MULTI-PACK PACKAGE FOR FISHING LINE

A multi-pack packaging for fishing line houses multiple spools of fishing line. In a preferred embodiment, each spool holds a length of fishing line having a different diameter. A friction reducing disk is located between and adjacent to each of the spools for permitting each of the spools to rotate substantially independently of the other spools. Clips may be provided for surrounding fishing line on each of the spools between the upper flange and the lower flange of each spool. Each clip defines a clip orifice through which an end of the fishing line can protrude. Each spool is located adjacent to an orifice defined by the side wall of the cylindrical housing so that the lengths of the fishing line can extend through an adjacent orifice to allow easy access by a user.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to fishing line dispensers and packaging. More particularly, the invention relates to fishing line packaging capable of holding and dispensing fishing line from multiple spools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Avid fishermen oftentimes will make use of fishing line of various diameters, depending on the environmental conditions, type of tackle and other reasons. Therefore, it is desirable to provide fishermen with fishing line of various diameters packaged in a single dispenser wherein a selected line may be easily dispensed and wherein the packaging may be used for storage until the line is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-pack packaging for fishing line has a cylindrical housing with an open top end, an enclosed bottom end, an inside diameter and a longitudinal axis. Multiple spools of fishing line may be located within the cylindrical housing. For example, a first spool, a second spool and a third spool may be received within the cylindrical housing, wherein each of the spools have a hub connected to an upper flange and a lower flange. A greater or lesser number of spools may also be used. An upper flange and a lower flange of each spool have an outside diameter that is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the cylindrical housing to permit rotation of the spools within the cylindrical housing.

In one embodiment, a first length of fishing line is wound around the hub of a first spool, wherein the first length has a first diameter. A second length of fishing line is wound around the hub of a second spool, the second length having a second diameter. A third length of fishing line is wound around the hub of a third spool, wherein the third length has a third diameter.

A friction reducing disk is located between the first spool, the second spool, and the third spool. Additionally, a friction reducing disk may be located adjacent to the upper flange of the first spool and adjacent to the lower flange of the third spool. The friction reducing disks are provided for permitting each of the spools to rotate more easily and to rotate substantially independently of the other spools.

A first, second and third clip are provided on their respective spools between the upper flange and the lower flange of each spool. The clips surround a length of fishing line wrapped around the hub of each spool. Each clip defines a gap through which an end of the fishing line can protrude. Each spool is located adjacent to an orifice defined by the side wall of the cylindrical housing so that the lengths of the fishing line can extend through an adjacent orifice to allow easy access by a user.

The fishing line package provides a convenient storage container for fishing line of various sizes. Additionally, the clips discussed above prevent the line in each spool from inadvertently unwinding. The friction reducing disks facilitate rotation of a single spool while substantially preventing rotation of adjacent spools. The storage container additionally permits a prospective purchaser to view the line within the package before purchase. These and other advantages will become evident from the following description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multi-pack package of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway plan view of the package of FIG. 1 showing the lid removed;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container alone of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a line spool of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the line spool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a left side elevational view of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the package of FIG. 1.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention consists of a package containing multiple spools of fishing line wherein each spool moves independently from the others. The package contains one hole for each spool of fishing line, allowing a user to unspool a single fishing line while the remaining lines remain unspooled.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, shown is a multi-pack package for fishing line designated generally 10. The packaging 10 includes a cylindrical housing 12, which is preferably translucent, having a top end 14 (FIGS. 4, 6), bottom end 16, an inside diameter and a longitudinal axis. Cylindrical housing 12 defines a first orifice 18, a second orifice 20, and a third orifice 22. Orifices 18, 20 and 22 are preferably spaced along a length of cylindrical housing 12.

Bottom surface 24 (FIGS. 4, 6) is affixed to bottom end 16 of said cylindrical translucent housing 12. A rim section 26 (FIGS. 1, 4, 6) of cylindrical housing 12 is proximate to top end 14 of cylindrical housing 12 and has a reduced thickness. A plurality of radially extending posts 28 extend from rim section 26.

Lid structure 30 has cylindrical portion 32 having a top end 34, a bottom end 36 (best seen in FIG. 6) and a longitudinal axis. Cylindrical portion 32 has a length that is approximately the same as a length of rim section 26 of cylindrical housing 12. Cylindrical portion 32 of lid structure 30 defines a plurality of L-shaped openings 38 that are spaced apart from one another to receive radially extending posts 28 of cylindrical housing 12. A vertical section of each of L-shaped openings 38 receive posts 28. When lid structure 30 is rotated, posts 28 are then located in a horizontal portion of L-shaped openings 38, thereby securing lid structure 30 to cylinder housing 12. Lid structure 30 additionally defines top surface 40.

First spool 42 is received within cylindrical housing 12. First spool 42 has hub 44 connected to upper flange 46 and lower flange 48. Upper flange 46 and lower flange 48 have an outside diameter that is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of housing 12. Upper flange 46 and lower flange 48 each define finger detent 50 on the outside diameter of each of flanges 46, 48 to facilitate removal of first spool 42 from housing 12.

Second spool 52 is received within cylindrical housing 12. Second spool 52 has hub 54 connected to upper flange 56 and lower flange 58. Upper flange 56 and lower flange 58 have an outside diameter that is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of housing 12. Upper flange 56 and lower flange 58 each define finger detent 60 on the outside diameter of each of flanges 56, 58 to facilitate removal of second spool 52 from housing 12.

Third spool 62 is received within cylindrical housing 12. Third spool 62 has hub 64 connected to upper flange 66 and lower flange 68. Upper flange 66 and lower flange 68 have an outside diameter that is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of housing 12. Upper flange 66 and lower flange 68 each define finger detent 70 on the outside diameter of each of flanges 56, 58 to facilitate removal of third spool 62 from housing 12.

First length 72 of fishing line is wound around hub 44 of first spool 42. First length 72 has a first diameter and first terminal end 74. Second length 76 of fishing line is wound around hub 54 of second spool 52. Second length 76 preferably has a second diameter and defines second terminal end 78. Third length 80 of fishing line is wound around hub 64 of third spool 62. Third length 76 preferably has a third diameter and defines third terminal end 82.

First clip 84 surrounds first length 72 of fishing line. First clip 84 has first end 86 and second end 88. First clip 84 defines clip orifice 85 through which first terminal end 74 of fishing line 72 can protrude for extending through first orifice 18 of housing 12.

Second clip 94 surrounds second length 76 of fishing line. Second clip 94 has first end 96 and second end 98. Second clip 94 defines clip orifice 95 through which second terminal end 78 of fishing line can protrude for extending through second orifice 20 of housing 12.

Third clip 104 surrounds third length 80 of fishing line. Third clip 104 has first end 106 and second end 108. Third clip 104 defines clip orifice 105 through which terminal end 82 of fishing line can protrude for extending through third orifice 22 of housing 12.

First friction reducing disk 110 is located between lower flange 48 of first spool 42 and upper flange 56 of second spool 52. Second friction reducing disk 112 is located between lower flange 58 of second spool 52 and upper flange 66 of third spool 62. Third friction reducing disk 114 is located between lower flange 68 of third spool 62 and bottom surface 24 of housing 12. Friction relieving disks 110, 112, 114 are preferably made of PVC or another low friction material to permit spools 42, 52, 62 to rotate substantially independent of one another.

Circular product identifying disk 116 is located adjacent to top surface 40 of lid structure 30. Product identifying strip 118 is located within cylindrical housing 12. Strip 118 surrounds first spool 42, second spool 52, and third spool 62. When located within housing 12, strip 118 defines an opening 120 that permits viewing of a portion of line 72, 76, and 80 of spools 42, 52, 62.

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-pack packaging for fishing line comprising:

a housing having an open top end, an enclosed bottom end, an inside diameter and a longitudinal axis;
a first spool received within said housing, said first spool having a hub connected to an upper flange and a lower flange, said upper flange and said lower flange having an outside diameter slightly smaller than said inside diameter of said housing to permit rotation of said first spool within said housing;
a second spool received within said housing and located beneath said first spool, said second spool having a hub connected to an upper flange and a lower flange, said upper flange and said lower flange having an outside diameter slightly smaller than said inside diameter of said housing, to permit rotation of said second spool within said housing;
a first length of fishing line wound around said hub of said first spool, said first length having a first diameter;
a second of length of fishing line wound around said hub of said second spool, said second length having a second diameter;
a friction reducing disk between said first spool and said second spool for permitting said first spool to rotate substantially independent of said second spool.

2. The packaging according to claim 1 further comprising:

a second friction reducing disk between said lower flange of said second spool and a bottom surface of said enclosed bottom end of said housing to facilitate ease of rotation of said second spool.

3. The packaging according to claim 1 wherein:

said housing defines a first orifice and a second orifice spaced along a length of said housing for receiving said first length of fishing line and said second length of fishing line, respectively.

4. The packaging according to claim 3 further comprising:

a third orifice defined by said housing, said third orifice located below said first orifice and said second orifice, said third orifice for receiving a third length of fishing line.

5. The packaging according to claim 1 further comprising:

a lid structure for engaging said open top end of said housing.

6. The packaging according to claim 1 wherein:

said second diameter of said second length of fishing line is different from said first diameter of said first length of fishing line.

7. The packaging according to claim 1 further comprising:

a third spool received within said housing, said third spool located below said second spool, said third spool having a hub connected to an upper flange and a lower flange, said upper flange and said lower flange having an outside diameter slightly smaller than said inside diameter of said housing;
said third spool receiving a third length of fishing line, said third length wound around said hub of said third spool, said third length having a third diameter.

8. The packaging according to claim 7 wherein:

said third diameter of said third length of fishing line is different than said first diameter of said first length of fishing line and is different than said second diameter of said second length of fishing line.

9. The packaging according to claim 7 further comprising:

a third clip surrounding said third length of fishing line, said third clip having a first end and a second end, said third clip defining a clip orifice through which an end of said third length of fishing line can protrude.

10. The packaging according to claim 7 further comprising:

a third friction reducing disk adjacent said lower flange of said third spool and adjacent to a bottom surface of said enclosed bottom end of said housing for facilitating ease of rotation of said third friction reducing disk.

11. The packaging according to claim 1 further comprising:

a material strip within said housing and surrounding said first spool and said second spool, said material strip defining an opening to permit viewing of a portion of said spools within said housing when said material strip is placed within said housing.

12. The packaging according to claim 1 further comprising:

a first clip between said upper flange and said lower flange of said first spool, said first clip surrounding said first length of fishing line, said first clip having a first end and a second end, said first clip defining a clip orifice through which an end of said first length of fishing line can protrude; and
a second clip between said upper flange and said lower flange of said second spool, said second clip surrounding said second length of fishing line, said second clip having a first end and a second end, said second clip defining a clip orifice through which an end of fishing line can protrude.

13. A multi-pack packaging for fishing line comprising:

a housing having an open top end, an enclosed bottom end, an inside diameter and a longitudinal axis;
a first spool received within said housing, said first spool having a hub connected to an upper flange and a lower flange, said upper flange and said lower flange having an outside diameter slightly smaller than said inside diameter of said housing to facilitate rotation of said first spool within said housing;
a second spool received within said housing, said second spool having a hub connected to an upper flange and a lower flange, said upper flange and said lower flange having an outside diameter slightly smaller than said inside diameter of said housing, to facilitate rotation of said second spool within said housing;
a first length of fishing line, said first length wound around said hub of said first spool, said first length having a first diameter;
a second length of fishing line, said second length wound around said hub of said second spool, said second length having a second diameter;
a first clip between said upper flange and said lower flange of said first spool, said first clip surrounding said first length of fishing line, said first clip having a first end and a second end, said first clip defining a clip orifice through which an end of said first length of fishing line can protrude;
a second clip between said upper flange and said lower flange of said second spool, said second clip surrounding said second length of fishing line, said second clip having a first end and a second end, said second clip defining a clip orifice through which an end of said second length of fishing line can protrude.

14. The packaging according to claim 13 wherein:

said housing defines a first orifice and a second orifice spaced along a length of said housing.

15. The packaging according to claim 14 further comprising:

a third orifice spaced along a length of said housing, said third orifice located below said second orifice.

16. The packaging according to claim 13 further comprising:

a lid structure for engaging said open top end of said housing.

17. The packaging according to claim 13 further comprising:

a third spool received within said housing, said third spool located below said second spool, said third spool having a hub connected to an upper flange and a lower flange, said upper flange and said lower flange having an outside diameter slightly smaller than said inside diameter of said housing.

18. The packaging according to claim 17 further comprising:

a third length of fishing line, said third length wound around said hub of said third spool, said third length having a third diameter.

19. The packaging according to claim 18 wherein:

said third diameter is different than said first diameter and said second diameter.

20. The packaging according to claim 18 further comprising:

a third clip between said upper flange and said lower flange of said third spool, said third clip surrounding said third length of fishing line, said third clip having a first end and a second end, said third clip defining a clip orifice through which an end of fishing line can protrude.

21. The packaging according to claim 17 further comprising:

a third friction reducing disk adjacent said lower flange of said third spool and adjacent a bottom surface of said enclosed bottom end of said housing for facilitating ease of rotation of said third spool.

22. The packaging according to claim 13 further comprising:

a material strip within said housing and surrounding said first spool and said second spool, said material strip defining an opening to permit viewing of a portion of said spools when said material strip is placed within said housing.

23. The packaging according to claim 13 further comprising:

a first friction reducing disk between said first spool and said second spool for substantially isolating rotation of said first spool from said second spool;
a second friction reducing disk adjacent to said lower flange of said second spool for permitting ease of rotation of said second spool.

24. A multi-pack packaging for fishing line comprising:

a housing having an open top end, an enclosed bottom end, an inside diameter and a longitudinal axis, said housing defining a first orifice, a second orifice, and a third orifice spaced along a length of said housing;
a first spool received within said housing, said first spool having a hub connected to an upper flange and a lower flange, said upper flange and said lower flange having an outside diameter slightly smaller than said inside diameter of said housing to permit rotation of said first spool within said housing;
a second spool received within said housing, said second spool having a hub connected to an upper flange and a lower flange, said upper flange and said lower flange having an outside diameter slightly smaller than said inside diameter of said housing, to permit rotation of said second spool within said housing;
a third spool received within said housing, said third spool having a hub connected to an upper flange and a lower flange, said upper flange and said lower flange having an outside diameter slightly smaller than said inside diameter of said housing to permit rotation of said third spool within said housing;
a first length of fishing line wound around said hub of said first spool, said first length having a first diameter;
a second length of fishing line wound around said hub of said second spool, said second length having a second diameter;
a third length of fishing line wound around said hub of said third spool, said third length having a third diameter;
wherein said first spool is located adjacent to said first orifice so that said first length of said fishing line can extend from said first orifice;
wherein said second spool is located adjacent to said second orifice so that said second length of said fishing line can extend from said second orifice;
wherein said third spool is located adjacent to said third orifice so that said third length of said fishing line can extend from said third orifice.
Patent History
Publication number: 20110084160
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 8, 2009
Publication Date: Apr 14, 2011
Inventor: JAMES E. THERRELL (Broken Arrow, OK)
Application Number: 12/575,836
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Dispensing Container (242/588.3); Axially Aligned Rolls (206/394); Peripheral Reel Cover (206/398); With Pay-out Aperture (206/409)
International Classification: B65D 85/04 (20060101); B65H 75/28 (20060101); B65H 49/20 (20060101);