WO2018111871A1 - Corps pour appareil coupe-bordure de végétation à alimentation de fil rectiligne avec modules et rayons - Google Patents

Corps pour appareil coupe-bordure de végétation à alimentation de fil rectiligne avec modules et rayons Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018111871A1
WO2018111871A1 PCT/US2017/065810 US2017065810W WO2018111871A1 WO 2018111871 A1 WO2018111871 A1 WO 2018111871A1 US 2017065810 W US2017065810 W US 2017065810W WO 2018111871 A1 WO2018111871 A1 WO 2018111871A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
spool
trimmer
line
trimmer line
passageway
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/065810
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
George E. Alliss
Original Assignee
Alliss George E
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/376,474 external-priority patent/US9924631B2/en
Application filed by Alliss George E filed Critical Alliss George E
Publication of WO2018111871A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018111871A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D34/00—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
    • A01D34/01—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
    • A01D34/412—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters
    • A01D34/416—Flexible line cutters
    • A01D34/4161—Means for feeding cutter line
    • A01D34/4163—Means for feeding cutter line by triggered line feedout, e.g. bump-feeding
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D34/00—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
    • A01D34/01—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
    • A01D34/412—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters
    • A01D34/416—Flexible line cutters
    • A01D34/4166—Mounting or replacement of the lines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to string trimmers and the rotating heads of string trimmers. More particularly, the present invention relates to the mechanisms contained within string trimmer heads for winding, holding and dispensing new lengths of trimmer line when needed.
  • the trimmer head is the part of the string trimmer machine that is rotated by the drive shaft of the trimmer machine.
  • the trimmer head holds lengths of trimmer line that rotate with the trimmer head.
  • the rotating trimmer line contacts and cuts vegetation as it spins.
  • the trimmer head rotates either clockwise or counterclockwise during operation.
  • the trimmer head is affixed to the string trimmer machine by a bolt or nut to the terminus of the drive shaft of the string trimmer including any extension thereto. Threading direction of the bolt or nut is determined by the rotation direction of the drive shaft so that the trimmer head does not unthread from the string trimmer during operation.
  • the mix in the current retail market is roughly evenly split between clockwise and counterclockwise rotating string trimmer machines.
  • trimmer heads There are many types of trimmer heads on the market. The most common types of traditional trimmer heads are the bump-feed trimmer head and the automatic-feed trimmer head. Both types of trimmer heads contain an internal spool that holds a reserve of wound trimmer line. As the trimmer line wears away, it can be replaced from the internal spool. In a bump-feed trimmer head, short lengths of line are released from the spool when the bottom of the trimmer head is impacted or "bumped" against a hard surface. In an automatic-feed trimmer head, a short length of line is released from the spool without the operator having to manually strike or bump the bottom of the trimmer head on the ground.
  • Bump-activated trimmer heads are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,881 ,464 to Collins, entitled Line Head for Flexible Line Trimmer.
  • Automatic-feed trimmer heads are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,384 to Everts, entitled Automatic Head for a Line Trimmer; U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,607 to Everts, entitled Automatic Line Trimmer Head; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,189 to Muto, entitled Filament Type Trimmer Apparatus Cutters.
  • trimmer head In order to replenish and reload new trimmer line into the trimmer head, the trimmer head must typically be disassembled and the internal spool removed. This process is often too difficult for many homeowners to complete successfully or even attempt.
  • Another common problem that often accompanies bump-feed trimmer heads is the problem of line twisting string on the spool.
  • Most bump-feed trimmer heads contain two lengths of trimmer line that extend from opposite side of the trimmer head. Bump-feed trimmer heads rely upon centrifugal forces to pull the trimmer lines from the spool. If the trimmer lines tangle, twist or become buried under subsequent windings or fuse together from heat, the trimmer lines may not dispense in the proper manner. The trimmer head must then be disassembled, the trimmer string unwound and again rewound in the proper manner before the trimmer head will again work as designed. Furthermore, whenever the trimmer string supply is exhausted, the trimmer head must be manually disassembled. The spool is removed and rewound with a new supply of trimmer line. The spool is then reassembled back into the trimmer head. This process is difficult, labor intensive and highly time consuming.
  • trimmer heads are designed to rotate in only a single direction, that is, the trimmer head is designed only to be mounted on a clockwise trimmer or on a counterclockwise trimmer but not both. Accordingly, a trimmer head designed for a clockwise trimmer may not work on a counterclockwise trimmer. Furthermore, some parts from a clockwise trimmer head cannot be interchanged with any of the parts from a counterclockwise trimmer head. This requires a trimmer head manufacturer to create two sets of manufacturing tools, one for clockwise trimmer heads and one for counterclockwise trimmer heads. This significantly increases the cost associated with manufacturing trimmer heads. Furthermore, it results in each trimmer head design having two different models, one for clockwise rotation, and one for counterclockwise rotation.
  • a need also exists for a string trimmer head that dispenses trimmer line with less likelihood that the trimmer line will tangle, twist, or bind.
  • a need exists for a trimmer head that does not have to be disassembled to have new string added.
  • a need exists for a trimmer head that can be manufactured inexpensively with few operating parts and can operate either as a uni-directional of bi-directional trimmer head on trimmer machines.
  • the present invention is to a trimmer head assembly and the method of configuring the trimmer head assembly.
  • the trimmer head assembly attaches to a string trimmer machine.
  • the trimmer head assembly holds lengths of trimmer line that cut vegetation when the trimmer head assembly spins and contacts the vegetation.
  • the trimmer head assembly has a housing that attaches to the string trimmer machine.
  • a spool is provided inside the housing.
  • the spool rotates about an axis of rotation.
  • the spool can move longitudinally along the axis of rotation between at least a first position and a second position.
  • a ratcheting mechanism and an indexing mechanism are provided between the trimmer head housing and the spool. When the spool is in its first position, the ratcheting mechanism enables the spool to continuously or discretely rotate about the axis of rotation in the direction opposite that in which the trimmer head assembly spins.
  • the ratcheting mechanism also prevents the spool from rotating within the housing in the either direction when unintended and only allows rotation in the trimmer line winding direction when sufficient torque is applied.
  • new trimmer line can be wound onto the spool, simply by anchoring the trimmer line to the spool and manually turning the spool. No disassembly is required.
  • the string/line can be fed straight through from one eyelet to the other eyelet ("straight through”) prior to winding the line onto the trimmer core.
  • an activation mechanism is provided for momentarily moving the spool from its first position in the housing to its second position.
  • the activation mechanism can be automatic or bump activated. Once momentarily in its second position, the indexing mechanism enables the spool to turn so that a small length of the trimmer line can unwind from the spool.
  • a "bidirectionally-operable trimmer head” is defined as a trimmer head that can be assembled with the line (subsequently or previously) wound around the trimmer head spool and mounted to either a clockwise trimmer machine or to a counterclockwise trimmer machine, wherein the trimmer head will dispense line outward when activated regardless of whether the trimmer head is currently rotating in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction because the spool can rotate in a direction independent of the trimmer head to dispense a length of line outwardly.
  • a "wound trimmer head” is defined as a trimmer head having a trimmer line wound on the spool thereof.
  • Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a trimmer head according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is an exploded view of several of the components of the trimmer head of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the trimmer head spool of Fig. 1 1.
  • Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the trimmer head of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative version of the trimmer head of Fig. .
  • Figs. 6-8 show views of a trimmer head according to a third embodiment of the invention having a center flange.
  • Figs. 9-12 show views of a trimmer head according to a further embodiment of the invention having a flangeless spool.
  • Figs. 13-14 show views of a trimmer head according to a further embodiment of the invention having passages in the bottom flange of the spool.
  • Fig. 15 shows an alternate spool having multiple passages therethrough for use with at least one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figs. 16-20 show views of a trimmer head according to a further embodiment of the invention having a non-circular spool.
  • Fig. 21 shows an alternate spool having spokes instead of a center flange for use with at least one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figs. 22 and 23A-B show alternate spools having multiple passages therethrough for use with at least ' one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figs. 24 shows a trimmer head according to a further embodiment of the invention having a modular passage through the center of the spool.
  • Fig. 25A-E shows alternate modules having various passageways through the center of the spool for use with at least one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figs. 26A&B and Fig. 27 show various components of the trimmer head of Fig. 24.
  • Figs. 28A&B show an alternative spool arrangement having passages through the bottom flange for use with at least one embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 29 shows an alternative spool having no passages through a flange of the spool for use with at least one embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 30 shows another embodiment the spool having a module for selectively changing the course of the line into or through the spool.
  • Fig. 31 shows a number of modules that may be used with the spool of
  • Figs. 32A & 32B shows a variation on the slot in the central flange or central spoke of the spool for facilitating winding of the line onto the spool.
  • Fig. 33 is a magnified view a slot analogous to that shown in Figure 32B with a smaller taper.
  • Fig. 34 shows a cross-sectional view of a spool with the slot of Fig. 33.
  • Fig. 35 shows a front plan view of a spool having a slot as shown in Fig. 33.
  • Figs. 35-38 show an embodiment of a spool for a trimmer head having an extended funnel.
  • Fig. 35 is a perspective view.
  • Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view.
  • Figs. 37-38 are environmental views.
  • Fig. 39 shows a front plan view of a spool having a slot as shown in Fig. 33.
  • the present invention relates to straight through feed trimmer heads for string line trimmers.
  • FIG. 1-4 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of a trimmer head 10 for use with a string trimmer machine (not shown).
  • the trimmer head affixes to a string trimmer machine drive shaft arbor (including any extension thereof,) (not shown) by a bolt, nut or other fastener 12 in a form and specification as required to mate with the respective arbor.
  • the direction of threading of the fastener is selected so that during normal rotation of the drive shaft, the fastener will tend to tighten rather than loosen from the arbor.
  • the fastener 12 allows the trimmer head 10 to rotate as a unit with the drive shaft to drive a trimmer head line 14 in a radius outwardly from the trimmer head.
  • the trimmer head line 14 is well known in the art and may be made of plastic or other material and is rotated at a high speed to cut grass, weeds or brush that the line comes in contact with and is available in a number of line diameters.
  • U.S. Patent 8,025,249 issued 9/27/2011 to George Alliss shows one such configuration and operation of a string trimmer head, which patent is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the upper housing 21 includes a non-circular "keyed" chamber 23 (Fig. 4) for receiving (or acting as) the fastener 12 and to prevent the fastener from rotating relative to the housing.
  • the chamber 23 is shown as being octagonal, but the shape may be chosen to accommodate whatever fastener is used to connect the housing to the arbor.
  • the fastener is typical a bolt or nut is forward or reverse threading.
  • a core 16 is provided within the trimmer head 10 to receive the trimmer line thereabout as it is wound into the trimmer head.
  • the core is selectively rotatable relative to the housing.
  • a pair of eyelets 18 are provided on the outer housing 20 to introduce the trimmer line into the interior of the housing.
  • the eyelets are preferably 180 degrees apart from each other, but in some circumstances may be more or less than 180 degrees apart and may include fewer or more eyelets.
  • the eyelets may include a metal guard or other sleeve for resisting wear as the line 14 within the eyelet is moved about or through the eyelet.
  • the core preferably may have a central opening or chamber defined by inner wall(s) 22.
  • the trimmer core 16 preferably includes a central, straight through guide passage ("channel") 24 therethrough.
  • the passage 24 preferably has a first opening selectively alignable with (or being positioning relative to) one of the pair of eyelets 18 of the housing to feed a trimmer line therethrough and a second channel opening alignable with the second of the pair of eyelets 18 when the first opening is aligned with the first eyelet.
  • the alignment of the channel and eyelets allows a trimmer line to be fed from the first eyelet through the first channel opening, through the channel and out through the second opening and second eyelet when feeding the trimmer line onto the trimmer head.
  • An indicator 31 ( Figure 4) viewable from outside the trimmer head may be provided so that the user is aware when the core 16 and housing are aligned and ready for receiving the line. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator is on the knob viewable from beneath the trimmer head.
  • FIG. 2 shows a preferred configuration of the core of the trimmer head.
  • a ratchet system and an indexing system are provided.
  • the ratchet system includes a first system for winding the trimmer line.
  • the figure shows the trimmer head core 16 with a trimmer line 14 fed therethrough.
  • a knob 30 for engaging and rotating the core 16 is shown below the core.
  • a lower housing 32 which forms part of the outer housing 20 is shown below the knob.
  • the knob 30 has a number of preferably non-circular arms/splines 34 which are received within a mating receiver of the core 16 to securely rotate the knob and core together when required.
  • the lower housing 32 cooperates with the upper half of the housing 20 to secure the knob and core therein with a portion of the knob 30 extending through an opening 33 in the lower housing.
  • the upper 23 and lower 32 housing may be connected by a number of methods or systems, but are preferably connected by a quick release system such as by flexible arms/fingers 25 and cooperating holes 27 interference fit with each other.
  • the core and upper and lower housing cooperate to form an indexing system and ratchet mechanism for feeding and controlled release of the trimmer line. In the position shown in Figure 1 , the eyelets 18 and feed channel 24 are aligned allowing a length of trimmer line 14 to feed through the outer housing through the core and out the other side.
  • the knob 30 can be rotated to wind the line onto the core 16.
  • the core has an upper disk 36 and a lower disk 38 which form upper and lower boundaries of the lower chamber 57 for the trimmer line to be wound on the core.
  • the upper chamber 59 is formed by the upper disk 36 and a shelf 61 of the housing as describer later hereinunder.
  • the openings 40 of the feed channel 24 have an opening on the side for directing the line onto the core.
  • the core will turn away from the trimmer line entrance, and the inner wall 42 will begin to pull the trimmer line as the core continues to turn.
  • the line will then begin to be pulled into the housing as the line wraps around the inner wall 42 of core 16.
  • a number of ramps 46 on the lower housing are arranged to interfere and impede the rotation of the cogs within the housing during normal operation of the string trimmer machine. It should be noted that a spring 50 is provided above the core to bias the core downward but which allows for axial movement of the core (and attached knob) under a preselected force.
  • obstructions are so that the core cannot "freewheel" when the housing is turned by the string trimmer. It is desired that the core and housing turn together during normal operation so that the trimmer line is maintained at a constant length. If the core were allowed to turn, then the trimmer line could unintentionally wind or unwind as the housing turned relative to the core.
  • the user applies enough torque on the knob to force the cogs 44 of the core past the ramps 46.
  • the ramps are oriented such that rotation in the proper direction (in the example, clockwise, but one skilled in the art would recognize that the ramps could be arranged to rotate only clockwise, only counterclockwise or in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions by having one ramp or by having two opposing ramps back to back) causes the cog to move up and over the ramp.
  • the cog will strike a vertical wall of the ramp (or other similar obstruction) and further torque will not promote further rotation of the knob and core.
  • This ratcheting system allows the direction of winding to be controlled and also provides a control for allowing only a certain amount of line to be released.
  • One way ratcheting has the advantage of ensuring that the line only winds one way onto the core and the line cannot be “fouled” by turning the core in the "wrong" direction.
  • the trimmer line during winding will be forced into one of two chambers 57, 59.
  • the side port opening 41 of the passage determines whether the particular end of the line will wrap into the lower chamber 57 or upper chamber 59.
  • the port 41 at the front directs line into the lower chamber 59 which is bound by upper and lower flanges 36,38 ( Figure 3).
  • the rear port 41 ( Figure 2) directs line 14 onto the upper chamber.
  • the upper chamber in this embodiment as best shown in Figure 2 is bound at the lower end by upper flange 36 and at its upper end by a surface/shelf 61 of the housing 20.
  • the shelf 61 is smooth to reduce any drag or friction of the trimmer line on the shelf as the spool rotates relative to the housing.
  • the interior wall of the chamber is preferably provided by the core of the flange which rotates about the circular wall 65.
  • the lower edge of the spool may rotate while being supported for rotation by a lower circular wall 67 of the housing which encloses the spool or both the spool and knob ("activation mechanism").
  • the user taps the string trimmer head on the ground to release an amount of string.
  • this is accomplished by depressing the knob further into the housing ("axially upward") causing the core 16 to move upwardly against the bias of the spring 50.
  • the axial movement is sufficient to raise the cogs 44 of the core 16 above the ramps 46. This frees the core 16 to free spin relative to the housing 32 in either direction.
  • the direction of the spin (relative to the housing) will be controlled by the forces on the trimmer line 14 and the direction that the line is wound on the core, not by the direction of the trimmer head.
  • trimmer head Another function of the trimmer head is to control the amount of rotation during the free spin when feeding line outward. This is desirable so that only a small bit of line is fed out to replace line that has been worn down or cut during trimming of brush or weeds. The user can repeat the process described by "bumping" the knob again if further amounts of line are needed.
  • the line control indexing feature in the embodiment illustrated is performed by a number of upward protrusions 52 ("square teeth") provided on the upper area of the core.
  • the amount of string/line 14 released during one bump is controlled by the spacing between stop bars 54 on the upper section 21 of housing 20.
  • the core 16 may rotate in the free spin mode at most until the protrusions hit one of the stop bars halting the rotation of the core.
  • the core will drop back down to its original axial position under the bias of spring 50.
  • the core may then rotate until a cog 44 runs into an interfering ramp.
  • the centrifugal forces on the line will prevent the cog from further turning up the ramp which would cause the trimmer line to retract onto the spool.
  • a cog turning the opposite direction would strike the vertical wall of the ramp and would thereby be prevented from rotating further.
  • bumping the knob will allow the core to free spin relative to the housing, but the amount of (bi-directional) free spin will be controlled by the teeth 52 and stop bars and the spring will return the core to the original axial position where the ramps will prevent the core from turning past a ramp by the interaction of the ramps and cogs. It should be noted that even if the teeth do not hit the stops, the bias of the spring will bring the cogs and ramps back into align acting as a failsafe to prevent unintended amounts of line from being released in a single bump.
  • Trimmer heads built in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention allow the spool to "free wheel" relative to the housing for a brief interval. During this interval the line can actually pull the spool faster than the housing to release an amount of line. Preferably, one of the stops prevents an undue amount of line from being released at the time.
  • This ability to release the line by being able to both speed up relative to the housing or to slow down relative to the housing during dispensing of the line outwardly from the spool to allow the spool to dispense trimmer line independent of the direction of rotation of the trimmer head is defined for the purposes of this application as “bidirectional dispensing" or “bidirectional line dispensing.”
  • a trimmer head that is capable of bidirectional dispensing is “bidirectionally operable.”
  • the direction of winding of the line on the trimmer head is defined herein as the direction in the line would be wound relative to the spool to release/dispense trimmer line when the spool slows relative to the trimmer housing, i.e., winding a trimmer line clockwise on the spool would allow a counterclockwise rotating trimmer head to dispense line from the spool when the knob is 'bumped" on the ground to slow the spool relative to the housing to allow the housing to unwind a length of trimmer line to dispense that
  • Figure 5 shows an alternative construction for the first embodiment.
  • the ratchet on the bottom of the lower disk 38 are formed by teeth or gears 60 and the ramps 62 on the lower housing 32 have been moved inwardly to accommodate the location of the gears 60.
  • the functional components of the ratchet stop bars, teeth/gears, and ramps
  • Figure 24 shows an alternative version of the invention according to a further embodiment.
  • the spool 2416 is splined to knob 2430 through spline 2434 and cooperating slots and grooves on the knob 2430 so that the spool and knob will co-rotate together.
  • Figures 26A&B show the combined spool and knob 2433 and profiles of the ramps and cogs thereon. Ramps, stops and cogs are each preferably provided to allow the spool to wind spool in a particular direction and to index the amount of line dispensed can be controlled.
  • a feature shown in Figure 24 that can be used with any of the other embodiments is a module 2470 that can be installed within the spool 2416.
  • the module aligns with the passages 2440 of the spool and provides/controls routing of the trimmer line within the core of the spool from one flange passageway to the other flange passageway.
  • the module may have a key, tooth, spline, groove or other device so that it is aligned properly with the spool.
  • the module may be reversible or rotatable to change the orientation, path or alignment of the module with the spool.
  • the module is preferably switchable with other modules to control the path through the core to route the line in various paths.
  • the module provides flexibility such as routing around a driveshaft, bolt or other similar device (if any) by providing a curved path 2472 (Figs. 25A&B) or to route straight though the center 2470 (Fig. 24).
  • Figure 25C shows a one-sided curved path 2474 that leads through a corresponding spool flange (not shown).
  • Figure 25D shows a spiral path through the center of the module 2476 that leads to a corresponding spool flange having spiral, non-radial passages therethrough (not shown).
  • Figure 25E shows a module 2478 having a plurality of passage for use selectively with 1 -2 trimmer lines through a cooperating flange having corresponding passages (not shown)for each of the two module channels.
  • Figure 27 shows a module 2470 installed within the spool 2416.
  • Figure 28A&B show an embodiment of the invention similar to that of Figure 1 , however the channels 2840 are provided in a lower flange instead of the upper flange 40.
  • the eyelets 2818 of the housing would have to be aligned with the lower flange in this embodiment instead of with the upper flange.
  • the cogs 2844 are also reversed from the bottom flange to the top flange.
  • Figures 6-8 show another embodiment of the invention having an example of variation in the placement of the ratchet components and includes a central flange for dividing the trimmer line into an upper and lower chamber.
  • a central core 1 16 of a trimmer head 1 10 has a number of cogs 152 on an upper disk 138 that cooperate with a number of stops 154 (Fig. 7) provided in the upper portion 121 of the housing.
  • the followers 144 on core 1 16 and ramps 146 on lower housing 132 cooperate to form the trimmer line winding ratchet.
  • the spring 150 biases the core 1 16 into proper axial position as discussed above.
  • the knob 132 is preferably formed as an integral part of the core 116.
  • the core 1 16 has a different configuration for accepting an amount of trimmer line onto the core 1 16 into two separated chambers.
  • trimmer line can be thicker and stiffer than for example "fishing line,” the line can tend to straighten itself out (“unspool") in the trimmer head and then tighten in use. These cycles can cause the line to wind on itself or even weld/fuse to itself under the heat of friction. Separating the lines can lessen the chance of these problems and increase the ease and reliability of feeding out line during operation.
  • the openings 140 on either side on the center flange 137 open on diverse sides of the flange.
  • One opening has its mouth 141 opening above flange 137 to feed line into the chamber formed between the upper disk 136 and flange 137.
  • the opposite opening 40 is the mirror image with a mouth opening towards the bottom of flange 137 to feed line into the chamber formed by flange 137 and disk 138.
  • knob 130 is rotated to cause followers 144 to rise up and over ramps 146 to allow the core 1 16 to rotate relative to the housing 121 ,132.
  • the rotation of the core causes line fed through the housing eyelets 1 18 through the trimmer line feed channel opening 40 and out the opposite eyelet to wrap around the core 1 16. Because of the varied orientation of the mouths of openings 140, different portions of the line will wrap into the individual chambers formed above and below flange 137.
  • trimmer line is required to be fed out to increase the length of the active cutting section of the line, the use will strike (“bump") the knob on the ground of other surface.
  • the bump will cause the followers 44 to lift above ramps 146, and centrifugal on the trimmer line will cause the line to pull against the core to rotate the core in the direction (relative to the housing) necessary to feed the line outward, regardless of the overall rotational direction of the trimmer head.
  • the rotation of the core relative to the housing will be checked by the cogs 152 striking the stops 154 to control the amount of line fed during one "bump" of the knob 130.
  • Figures 9-12 show an alternative embodiment having a flangeless core and which distributes some of the ratcheting components to a knob separated from the core.
  • Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the trimmer head 210.
  • the core 216 is rotatingly tied to the knob 230 by arms/splines 233 engaged with corresponding slots 235 that will cause the knob and core to fixedly co-rotate together.
  • the knob and core and bias spring 250 are located and biased into position between the lower housing 232 and upper housing 221.
  • a number of square teeth 252 cooperate with corresponding stops on the upper housing 221 to form the feed control ("indexing") mechanism as described above to limit the amount of line fed out during "bumping" of the trimmer head knob 230.
  • the upper housing 221 has a guide wall 253 ( Figure 12) for receiving the outer wall of the core.
  • the guide wall serves a number of purposes. Firstly, it centrally locates the core 216 within the housing. With the knob 230 centered in lower housing 232 and the core located in the upper housing 221 , the core and knob will be guided to rotate securely within the housing about a fixed axis. Additionally, the guide wall causes the square teeth 252 to properly align with stop bars 254 as described above. The stops and teeth will limit the amount of free rotation of the core during "bumping" and will only dispense a limited amount of line per bump.
  • the wall 249 of the upper housing 221 is shown as surrounding and securing the core 16, it is preferable that the wall 249 is provided within the core (see for example, Fig. 1) so that the core can rotate about the wall 249. This allows the line to wrap around the upper section of the core instead of around the upper housing wall 249, which lessens the friction on the line as the core rotates independent of the housing 221.
  • the lower housing includes a number of followers 244 that cooperate with the ramps 246 ( Figure 1 1) to provide the ratcheting function to allow winding of the trimmer line onto the core 216 while preventing unintended rotation of the core relative to the housing.
  • the spring 250 biases the core downwardly.
  • the core 216 presses down on the knob, which forces the ramps 246 and followers 244 into axial alignment. Rotation of the core rotates the knob until the ramps engage the followers. If the torque on the knob is increased, such as by manually turning the knob 230, the followers will force the ramps upward against the bias of the spring 250.
  • the ramps will pass over the followers 244 and the spring will force the ramps back down into alignment with the followers in a ratchet-like motion.
  • the rotation allowed by passing the ramp over the follower will allow the core to rotate relative to the housing to wind additional line around the core.
  • the axial spacing of the ratchet mechanism may be such that the height that the knob moves as the ramp goes over the follower is insufficient to bring the square teeth 252 into engagement with the stop bars 254 and thus the stops will not interfere with the rotation of the core during winding of the line onto the core as the knob is rotated.
  • the core 216 itself is flangeless. It does not require an upper or lower disk or a central flange to coordinate the winding of line onto the core.
  • the core has a number of arms 217 that extend the length of the trimmer line feed channel 224 from one eyelet 218 to the other.
  • the channel terminates into opposing openings 40.
  • the opening on one side of the channel has a mouth 41 opening upwardly and the other opening has a mouth opening downwardly.
  • Line fed upwardly feeds into an area of the housing bounded by the arm 217 and the upper housing 221.
  • the guide wall 253 prevents the line from interfering or entangling with the rotating core or with the square teeth 252 at the upper end of the core.
  • Figure 21 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention having an upper and lower flange, but no center flange.
  • the spool 2116 has an upper flange 2136 and a lower flange 2138. This could for example be used in place of the spool of Figure 6.
  • Appropriate cogs, ramps and/or stops could be provided as necessary to mate with ramps, cogs or stops on the housing.
  • a bump knob (not shown) could be provided that would mate at the bottom of the spool or provided integral to the spool. In operation, a line fed through the opening 2140 would be fed through the other side to openings (1 18, Fig. 6) in the housing.
  • the line would feed out the side openings 2141 of the spoke or wing 21 17 and would wind around the central wall 21 1 1 of the spool.
  • a flange is not required because the spokes would act to separate the line into the top or bottom opening according to whether the channel opening 2141 opened to the top or bottom of the wing 21 17.
  • the spoke can be flared (expanded in the radial direction) to help ensure that the line wraps in the proper direction. This will act to pull the next bit of line still above the wing so that it also wraps in the top chamber.
  • Line in the bottom chamber will analogously wrap in the bottom chamber.
  • the top and bottom flanges will act to maintain the line on the spool.
  • Additional spokes or wings could be provided about the core of the spool. These additional spokes could have passages therethrough to allow additional trimmer lines to be used or can be used as alternate passages in case the primary passage through the spool is blocked by a broken line or the like.
  • the additional spokes could also be provided without passages (not shown) therethrough to help ensure that the line continues to wind into the proper channel as line control spokes.
  • the spool will otherwise act in a similar mode to that of Figure 6.
  • Figures 13-14 show a further embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a trimmer head 310 utilizing a core 316 having no bottom flange.
  • the core 316 has a central flange 317 with a straight through trimmer line feed channel 324.
  • An upper disk 336 (Fig. 14) carries cogs 352 that cooperate with stops 354 on the upper housing 321 to form the trimmer line dispensing control mechanism.
  • the channel 324 terminates in a pair of opposed openings 340. One opening biases trimmer line into a chamber formed between the upper disk 336 and the central flange 317.
  • the opposite opening has a mouth that biases that section of trimmer line downward to the area of the housing formed between the flange 317 and the interior of the lower housing 332 and the knob 330.
  • the knob may have an upper surface ("shelf) 339 to prevent line accumulating thereon from spreading into unintended areas during rotation and to define a lower chamber for receiving line therein.
  • a lower tubular portion 374 of the core 316 may be provided to extend into knob to further secure the core to the knob and to promote rotation of the core about the central axis of the trimmer head. Since the core 316 and the knob are fixed together by a slot 370 and groove 372 on the core extension 374, the line will rest on the upper surface as the knob and core co-rotate therewith.
  • ramps 346 on the knob cooperate with followers on the lower housing (see Figure 9, reference 244) to allow the trimmer line to be wound onto the core 316 as discussed above.
  • FIG 15 shows an alternative embodiment of a trimmer head having more than one trimmer head feed channels 424 ("passage").
  • the core 416 provides a number of feed channels 424.
  • the channels may be connected to the appropriate opposing or adjacent channel by passages 420 in a central module 422 in the core 416 so that the line fed through one channel 417 feeds out of a second channel in the core 416. See fig.
  • the number of lines that can be fed through simultaneously is controlled to one line by the number of eyelets on the outer housing (see for example, Figure 1 ) and is typically only one line. However, it may be desirable to provide additional channels on the core 416 for various reasons including in case one channel gets blocked by broken line or debris.
  • channels could be provided to receive different types/diameters of trimmer lines or for other purposes.
  • the channels could cross each other in the middle so that are in communication with each other or one or more of the channels could each bend slightly so that the channels cross over each other.
  • the openings on each channel could cause the line to all flow into one chamber or to divide onto either side of the channel.
  • the channels could be configured alike or in different configurations as needed.
  • the multiple channels could be provided on a central flange or on a top or bottom disk or on a flangeless core.
  • Figure 22 shows a similar four channel spool 2216 having four channels/passages 2217 in a central flange.
  • the channels openings at the opposite end of the passage would lead into the same chamber to separate the winding of the two trimmer lines.
  • Figures 23A&23B show spools 2316 having passages 2317 in a top flange and in a bottom flange respectively.
  • the spool and trimmer housing could also be configured to have passages in both of the top and bottom flanges at the same time to provide for the attachment of multiple trimmer lines or to provide an alternative mounting spot for a trimmer line when one passageway is blocked.
  • a central flange could be provided so that both ends of the trimmer line from the top flange are stored in the top chamber and both ends of the trimmer line from the bottom flange are stored in the bottom chamber.
  • Figure 29 shows an alternative version of the spool 2916.
  • Each passageway has a terminating opening/hole 2940 at each end of the passage.
  • the opening 2940 in the core of the spool determines whether the line will wrap into an upper chamber or into a lower chamber.
  • the hole at the opposite end of the passage would lead into the same chamber to separate the winding of the two trimmer lines.
  • the drawback to this design is that it may require an artificial aid to thread the line through the eyelet and through the spool. This could be accomplished several ways including the use a straw or other device or by disassembling the trimmer head to thread the line properly. For these reasons, this design is less preferable to other designs, but may accomplish goals at a lower cost, for example.
  • Figures 16-20 show an additional embodiment according to at least one aspect of the invention having a non-tubular core.
  • Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the trimmer head 510.
  • the trimmer head 510 includes an upper housing 521 (Figure 19) and a lower housing 532 ( Figure 20) with a core 516 ( Figures 16), a spring 550 and a knob 530 ( Figure 17) housed therein.
  • the upper housing 521 has a keyed chamber for receiving a fastener to connect the trimmer head 510 to the arbor of a string trimmer machine.
  • the housing interior is shaped through a number of spacers 519 around the wall to receive the outer diameter of the flange 517 so that the core 516 rotates within the housing about a central axis. That is, the core can rotate without undue wobbling, etc.
  • the housing has a number of eyelets 518 that may include metal or plastic guards or sleeves to prevent wearing of the housing as trimmer line 514 is added to or removed from the housing.
  • the upper housing 521 is connected to the lower housing as appropriate.
  • Figure 20 shows the lower housing having flexible collet-like fingers 525 that secure within openings 527 within upper housing to provide a quick release connector between the upper and lower housing. Pressing the fingers 525 inwardly releases the fingers from the openings 527 so that the housing can be separated into the upper and lower housing parts.
  • knob 530 can be secured to the core 516 by fingers 76 cooperating within openings 576 on the core or by other fasteners or threading.
  • the walls of the key 578 on the knob are dimensioned and shaped to fit within an opening on the bottom of the core 516.
  • the opening is the same shape and dimensions as the inner walls 578 of the core to securely receive the knob so that the knob cannot rotate relative to the core.
  • the core has a center flange 517 for separating the incoming halves of the trimmer line 514 into a lower chamber formed between disk 538 and flange 517. Trimmer line above the flange 517 is retained within the space between the flange 517 and the upper housing 521.
  • the trimmer line as discussed above is fed from outside the housing through an eyelet 518 through the channel 524 and out the other eyelet.
  • the line is then fed onto the core by turning the knob, which rotates the core 516 to wrap the line around the core.
  • Cooperating ramps 546 and followers 544 control unintended rotation of the core relative to the housing, while allowing desired rotation by turning the knob with sufficient torque to cause the ramps to move past the followers for the desired amount of travel as discussed above.
  • the presently described embodiment preferably does not include an indexing system having separate stops and cogs or square teeth.
  • the stops are utilized in some of the embodiments to control the amount of line fed through the eyelets per "bump" of the knob. It has been found that the amount of line fed out during a "bump" can be adequately controlled simply from the ramps and followers. When the knob is bumped or pressed by a quick tap of the trimmer head on the ground, there may be a small time gap before the core actually begins to turn.
  • the return time that it takes to press the core back down into the original position and place the ramps on or between the followers is sufficient to only allow a small amount of rotation of the core before the ramps hit a follower and stop rotation of the core relative to the housing.
  • the use of only the ramp and follower portion of the ratchet system is sufficient to perform both functions of allowing winding and controlling trimmer line feed.
  • Figure 30 shows another embodiment of a spool 3010 having a module for selectively changing the course of the line into or through the spool.
  • the spool in combination with the knob 3030 can be provided with ramps, cogs, etc. necessary to interact with a trimmer head housing (not shown) to provide unidirectional or bidirectional operation to dispense trimmer line (not shown) as discussed in relation to the embodiments above and in the prior art.
  • the spool may have one or more line receiving chambers to wind the trimmer line about the spool. Separate chambers for each end of the line to wrap around can prevent the line from "fusing" to other portions of the line by lessening the overall friction and heat on the line.
  • spools have used extensive flanges (see for example, Fig.8, reference 137) to separate the line into an area above and below the flange 137 as the line wraps around the spool core.
  • the present invention according to some embodiments of the invention can use spokes 3019 instead of the flange to reduce the weight and material when manufacturing the spool.
  • the number of spokes can be increased or decreased as necessary to ensure that the trimmer line properly wraps above or below the center line and cannot "cross over" from one chamber into the other chamber.
  • the shape and width of each spoke can be chosen to increase the integrity of the line wrapping.
  • the spokes may also be preferable to increase the height (i.e., along the line parallel to the axis of the spool) to effectively separate the wrapping of the line in one chamber from the other. See for example, Figure 21. Since the spokes are only acting as a separator and are not under unduely large forces, the spokes offer a lower cost option to a central flange by saving material and weight.
  • the embodiment of Figures 30-31 may also take advantage of the use of modules to convert the spool from a "straight through/radial" spool to a non-radial routing.
  • the easiest way to route a trimmer line through a spool is to have a large opening that extends directly across one the spool along any diameter of the spool, often called the "radial" direction since the line extends from the center of the spool along a radius of the spool as well. See for example, Figure 24 and module 2470 that route a trimmer line straight through (“radially through”) the spool.
  • Figures 31A-E show various module arrangements that can be used to provide optional routing into or through the spool 3010.
  • Figure 31 A shows a radial interference fit module.
  • the module has a trimmer line opening 3177 to receive the trimmer line.
  • the opening is larger than the trimmer line so that the trimmer line can be threaded into the line receiving slot.
  • trimmer line is produced in a number of standard sizes in the diameters of 0.065”, 0.080", 0.095", and 0.105".
  • the terminal end of the line receiving slot 3181 has a diameter smaller than the line that it receives. In this way, the trimmer line can be interference fit inside the slot such that the line is pushed in to slightly compress the trimmer line within the slot to anchor the line in the slot.
  • the amount of force required to properly seat the trimmer line in the slot is slight because the line will immediately be bent more than 90 degrees as it is wrapped around the core of the spool, the bending torque on the line and the interference fit will both increase the friction resisting the line from coming out of the slot as the line is wrapped around the spool.
  • the remaining line may be automatically ejected out of the line receiving slot and out of the spool under the centrifugal force produced by the rotating trimmer head.
  • the residual line can be pulled easily out of the line receiving slot and a new line can be inserted and wound around the spool.
  • Figure 31 B shows a curved ("non-linear") line receiving slot 3183 for receiving trimer line.
  • the line receiving slots instead of using a single piece of trimmer line threaded through the spool core with roughly half of the line extending out each side of the spool, the line receiving slots require that more than one trimmer line segment be threaded through the plurality of line receiving slots.
  • more than two slots could be provided for receiving one trimmer line segment in each line receiving slot.
  • the number of slots and number of lines should each be chosen so that the load on the trimmer head is equally distributed about the trimmer head. For example, two slots and two line segments, three slots and three line segments, or four slots and two line segments would all result in a balance trimmer head, but four slots with three line segments extending therefrom could result in an unbalanced trimmer head.
  • Figure 31 C shows a module for use with the spool of Figure 30 that is analogous that shown in Figure 31 B.
  • the module 3170 of Figure 31 C has a central hole 3187 for receiving a fastener or the chuck or arbor of the drive shaft of a trimmer machine. This use of the module allows for the conversion of the spool from use with a short drive shaft trimmer to a long drive shaft trimmer, the typical difference between a curved drive shaft and a straight drive shaft.
  • Figure 31 D shows the module of Figure 31 B but having a through hole 3187 through the center of the module.
  • Figures 32A & 32B shows a variation on the slot in the central flange or central spoke of the spool for facilitating winding of the line onto the spool.
  • Figures 3 & 8 show typically slots for directing the trimmer line into the line holding chambers.
  • the slot opening is roughly equal in diameter at the core of the spool and at a point farthest from the core so that the slot does not interfere with the trimmer line threading onto the core. This also allows for easy removal of the line from the core when the line needs to be replaced.
  • the lack of any anchor means that as you begin to wind the trimmer line onto the spool, the line can slip in one direction or the other through the spool, resulting in one end of the trimmer line extending further out of the spool than the other end. This is important during winding and because the longer trimmer line side will immediately need to be trimmed to balance out the two sides of the line. This is typically done automatically by a cutter on the trimmer head. Alternatively, if the lines are wrapped in unequal numbers around the trimmer head, then one side will "finish" before the other and the line will have to be replaced prematurely.
  • FIG. 32A solves this issue by providing an anchor for the trimmer line in the form of a V shaped or U shaped slot (or other shape) forming a tapered slot for trapping the line therein.
  • the trimmer line (not shown) begins its initial wrap around the spool, the line will be forced inwardly along the slot towards the core of the spool.
  • the line will be anchored in place. With the line thus anchored, the line cannot pull in or out of the spool thereby preventing an imbalance in the trimmer line from one side of the spool to the other.
  • the slot When used with a line receiving slot such as that shown in Figure 31A, the slot provides an additional anchor to further secure the line onto the spool. When the line needs to be replenished, the line can just be pulled outwardly (through the eyelet for example) to release the line from the slot.
  • the dimension and material of the slot should be chosen carefully to prevent the line from weakening or breaking the line prematurely.
  • Figure 33 shows a cross section of one such configuration of the slot of the spool of Figures 34 & 39. Note that in this embodiment, the slot does not taper to a point, but has a minimum width at the end closer to the spool that will ensure that the trimmer line is not pinched, severed or sliced through.
  • the minimum width of the taper is more than 1/2 or 3/4 the width of the trimmer line that is installed on the spool to prevent undue pinching of the trimmer line by the anchor taper walls.
  • FIGs 35-38 show an embodiment of a spool for a trimmer head having an extended funnel 3762 for facilitating the entrance of a trimmer line segment (not shown) into the spool channel 3724.
  • Trimmer line is typically made of nylon or similar plastic materials. The material has elastic properties and can be straightened or wound around the spool of a trimmer head. It also is used because it has good wear characteristics. But in the short term, the line can take on a "set" from the shape the material has been stored in. For example, if the line is wound around a wide core (i.e., around a large diameter object), the end of the line may have a gentle curve to it. If the line is wound around a nail or small diameter object, the end of the line may have a sharp curve to it. Either of these may inhibit the line from easily threading into the channel 3724 of a spool.
  • the short funnel of Stark only helps if end of the line is fairly straight so that the angle of the bend of the line plus the angle of the funnel is not so great that the line points to the opposite funnel wall instead of the entrance to the passageway through the spool. Additionally, the sharp angle of the funnel wall to the passageway can actually introduce additional bend in the line making it harder to insert the line into the passageway.
  • the trimmer line is more likely to be directed into the passageway 3724 of the spool. Additionally, the funnel mouth can be widened to accept the end of the line more easily, while still effectively directing the end of the line into the passageway. Or if the line gets caught as it is entering the funnel because the line is too bent, further pressure on the line is more likely to push the line into the passageway because of the gradual taper of the funnel to the passageway. By making the funnel longer than any anticipated problematic bend in the line, the funnel is more likely to rapidly introduce the trimmer line into the passageway.
  • the funnel can extend from the flange (or spoke) to the core or even inside the core of the spool for maximum funneling effect.
  • the tapered portion of the funnel proceeds more than 1/3 or 1/2 of the diameter of the flange from the core of the spool to the outer edge of the flange or spoke.
  • the funnel extends to within the outer wall of the spool core, and most preferably extends to within the inner wall of the core of the spool as shown in Figure 36 so that it can readily receive a trimmer line that is not perfectly straight.
  • Figure 34 shows the combination of the extended funnel and the anchor slot 3191 for anchoring the line as it is wrapped about the spool.
  • spool 3730 and spool 3710 may be formed as one piece or separate pieces.
  • the knob and spool are separate pieces to secure the knob to the spool by a screw, bolt or other fastener.
  • the knob and spool are held together by a quick release fastener (not shown) analogous to the ones (reference 25,27 in Figure 4) used to hold together the trimmer head housing in some embodiments.
  • the flange housing the funnel in Figure 34 has been reduced in diameter compared to the top flange. This allows for a higher capacity in the storage area and more importantly facilitates the efficient dispensing of the line from the funnel to the line holding areas. Additionally, when the funnels include a line anchor 3191 , the smaller diameter allows for more room to pull the line out of the slot and through the eyelet when the line is no longer wrapped about the spool and the line is feeding directly from the anchor to the eyelet.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract

La présente invention concerne une tête de coupe-bordure, destinée à être utilisée avec des têtes de coupe-bordure à rotation dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre ou dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre, comprenant l'utilisation d'un corps à distribution bidirectionnelle. Divers emplacements de passages rectilignes à travers la tête de coupe-bordure et le corps sont présentés conjointement avec divers emplacements de composants du mécanisme d'encliquetage pour permettre d'enrouler le fil de coupe-bordure sur la tête du coupe-bordure et de limiter la quantité de fil de coupe distribué pendant les « chocs » du bloc de la tête du coupe-bordure contre le sol. De plus, un entonnoir étendu dans le passage peut être prévu pour faciliter l'entrée du fil du coupe-bordure dans l'entonnoir même lorsque le fil n'est pas parfaitement droit. En outre, des rayons peuvent être utilisés à la place des brides du corps pour économiser des matériaux et de l'argent, tout en fournissant quand même un guide et une barrière entre les zones de stockage du fil.
PCT/US2017/065810 2016-12-12 2017-12-12 Corps pour appareil coupe-bordure de végétation à alimentation de fil rectiligne avec modules et rayons WO2018111871A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/376,474 US9924631B2 (en) 2008-04-22 2016-12-12 Spool for straight through line feed vegetation trimmer apparatus with modules and spokes
US15/376,474 2016-12-12

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WO2018111871A1 true WO2018111871A1 (fr) 2018-06-21

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040134078A1 (en) * 2003-01-10 2004-07-15 Pfaltzgraff James R. Vegetation cutting device
US20110000091A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2011-01-06 Proulx Manufacturing, Inc. Trimmer Head For Use In Flexible Line Rotary Trimmers Having Improved Line Loading Mechanism
US8025249B2 (en) * 2007-11-16 2011-09-27 Alliss George E Bi-directional trimmer head spool with curved trimmer line guide
US20150150191A1 (en) * 2008-04-22 2015-06-04 George E. Alliss Straight through line feed vegetation trimmer apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040134078A1 (en) * 2003-01-10 2004-07-15 Pfaltzgraff James R. Vegetation cutting device
US20110000091A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2011-01-06 Proulx Manufacturing, Inc. Trimmer Head For Use In Flexible Line Rotary Trimmers Having Improved Line Loading Mechanism
US8025249B2 (en) * 2007-11-16 2011-09-27 Alliss George E Bi-directional trimmer head spool with curved trimmer line guide
US20150150191A1 (en) * 2008-04-22 2015-06-04 George E. Alliss Straight through line feed vegetation trimmer apparatus

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