Holding device for spare string trimmer line spools

Abstract

A device to hold a spare spool of trimmer line on a string trimmer while the trimmer is in use. The device has a clamp on its frame's lower surface ( 22 ) to attach it to the string trimmer's shaft, and elements ( 44 A, 44 B) on its frame's upper surface ( 20 ) to retain the spare spool of trimmer line. These elements use the spool's notched indexing lugs ( 34 A, 34 B) and spring ( 42 ) to retain the spare spool. The spare spool is placed into the device by compressing the spool's spring ( 42 ) and engaging the spool's notched indexing lugs ( 34 A, 34 B) onto pins ( 28 A, 28 B) located on curved slotted elements ( 24 A, 25 B) located on the upper surface of the device's frame ( 20 ).

I claim:  
     
         1 . A device for holding a spare string trimmer spool on a string trimmer, comprising: 
 (a) a clamping means to hold the device on the string trimmer's shaft, and    (b) a frame that utilizes the compression of the spare spool's spring to cause the spool to engage elements of the frame as a means of holding the spool in place    whereby the spare spool of trimmer line is securely held on the string trimmer during use of the string trimmer and can be conveniently put into use on the string trimmer when required.    
     
     
         2 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the clamping means comprises a pair of curved members that grip the string trimmer's shaft after the shaft is pushed between the curved members.  
     
     
         3 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of ledges are attached to the frame as a means to allow plastic wire ties to used to enhance the security of the connection between spare spool holder and the string trimmer's shaft.  
     
     
         4 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the clamping means comprises a split collar and threaded fastener.  
     
     
         5 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the frame employs a plurality of pins to engage the spare spool's notched indexing lugs as a means of positively locating the spare spool on the spare spool holder.  
     
     
         6 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the frame employs a plurality of recesses to engage the spare spool's indexing lugs as a means of positively locating the spare spool on the spare spool holder.  
     
     
         7 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the frame employs a pair of ladder-like members and a retaining bar with hooks on each end to engage the rungs of the ladder-like members as a means of positively locating the spare spool on the spare spool holder.  
     
     
         8 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein a cross-shaped member is attached to the said frame as a means of centering and retaining the spare spool on the spare spool holder.  
     
     
         9 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein a knob-like element is located on the cross-shaped member as a means of positively locating the spare spool's spring.