Patent ID: 6648141
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A retainer ring for controlling the flow of welding wire from a coil of welding wire contain d in a wire package having a package axis, the coil having a coil axis parallel to the package axis, a coil top transverse to said coil axis and radially inner and outer surfaces, said retainer ring comprising a substantially planar body for overlying the coil top, said body including an inner opening having an opening axis parallel to the coil axis, said opening having an edge, said body having an outer peripheral edge including a plurality of nodes which extend radially outwardly relative to said edge of said opening beyond the outer surface of the coil, adjacent ones of said nodes being joined by a node edge extending inwardly of the outer surface of the coil, said node edge being arcuate and concave with respect to said outer peripheral edge, and at least one of said nodes engaging the wire package for preventing said retainer ring from rotating relative to the package axis.