Abstract: A spool (1) comprises a sleeve (4, 4'), flanged members (2, 3) and a resilient dish-shaped member (6) positioned between a thread-winding retaining flange (5, 5') and one of the flanged end members (2). Member (6) is in the form of a conical spoked wheel (FIG. 11). Flange (5, 5') has peripheral teeth (20) for guiding thread onto and a chamfered rim (25) which cooperates with a chamfered rim on member (6). The thread cascades (FIG. 18) from one rim (25) onto the other (27) and is thereby positively guided between member (6) and flange (5). Member (6) applies a positive but gentle clamping pressure to thread trapped at any point about its periphery. Sleeve (4) is made of identical halves which are welded together within an outer sleeve of variable diameter. The construction and interchangeability of the components facilitates production of different high quality spools, e.g. to accommodate different lengths of threads.

Abstract: The invention relates to moulded plastic spools for thread having a groove in which thread can be trapped. A spool 1 is provided for carrying thread windings on which is included a flexible flange 5 mounted at one end. A thread trapping member 8 is adapted to be fitted to such end of the spool so that a surface of the thread trapping member abuts against the surface 5a of the flexible flange to form a groove between the thread trapping member and the flexible flange. The groove can be opened on flexing of the flange for facilitating insertion of thread therein.

Abstract: A unitary moulding of plastics material comprising:A. a spool member for carrying thread windings, andB. a thread trapping member joined to said spool member by frangible bridging means, said thread trapping member being adapted, after breaking of the frangible bridging means, to be fitted to the end of said spool member so that a surface of the thread trapping member cooperates with a surface of the spool member to form a groove for trapping thread.