Rotary device for automatically deploying and retracting a cord-like element from a storage device
US6487780B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01D34/4162
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rotary device for automatically dispensing and retracting a line, such as cutting filament for a vegetation trimmer, has a spool around which is wound a small coil of the line. The line has a cutting segment that extends radially from the spool. The cutting segment has a precise length that is automatically maintained by a balance of centrifugal force and aerodynamic drag. The rotary device also has additional storage capacity for the line. An additional supply of line for the rotary device beyond the small coil may be stored in many different forms while remaining ready for immediate deployment and use. Examples include extended storage loops of the line protruding from the spool, a second coil or reservoir of line located remotely from the spool, or a magazine of the line mounted to the spool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.