the base member, wherein the connecting portion is proximate to the groove and the blade, and distal from the handle.

26. The cutting tool of claim 25, wherein die arm member includes a work portion between the handle and the connecting portion, and where the arm member produces and applies mechanical advantage by moving die handle a greater distance than the distance the work portion is moved.

27. The cutting tool of claim 25, wherein the arm member includes a work portion proximate to the connecting portion and distal from the handle, and wherein die arm member produces and applies mechanical advantage by moving the handle a greater distance than the distance the work portion is moved.

28. The cutting tool of claim 15, wherein the arm member is a wedge and wherein the arm member is slidable on the base portion.

29. The cutting tool of claim 28, wherein the wedge produces and applies mechanical advantage by moving the wedge closer to the groove a greater distance than the line is moved toward the blade.

30. The cutting tool of claim 15, wherein the arm member is a screw.

31. The cutting tool of claim 15, wherein the screw produces and applies mechanical advantage by rotating the screw a greater distance in terms of rotation than the distance the screw moves the line into the blade.

32. The cutting tool of claim 15, wherein die arm member and the base member are plastic.

33. In combination with a package for flexible line, a cutting tool comprising: a base member coupled to the package, said base member including a groove adapted for receiving the flexible line and a blade recessed within said groove and adapted to cut the flexible wound line; and an arm member acting in complementary relationship to said base member for producing and applying mechanical advantage to force the flexible line against the blade, thereby severing the flexible wound line.

34. The combination of claim 33 wherein the package is selected from the group consisting of thermoformed plastic, molded plastic, cut plastic, paper, cardboard, metal, aluminum, and combinations thereof.