Line Collection Apparatus

Abstract

The device allows a person to easily collect and dispose of small lengths of line, thread, string, floss, fishing line, wire, and similar materials. The device collects the material by pulling it into an enclosed collection cylinder. The device allows for several pieces and lengths of material to be collected before the user needs to empty the accumulated material into a trash receptacle. The device is small enough in size and weight that it may be easily carried in a person's pocket.

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. 
   
   
       2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the spindle and cylinder are mounted tangentially on a handle. 
   
   
       3 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the spindle and cylinder are mounted axially on a handle. 
   
   
       4 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the orientation of the spindle and the cylinder may be altered between radial and axial mounting by means of a rotating joint. 
   
   
       5 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a second spindle may be mounted on the handle to permit the primary spindle to accumulate material from a spool, bobbin, or a reel. 
   
   
       6 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the collection cylinder includes one or more slots through which the material to be collected in fed. 
   
   
       7 . A device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein an alignment mechanism is used to ensure the spindle ends its rotation with the spindle's slot aligning with one or more slots in the collection cylinder. 
   
   
       8 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a removal cap is placed on the open end of the collection cylinder to help retain the accumulated material. 
   
   
       9 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the collection cylinder can be pulled up to push the accumulated material off of the spindle. 
   
   
       10 . A device as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the maximum movement of the collection cylinder is constrained to retain the cylinder on the handle. 
   
   
       11 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the rotational speed of the spindle may be altered by the user through either a mechanical or electrical means. 
   
   
       12 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the transmission means includes a clutch or slip means to prevent a stalled spindle from damaging the motive means of the device and/or injuring the operator through excess friction with the material (i.e. rope burn). 
   
   
       13 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein an optional line guide is mounted on the handle to facilitate the feeding of the material to the spindle. 
   
   
       14 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein an optional line cutter is mounted on the handle to permit the user to cut off the line being fed to the spindle. 
   
   
       15 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a cutting blade is mounted in an extended cap to permit the user to cut the accumulated material on the spindle into smaller pieces for easier disposal. The cutting blade may be mounted to permit it pass through the slot in the collection spindle to maximize the amount of material cut. 
   
   
       16 . 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 material between the Drive Wheel ( 206 ) and the Friction Wheel ( 204 ) into a Collection Cylinder ( 208 ) connected to the main body via a Threaded Joint ( 207 ). The wheels rotate on two Axles ( 205 ) in the main body of the collector. The Drive Wheel is rotated by the operator typically spinning the wheel with their thumb or alternatively using a motive device such as an electric motor, battery, and activation switch. 
   
   
       17 . A device as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein an optional line cutter in the form of a hand operated Fixed Blade ( 203 ) and a Moving Blade ( 201 ) will permit the operator to remove a length of material from the end of a line. 
   
   
       18 . A device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the Drive Wheel ( 206 ) and the Friction Wheel ( 204 ) are omitted. This device is suited for applications where the line material is very stiff or of a large cross-sectional diameter. 
   
   
       19 . A device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the Moving Blade ( 201 ) incorporates a latching mechanism to retain the Moving Blade in the fully depressed position to close the collection device to prevent accumulated pieces of material from unintentionally falling out.