Patent ID: 12221315

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology used in this description is for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “axial”, “radial”, “circumferential”, “outward”, “inward”, “upper,” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. As used herein, the term “substantially” and derivatives thereof, and words of similar import, when used to describe a size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter includes the stated size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter, and can also include a range up to 10% more and up to 10% less than the stated parameter, including 5% more and 5% less, including 3% more and 3% less, including 1% more and 1% less. All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint and independently combinable (for example, the range of “from 2 grams to 10 grams” is inclusive of the endpoints, 2 grams and 10 grams, and all the intermediate values). The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

FIGS.1through6illustrate a spool100, according to an aspect of this disclosure. The spool100includes an arbor102, a first flange104, and a second flange106. The arbor102is configured to support a roll or coil of material108thereon. The spool100can comprise a paperboard material, which can be folded and bent to form fold lines and/or crease lines spool100. In an aspect, the spool100comprises a single piece of paperboard material. The single piece spool100is configured such that one or both of the first and second flanges104and106can transition between a retention configuration and an open configuration, as further described below. In the retention configuration, the roll of material108is retained on the arbor102(seeFIG.6). In an open configuration, the roll of material108is removable from the arbor102(seeFIG.5).

The arbor102extends about an arbor axis90. In an aspect, the arbor axis90extends through a radial center of the arbor102. The arbor110includes a plurality of arbor panels110. Each of the arbor panels110is connected to each of the other arbor panels110in series. For example, a first arbor panel110ais connected to a second arbor panel110b. In an aspect, the plurality of arbor panels110comprises four panels (as illustrated), such that the arbor102forms a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape when viewed along the arbor axis A. It will be appreciated that the arbor102can comprise a different number of panels. For example, the arbor102can comprise three panels or five or more panels.

Each of the arbor panels110includes a first arbor edge112and a second arbor edge114. Each of the first arbor edges112is spaced from the respective second arbor edge114in an arbor direction A. The arbor direction A is substantially parallel to the arbor axis90. Each of the arbor panels110further includes a third arbor edge115and a fourth arbor edge117. The third arbor edge115of an arbor panel110is connected to a corresponding fourth arbor edge117of an adjacent arbor panel110. For example, the third arbor edge115of the first arbor panel110ais connected to the fourth arbor edge117of the second arbor panel110b. Similarly, the third arbor edge115of the second arbor panel110bis connected to a fourth arbor edge117of a third arbor panel110c(seeFIG.4A).

In an aspect, the third and fourth arbor edges115and117of each arbor panel110extend in a direction substantially parallel to the arbor axis90. The first, second, third, and fourth arbor edges112,114,115, and117can define a substantially rectangular arbor panel110. In an alternative aspect, the third and fourth arbor edges115and117are angularly offset from one another (e.g. not substantially parallel to one another), such that each arbor panel110includes a trapezoid shape, rhombus shape, combinations thereof, or other quadrilateral shape. In another alternative, each arbor panel110can include fewer or more than four arbor edges and can define a triangular shape, hexagon shape, combinations thereof, or other shape. In an aspect, each arbor panel110is substantially planar such that each arbor edge (e.g. edges112,114,115, and117) extends along a substantially similar plane.

The connection between the respective third and fourth arbor edges115and117of adjacent arbor panels110can include a crease line. The crease line can include a fold or bend in the spool100material. The crease line can allow each arbol panel110to rotate relative to an adjacent arbor panel100about the crease line. It will be appreciated that the connection between respective third and fourth arbor edges115and117can comprise other types of rotatable connections that allow the arbor panels110to rotate relative to adjacent arbor panels110.

The first arbor edge112of each arbor panel110is rotatably connected to the first flange104. The rotatable connection between each first arbor edge112and the first flange104can include a crease line. The crease line can include a fold or bend in the spool100material. In an aspect, the first arbor edge112of every arbor panel110is rotatably connected to the first flange104. Alternatively, fewer than all the first arbor edges112of each arbor panel110are connected to the first flange104. For example, an arbor102that includes four arbor panels110can have two first arbor edges112of two of the arbor panels110connected to the first flange106, while two first arbor edges112of two of the other arbor panels110are not connected to the first flange104.

The second arbor edge114of each arbor panel110is rotatably connected to the second flange106. The rotatable connection between each second arbor edge114and the second flange106can include a crease line. The crease line can include a fold or bend in the spool100material. In an aspect, the second arbor edge114of every arbor panel110is rotatably connected to the second flange106. Alternatively, fewer than all the second arbor edges114of each arbor panel110are connected to the second flange104. For example, an arbor102that includes four arbor panels110can have two second arbor edges114of two of the arbor panels110connected to the second flange106, while two second arbor edges114of two of the other arbor panels110are not connected to the second flange106.

The connection between the first arbor edges112of each arbor panel110with the first flange104and the connection between the second arbor edges114of each arbor panel110with the second flange106can be substantially symmetric when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the arbor axis90. For example, each first arbor edge112and each second arbor edge114can be connected to the respective first flange and second flange104and106in a substantially similar manner. In an alternative aspect, each arbor panel110that has a first arbor edge112connected to the first flange104has a second arbor edge114that is not connected to the second flange106. And each arbor panel110that has a second arbor edge114connected to the second flange106has a first arbor edge112that is not connected to the first flange104. In this aspect, the first and second flanges104and106are circumferentially offset from each other when viewed along the arbor axis90. It will be appreciated that other alternative connections between the arbor panels110and the first and second flanges104and106can be considered that are consistent with the aspects described herein.

The first flange104includes a first plurality of flange panels116. The first plurality of flange panels116comprises a first inner plurality of flange panels118and a first outer plurality of flange panels120. The first inner plurality of flange panels118extend from the arbor102to the first outer plurality of flange panels120. The first outer plurality of flange panels120extend to an end121of the first flange104.

Each of the first arbor edges112of the arbor panels110is rotatably connected to a respective one of the first inner plurality of flange panels118. For example, the first arbor panel110ais rotatably connected to a first inner flange panel118a. Similarly, the second arbor panel110bis rotatably connected to a second inner flange panel118b. Each of the first outer plurality of flange panels120is rotatably connected to an edge of a respective one of the first inner plurality of flange panels118. The rotatable connection between each of the panels110,118, and120can include a crease line formed in the material composing the spool100.

The rotatable connection between each first arbor edge112of the arbor panels110and the respective one of the first inner plurality of flange panels118can extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the arbor axis90. Each of the first inner plurality of flange panels118can rotate between at least 90 degrees and 180 degrees relative to the respective arbor panel110to which the inner flange panel118is connected. For example, when one of the first inner plurality of flange panels118is rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to the respective arbor panel110to which it is connected, the inner flange panel118extends in a direction away from (e.g. radially outward) the arbor axis90such that the flange panel118is substantially perpendicular to the arbor axis90. When one of the first inner plurality of flange panels118is rotated approximately 180 degrees relative to the respective arbor panel110to which it is connected, the inner flange panel118extends in a direction substantially parallel to the arbor axis90. In this orientation (e.g. 180 degree rotation), the inner flange panel118can be substantially planar with (e.g. align along the same plane) the respective arbor panel110to which it is connected. It will be appreciated that each of the first inner plurality of flange panels118can rotate to an angle relative to the respective arbor panel110to which it is connected that is greater than 180 degrees and less than 90 degrees to facilitate receiving and retaining the roll of material108onto the arbor102, as further described below.

With reference toFIGS.4A and4B, each of the first outer plurality of flange panels120is connected to a respective edge122of one of the first inner plurality of flange panels118. Each of the first outer plurality of flange panels120is rotatable relative to the respective one of the first inner plurality of flange panels118about the edge122. In an aspect, the edge122can be substantially perpendicular to the arbor axis90. For example, when a first inner flange panel118aof the first inner plurality of flange panels118is positioned at 90 degrees relative to the respective arbor panel110a, an edge122aextends substantially perpendicular to the arbor axis90. It will be appreciated that the edge122can extend at other angles other than substantially perpendicular to the arbor axis90when the first inner flange panel is greater than 90 degrees. For example, when the first inner flange panel118ais positioned at approximately 180 degrees relative to the respective arbor panel110, the edge122acan extend at an angle other than substantially perpendicular to the arbor axis90.

The first plurality of flange panels116further includes the second inner flange panel118band a second outer flange panel120brotatably connected to the second inner flange panel118bat an edge122b. The second inner flange panel118bcan be connected to the second outer flange panel120bin a substantially similar manner as the first inner flange panel118ais connected to the second outer flange panel120aas described above. In an aspect, the first outer flange panel120ais rotatably connected to the second outer flange panel120b. In an aspect, the rotatable connection between the first and second outer flange panels120aand120bis defined by a crease line124. It will be appreciated that the rotatable connection between the first and second outer flange panels120aand120bcan be defined by alternative structures, such as, multiple crease lines124, flexible panels, combinations thereof, or still other structures. The first and second inner flange panels118aand118band the first and second outer flange panels120aand120bcan be configured such that the first inner flange panel118aand the first outer flange panel120aare mirror images of the second inner flange panel118band the second outer flange panel120b.

With reference toFIG.2, the rotatable connection between the first and second outer flange panels120aand120bcan extend at an angle that is angularly offset from the edges122aand122b. For example, when the first and second outer flange panels120aand120bare aligned such that they both lie on substantially the same plane, the crease line124can be angularly offset from the edge122aby an angle A of approximately 45 degrees. Similarly, the crease line124can be angularly offset from the edge122bby an angle B of approximately 45 degrees in a direction opposite the angular offset between the edge122aand the crease line124.

The first plurality of flange panels116can further include a third inner flange panel118c, a fourth inner flange panel118d, a third outer flange panel120c, and a fourth outer flange panel120d. The third and fourth inner flange panels118cand118dand the third and fourth outer flange panels120cand120dcan be configured substantially similarly to the first and second inner flange panels118aand118band the first and second outer flange panels120aand120b, respectively. Each of the third and fourth inner flange panels118cand118dcan extend from a respective first arbor edge112of the arbor. Each of the third and fourth outer flange panels120cand120dcan extend from the respective third and fourth inner flange panels118cand118d.

With reference toFIG.2, the first and second outer flange panels120aand120bcan be configured to connect with the third and fourth outer flange panels120cand120d. In an aspect, either or both of the first and second outer flange panels120aand120bcan include a first connect element126. Either or both of the third and fourth outer flange panels120cand120dcan include a second connect element128. The first and second connect elements126and128are configured to connect to one another to selectively retain the first flange104in the retention configuration. The first and second connect elements126and128can include, for example, Velcro connectors, a protrusion and slot connection, snap connection, or other type of connection to selectively connect the first and second outer flange panels120aand120bwith the third and fourth outer flange panels120cand120d.

In an alternative or additional aspect, at least one of the first plurality of inner flange panels118can be configured to connect with a respective one of the first plurality of outer flange panels120. The connection between at least one of the first plurality of inner flange panels118and the respective one of the first plurality of outer flange panels120can selectively retain the first flange104in the retention configuration, as further described below.

The first flange104is configured to transition between the retention configuration (seeFIGS.2and6) and the open configuration (seeFIGS.4A,4B, and5). In the retention configuration, the first and second inner flange panels118aand118bextend from the respective first arbor edges112to a retention height R. In the open configuration, the first and second inner flange panels118aand118bextend from the respective first arbor edges112to an open height. The retention height and the open height extend in a flange direction B from the arbor axis90. The flange direction B is substantially perpendicular to the arbor axis90.

The retention height is greater than the open height to allow the roll of material108to be inserted onto and about the arbor102(seeFIG.5). For example, in the open configuration of the first flange104, an outer cross-sectional dimension of the first plurality of flange panels116is less than an inner cross-sectional dimension of the roll of material108. In the open configuration, at least one of the first inner plurality of flange panels118is positioned relative to the respective arbor panel to which it is connected at an angle of less than approximately 90 degrees. In an example, in a fully open position, each of the first inner plurality of flange panels118is positioned relative to the respective arbor panel to which it is connected at an angle of approximately 180 degrees. In the open configuration, the roll of material108is removable from the arbor102in the arbor direction A along the arbor axis90.

In the retention configuration, the roll of material108is substantially prevented from removal from the arbor102along the arbor axis90by the first and second flanges104and106(seeFIG.6). For example, in the retention configuration of the first flange104, an outer cross-sectional dimension of the first plurality of flange panels116is greater than an inner cross-sectional dimension of the roll of material108. In the retention configuration, at least one of the first inner plurality of flange panels118is positioned relative to the respective arbor panel to which it is connected at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. It will be appreciated that the roll of material108can be retained on the arbor102when at least one of the first inner plurality of flange panels118is at an angle of less than approximately 90 degrees relative to the arbor panel110to which it is connected if the outer cross-sectional dimension of the first inner plurality of flange panels118is greater than an inner cross-sectional dimension of the roll of material108.

The first flange104can be transitioned from the retention configuration to the open configuration by rotating one or more of the first plurality of flange panels116. For example, the first and second inner flange panels118aand118bcan be rotated from approximately 90 degrees relative to the respective arbor edge112to an angle of greater than approximately 90 degrees. In an aspect, the first and second inner flange panels118aand118bcan be rotated to approximately 180 degrees. Rotation of the first and second inner flange panels118aand118bcauses the respective first and second outer flange panels120aand120bto rotate about the respective edges122aand122b. As the first and second inner flange panels118aand118band the first and second outer flange panels120aand120brotate from 90 degrees toward 180 degrees relative to the arbor102, the first flange104extends axial outward from the arbor102in the arbor direction A. When the first and second inner flange panels118aand118breach the open height, the roll of material can be positioned on the arbor102by moving the roll of material along the arbor axis90.

To transition the first flange from the open configuration to the retention configuration, the first and second inner flange panels118aand118bare rotated toward the 90 degree position relative to the respective arbor panel110. As the first and second inner flange panels118aand118band the first and second outer flange panels120aand120brotate toward 90 degrees relative to the arbor102, the first flange104retracts axially inward toward the arbor102in a direction opposite the arbor direction A. After the first and second inner flange panels118aand118breach the retention height H, the roll of material108is retained on the arbor102.

The first flange102can be selectively retained in the retention configuration by connected the first connect element126to the second connect element128. In an aspect, in the retention configuration of the first flange104, a surface of the first outer flange panel120aabuts against a surface of the first inner flange panel118a, and a surface of the second outer flange panel120babuts against a surface of the second inner flange panel118b. One or both of the sets of abutting surfaces of the first inner and outer flange panels118aand120aand the second inner and outer flange panels118band120bcan include connect elements (see e.g.FIG.22—snap feature) to selectively connect the abutting surfaces together. The selective connection between the abutting surfaces can selectively retain the first flange104in the retention configuration.

It will be appreciated that the third and fourth inner flange panels118cand118dand the third and fourth outer flange panels120cand120dcan be moved and/or transitioned substantially similarly as the first and second inner flange panels118aand118band the first and second outer flange panels120aand120bto transition the first flange104between the retention configuration and the open configuration.

It will be appreciated that the second flange106can be configured substantially similarly to the first flange104. For example, the second flange106can include a second plurality of flange panels132. The second plurality of flange panels132can transition the second flange106between a retention configuration to retain the roll of material108on the arbor102, and an open configuration to allow the arbor102to receive the roll of material108and to allow the roll of material108to be removed from the arbor102. It will be appreciated that the first and second flanges104and106can be configured differently from one another. For example, the second flange106can be configured such that the second flange is retained or locked in the retention position. To receive and remove the roll of material108from the arbor102, the first flange104is selectively transitioned between the retention and open configurations.

The precise appearance and structure defined by the spool100can be modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the connect elements126and128can be located on different panels of either of the first and second flanges104and106. In another alternative, the spool100could have fewer or more inner panels and/or fewer or more outer panels configured to transition between retention and open configurations. In another alternative aspect, each of the outer flange panels120can be connected to each adjacent outer flange panel120.

FIGS.7through13illustrate a spool200, according to an alternative aspect of this disclosure. It will be appreciated that the spool200can be transitioned, aligned, and configured in a substantially similar manner as the spool100described herein. The spool200includes an arbor202, a first flange204, and a second flange206. The arbor member202and the first and second flanges204and206can be integrally formed as a single unitary piece. For example, the first and/or the second flange204and106can transition between an open position and a retention position without removing either the first and the second flange204and206from the arbor202. The spool200can comprise a paperboard material.

With reference toFIGS.8through10, a first outer panel120aof a plurality of first flange panels216includes a first connect element226. The first connect element226defines a first aperture230that extends therethrough. A third outer panel120cof the plurality of the first flange panels216includes a second connect element228that defines a second aperture232that extends therethrough. In the retention configuration of the first flange204, the first aperture230can substantially align with the second aperture232along an arbor axis190. In an aspect, the spool200can include a dowel member (not shown). The dowel member can be configured to extend through the arbor202, the first aperture230, and the second aperture232along the arbor axis190when the first flange204is in the retention configuration. In an aspect, the second flange206can be configured substantially similarly to the first flange204. The dowel member can further extend through first and second apertures (not shown) of the second flange206. The dowel member can allow the spool to rotate about the arbor axis190such that a roll of material208can be wound about the arbor202by rotating the spool200about the arbor axis190in a coil direction. Similarly, the roll of material208can be unwound from the arbor202by rotating the spool200about the arbor axis190in a direction opposite the coil direction.

FIGS.14through17illustrate a spool300, according to an alternative aspect of this disclosure. It will be appreciated that the spool300can be transitioned, aligned, and configured in a substantially similar manner as either of the spools100and200described herein. The spool300includes an arbor302, a first flange304, and a second flange306.

The arbor302includes a plurality of arbor panels310. Each of the arbor panels310includes a substantially triangular shape. Each of the arbor panels310is connected to each adjacent arbor panel310in series about an arbor axis290. In an aspect, every other arbor panel310spaced about the arbor axis290includes a first arbor edge connected to the first flange304. Each of the other every other arbor panels310spaced about the arbor axis290includes a second arbor edge that is connected to the second flange306. For example, a first arbor panel310aand a third arbor panel310cof the plurality of arbor panels310each include a first arbor edge. The first arbor edge of both the first and third arbor panels310aand310cis rotatably connected to a respective flange panel of a plurality of flange panels316. A second arbor panel310bof the plurality of arbor panels310is positioned circumferentially between the first and third arbor panels310aand310c. The second arbor panel310bincludes a second arbor edge that is connected to the second flange306. The configuration of the plurality of arbor panels310can circumferentially offset the first flange304from the second flange306when viewed along the arbor axis290(seeFIG.15).

FIGS.18through21illustrate a spool400, according to an alternative aspect of this disclosure. It will be appreciated that the spool400can be transitioned, aligned, and configured in a substantially similar manner as any of the spools100,200, and300described herein. The spool400includes an arbor402, a first flange404, and a second flange406constructed of a single piece of paperboard material.

FIG.22illustrates a top view of a spool500in an unassembled configuration, according to an aspect of this disclosure. It will be appreciated that the spool500can be transitioned, aligned, and configured in a substantially similar manner as any of the spools100,200,300, and400described herein. The spool500comprises a one-piece paperboard blank501. The blank501can be assembled to form an arbor502, a first flange504, and a second flange506.

The method of assembling the spool500includes forming crease lines511in the blank501between each of the plurality of arbor panels510. Each of the crease lines511can allow each arbor panel510to rotate relative to an adjacent arbor panel510. Crease lines513can be formed between each of the plurality of arbor panels510and respective inner flange panels of a plurality of inner flange panels518. Each of the crease lines513can allow each of the plurality of inner flange panels518to rotate relative to a respective one of the plurality of arbor panels510. Crease lines515can be formed between each of the plurality of inner flange panels518and respective outer flange panels of a plurality of outer flange panels520. Each of the crease lines515can allow each of the plurality of outer flange panels520to rotate relative to a respective one of the plurality of inner flange panels518. A crease line (see e.g. crease line124inFIG.2) can be formed between adjacent outer flange panels520to allow adjacent outer flange panels520to rotate relative to each other. After the crease lines are formed in the blank501, a first arbor panel510aof a plurality of arbor panels510can be connected to a second arbor panel510bof the plurality of arbor panels510. After connecting the first arbor panel510ato the second arbor panel510b, the spool500is transitionable between the open configuration and the retention configuration.

FIGS.23-27illustrate a spool2, according to another alternative aspect of this disclosure. Spool2generally includes a barrel4(e.g. an arbor), a fixed flange6, and a collapsible flange8. Collapsible flange8can be configured in a collapsed condition as shown inFIG.27which allows a coiled item to be slid over flange8onto barrel4. The coiled item can be a coil of thread, cord, wire, rope, or line. Fishing line such as fly fishing line can be stored on spool2. Spool2defines a central opening10that allows it be rotatable mounted or stored on a hanger. In an alternative aspect, the spool2can include multiple collapsible flanges. For example, both of the fixed flange6and the collapsible flange8can be configured to transition to a collapsed condition to receive a coiled item to be slid over the respective flange.

Spool2can be folded into the intermediate condition ofFIG.24and then the erected position ofFIGS.25-28from the flat condition ofFIG.23. The flat condition ofFIG.23can be cut from a flat piece of material such as a paper, a paperboard, or a polymer board. In the exemplary configuration, the foldable material is a 0.018 Solid Bleached Sulphate (SBS) paperboard. The locations where the material is folded can be scored, cut through, or indented. Adhesive is used to hold portions together as marked with wavy lines inFIG.23and as marked. It will be appreciated that the spool2can be held together in other ways than adhesive (e.g. snap-fits, interference fits, mechanical interlocking, etc.). Spool2can be made from a recyclable paper or polymer material. In other configurations, the elements of spool2can be formed separated and joined.

Spool2can be erected from the flat condition shown inFIG.23into an intermediate condition ofFIG.24wherein all of the connections (e.g. adhesive connections) have been made but barrel4has not been completed. In this condition, the walls that used to form barrel4are disposed as two parallel members that allows collapsible flange8to pivot down until portions of its inner surface engage portions of the inner surface of fixed flange6. In this condition, spool2is substantially flat which is desired for storage and shipping. From this intermediate condition, the user finishes the erection of spool2by pivoting collapsible flange8up away from fixed flange6until the walls that are used to form barrel4are substantially perpendicular to flanges6and8. The barrel half walls are folded toward each other and their ends are interlocked to complete the erection of spool2.

Once in the erected condition, spool2can be loaded with a coiled item either by winding the item around barrel or by sliding the coiled item over collapsible flange8. Some coiled items such as fly fishing line are coiled during manufacturing and it is not desirable to uncoil the line from its condition and rewind it onto barrel4. As such, collapsible flange8can be changed to its collapsed condition shown inFIG.27, which allows the coiled item to be slid over collapsed flange8and onto barrel4. When in the collapsed condition, flange8has a cross section (taken perpendicular to the axis of rotation of spool2) that less than or equal to the cross section of barrel4. Collapsed flange8may be tapered down along its length to provide for easy loading of coiled items. After the coiled item is loaded onto barrel4, collapsible flange8is returned to the erected condition shown inFIGS.25and26to retain the coiled item on spool2.

Barrel4includes four walls20,22,24, and26with walls22and26being formed by barrel half walls28that have mechanically interlocking end portions30. In some configurations, a user can optionally use adhesive to secure the interlocking end portions30. The interlocking end portions30can include, for example, corresponding snap-fits, interference fits, or other corresponding connection or interlocking portions. Walls20and24and parallel and hinged at or to flanges6and8. These hinges allow flange8and barrel4to pivot down to the substantially flat condition when they are in the intermediate condition.

Fixed flange6includes two main layers and an attachment flange32used to anchor barrel wall24. Attachment flange is adhered to a portion of the inner surface of flange6inside barrel4. The two main layers of flange6include an outer panel34(defining a portion of opening10) and first36and second38inner panels which are folded against and adhered to outer panel34. First inner panel overlaps and defines a portion of opening10. Barrel wall20is connected to an inner end of second inner panel38. Flange6can be octagonal.

Collapsible flange8includes two main layers defined by an outer panel44and first46and second48inner panels which are adhered to outer panel. First inner panel46is connected to the top of barrel wall20and second inner panel48is connected to the top of barrel wall24.

Collapsible flange8can include a rectangular or square central portion50from which four tapered subpanels52extend. It will be appreciated that fewer or more subpanels52can extend from the central portion50.FIGS.23and24illustrate the tapered sides of subpanels52. The tapered sides of subpanels52can facilitate the insertion of the fishing line when the spool2is in the collapsed condition. Folding corner panels54connect the later edges of subpanels52and define a corner relief. When flange8is collapsed, folding corner panels54are folded inward as shown inFIG.27such that subpanels are disposed at or within the cross sectional perimeter of barrel4. The folding corner panels can minimize tangling, bending, or other damage to the filament positioned about the barrel4.

The spool assemblies disclosed herein can comprise a single piece paperboard spool that is eco-friendly and solves the short comings of the multiple piece spool designs.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and method. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. For example, any of the embodiments disclosed herein can incorporate features disclosed with respect to any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from that processes, machines, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure.