BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram identifying the components of the Line Collection Apparatus; and
FIG. 2 is a physical embodiment of the device using a spindle collector; and
FIG. 3 is a component embodiment of the device using a spindle collector; and
FIG. 4 is a physical embodiment of the device using a roller (rollers) for collection of the filament material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the spindle collection device described in FIG. 1, a line collection device to collect used or excess material (such as string, thread, wire, fishing line, leader line, and floss). The device will accumulate the lengths of the material by wrapping onto a rotating spindle (1). The spindle rotates in a partially enclosed cylinder (2) and may have a lid (7) to contain the accumulated material. The spindle is tapered toward its tip and includes a slot into which a portion of the material to be collected is placed before the spindle is initially rotated. The collection cylinder has a plurality of slots in its die walls to permit the line material to be fed onto the spindle. The spindle and collection cylinder are mounted on a handle (6) that contain the motive means for the spindle and allows single hand operation of the device. The spindle is rotated through a transmission and optional clutch (3) means such as a set of intermeshing gears, belts, wheels, and/or a viscous coupling material. The motive means (5) for the spindle can be achieve through various means such an electric motor activation switch (4), and power supply (e.g. battery) or various mechanical means such as wind-up mechanisms, hand activated crank, or lever.
In a preferred embodiment described in FIGS. 2 and 3, the details of the various components are provided.
- 1. Rotating spindle consists of Spindle with a Slot (101) and Ejection Disk (103). The Ejection Disk slides over the base of the Spindle and is used to push the accumulated material off of the Spindle when the Collection Cylinder (102) is pulled outwards. The Ejection Disk rotates with the Spindle inside of the Cylinder.
- 2. Collection Cylinder is represented by the Collection Cylinder with Slots (102). The Cylinder is designed with external slots to permit the insertion of the line material to be collected. The Cylinder also has Stabilization tabs that prevent the Cylinder from rotating with the Spindle and also permit the Cylinder to be pulled outward without detaching from the Handle.
- 3. Transmission Means in its simplest form consists of intermeshed gears (104) and an optional spindle alignment mechanism consisting of an Alignment Cam (105) and an Alignment Switch (106). The alignment mechanism will cause the motive means to remain engaged after the Activation Switch has been released. The Cam causes the Switch to open at a point where the Spindle Slot aligns with the Collection Cylinder Slots to facilitate insertion of line material.
- 4. Activation Switch in its simplest form consists of a Pushbutton Switch (110). Closure of the Switch activates the Motive Means it this case by providing electrical power to the Motor.
- 5. Motive Means consists of an Electric Motor (107) and a Battery (108). This construction is very similar to that found in hand held electric tooth brushes.
- 6. Handle is represented by the Handle (109) which encloses the Motive and Transmission Means and provides the attachment points for the Spindle, Cylinder, Activation Switch, and optional attachments.
- 7. Cap is represented by the Cap (111). This Cap snaps over the top of the Collection Cylinder in a manner similar to a pill bottle lid. The Cap prevents the accumulated contents of the Spindle from falling out or unwinding before the expected disposal time.
The Handle forms a platform for the connection of optional attachments. The preferred embodiment would have all attachments permanently mounted onto the handle, but a series of simple snap in components that would mount into holes in the handle is also possible.
- 112. Second Spindle can hold a spool of line material for winding onto the Spindle or onto a bobbin mounted on the Spindle for transfer of material from the spool to the bobbin.
- 113. Line Guide can be a simple grommet or a speed threading guide wire that controls the orientation of the line material before it enters the cylinder to ease the winding process.
- 114. Line Cutter can be a simple piece of sharp metal, a cutting blade, or a set of snippers to permit the operator to break or cut the end of the material being collected,
In the rolling collection device described in FIG. 4, a line collection device to collect used or excess material (such as string, thread, wire, fishing line, leader line, and floss). The device will accumulate the lengths of the material by pulling the line between two wheels (204 & 206) into a Collection Container (208). The rotation of the wheels is accomplished by the operator spinning the Drive Wheel (206) typically using their thumb. The Line Material (202) being collected will be pulled between the Drive Wheel and the Friction Wheel (204) into the Collection Cylinder until all of the line has been pulled in or the user decides to cut the line to length. The two wheels also help retain the collected material in the Collection Cylinder to prevent accumulated material from unintentionally falling out. To cut the line, the user presses down on the lever arm of the Moving Blade (201). The line is cut between the Moving blade and the Fixed Blade (203) in a similar manner to the common nail clippers. The user then continues rotation of the Drive Wheel until the end of the line is in the Collection Cylinder. The material collected in the cylinder can then be discard into an appropriate receptical by unscrewing the Collection Cylinder from the main body of the collector at the Threaded Joint (207).
Patent Application
20080061184
