Protective spool dispenser and cutter

• US 7,124,674 B2
• Filed: 04/29/2004
• Issued: 10/24/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NB Properties, LLC
• Original Assignee: NB Properties, LLC
• Inventors: Maxey, James Dewey
• Primary Examiner(s): LEE, LAURA MICHELLE
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEE, LAURA MICHELLE
• Application Number:
  US10/834,106
• Publication Number:
  US 20040216576A1
• Time in Patent Office: 908 Days
• Field of Search: 83949-950, 83597-612, 836/07, 83648-650, 835/20, 836/09, 225/34, 225/46, 242/134, 242/138, 242/129.8, 305/13, 118/36
• US Class Current: 83/649
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 13/045 Twine cutters also combined with twine holders
• CPC Class Codes: B23D 29/023 for cutting wires
• CPC Class Codes: B26D 1/30 with limited pivotal movement to effect cut
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 49/32 Stands or frameworks
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/8812 Cutting edge in radial plane
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/896 Rotatable wound package supply

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective spool dispenser that is portable, efficient and convenient for dispensing line. The dispenser has four corner members and upper and lower sidebars, forming a box-like outer frame. A crossbar extends between two adjacent corner members. A spool-receiving arm extends from the crossbar. The end of the spool-receiving arm opposite the crossbar is unsecured, so that a spool of line may be easily slid onto the arm. The arm includes a tensioning spring, two washers and a fastening pin. The spool is sandwiched between the two washers. Free spinning is prevented due to the tensioning spring. The disclosed dispenser also preferably includes a cutter mechanism for cutting line to desired lengths.

Claims

1. A spool dispenser and cutter, comprising:

a skeletal outer frame having a plurality of support members in a hexahedral configuration;

a crossbar attached to at least one of said support members, said crossbar substantially coplanar with a first face of said outer frame;

a receiving arm having a first end attached to said crossbar and an unsecured distal second end extending into an area defined by said outer frame, said receiving arm configured for receiving a spool of line, said unsecured distal second end of said receiving arm adjacent an opening defined by said outer frame, the spool removable from said receiving arm through said opening;

a cutter bar having a first end pivotally attached to said outer frame and an unsecured distal second end, wherein said first end of said cutter bar is pivotally attached proximate a corner of said outer frame, said cutter bar having a cutting surface intermediate said first and second ends for cutting line from the spool, wherein said cutter bar includes a first leg substantially coplanar with a second face of said outer frame; and

a guide bar having a first portion secured to an upper support member on said second face and a second portion spaced from said upper member, said cutter bar receivable between said upper support member and said second portion when pivoted to a closed position;

wherein when said cutter bar is in said closed position, said guide bar is aligned with said cutting surface and said upper support member includes an inwardly extending first notch aligned with said cutting surface;

said second portion of said guide bar including a second notch aligned with and spaced from said first notch.

2. The dispenser and cutter of claim 1, wherein said receiving arm is substantially perpendicular to said crossbar.

3. The dispenser and cutter of claim 2, wherein said first end of said receiving arm is attached at a midpoint of said crossbar.

4. The dispenser and cutter of claim 1, wherein said receiving arm has a generally cylindrical configuration.

5. The dispenser and cutter of claim 4, wherein said receiving arm includes a plurality of spaced holes proximate said second end, said holes extending through said receiving arm substantially perpendicular to the axis thereof.

6. The dispenser and cutter of claim 5, further comprising a fastening pin receivable in any one of said holes, the spool securable on said receiving arm between said crossbar and said fastening pin.

7. The dispenser and cutter of claim 6, further comprising a first washer receivable on said receiving arm and intermediate the spool and said fastening pin when the spool is secured on said receiving arm.

8. The dispenser and cutter of claim 7, further comprising a spring surrounding a portion of said receiving arm proximate said first end, the spool tensioned against said first washer by said spring when the spool is secured on said receiving arm.

9. The dispenser and cutter of claim 8, further comprising a second washer receivable on said receiving arm and intermediate said spring and the spool when the spool is secured on said receiving arm.

10. The dispenser and cutter of claim 1, wherein said first face is adjacent said second face.

11. The dispenser and cutter of claim 1, wherein said cutter bar includes a second leg substantially perpendicular to said first leg forming an L-shaped cutter bar.

12. The dispenser and cutter of claim 11, wherein said second leg is substantially coplanar with a third face of said outer frame.

13. The dispenser and cutter of claim 11, wherein said first leg is longer than said second leg.

14. The dispenser and cutter of claim 1, wherein said first leg includes said cutting surface.

15. The dispenser and cutter of claim 1, wherein said outer frame is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of steel, titanium, aluminum, and high-strength plastic.

16. The dispenser and cutter of claim 1, wherein said first notch includes first and second angled surfaces extending outwardly relative to said area defined by said outer frame.

17. The dispenser and cutter of claim 16, wherein said first notch is V-shaped.

18. The dispenser and cutter of claim 1, wherein said second notch is V-shaped.

19. The dispenser and cutter of claim 1, wherein said second notch has an inverted keyhole configuration.

20. The dispenser and cutter of claim 1, wherein said outer frame includes a first substantially rectangular support member, and a second substantially rectangular support member.

21. The dispenser and cutter of claim 20, including a plurality of flat plank support members, each of said flat plank support members having a first end connected to said first rectangular support member and a second opposite end connected to said second rectangular support member.

22. The dispenser and cutter of claim 1, wherein said outer frame includes a lower support member having mounting holes operably associated with fasteners for securing said outer frame to a surface.