AN ATTACHMENT FOR A TOOL

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment for a tool. In particular, the present invention relates to an attachment for a drill for winding a spool, for instance a spool of builder's or bricklayer's string.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A stringline (also known as a "brickline") is a common tool in masonry and carpentry, and is used to create a straight line between two reference points. Stringlines are often used by bricklayers to ensure that walls are kept level and plumb during construction.

[0003] Stringlines may be fabricated from any suitable material, including natural materials such as cotton twine, or synthetic materials such as nylon. Typically, stringline is supplied on spools, and is wound off the spool for use, and wound back onto the spool when no longer required.

[0004] Winding stringline onto a spool is typically performed manually, making this a time- consuming task, as well as there being a risk of tangling the stringline during winding. Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a device for winding stringline onto a spool in a fast, efficient manner.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication fonns part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to an attachment for a tool, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one aspect, resides broadly in a an attachment for a tool, the attachment comprising a work portion and a shank extending from the work portion, the work portion including one or more resiliently deformable engagement members adapted to be at least partially received and retained in an opening in a spool.

[0008] The tool may be of any suitable form. For instance, the tool may be a hand operated tool or electric hand tool. By "electric hand tool" it will be understood that this is intended to refer to a tool connected to an external power source (such as mains power, a generator or the like), or a tool including its own power source (such as a battery). Preferably, however, the tool may be an electric hand tool. In particular, the tool may be battery-powered (cordless) drill or battery-powered (cordless) impact drill.

[0009] The shank may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shank may comprise a drive shaft. A skilled addressee will understand that the length and diameter of the drive shaft is not critical and, while the shape is also not critical, it is preferred that the drive shaft is substantially cylindrical.

[0010] The shank may further be provided with a connection portion adapted to enable the attachment to be connected to a tool. The connection portion may be of any suitable form, although in some embodiments the connection portion may comprise a section having a particular configuration adapted to engage with a correspondingly shaped receiving portion in the tool. For instance, the connection portion may comprise a portion of the shank having a cylindrical, square or hexagonal cross-section, although a skilled addressee will understand that any suitable cross-sectional shape could be used. Alternatively, the connection portion may comprise a slot, projection, recess, keyway or the like (or a combination thereof) adapted to engage with a corresponding receiving portion in the tool. Preferably the connection portion is located at or adjacent an end of the attachment furthest from the work portion, although a skilled addressee will understand that the connection portion may be located at any suitable point in the shank.

[001 1 ] Preferably, the driving force of the attachment is provided by the tool. While any suitable force may be imparted to the attachment by the tool, it is envisaged that, in preferred embodiments of the invention, the tool may provide a rotational force to the attachment.

[0012] The shank may further comprise one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength. The one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be located at any suitable point in the shank, although in one embodiment of the invention, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be located in the connection portion. The one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be of any suitable configuration, and any suitable method of introducing reduced mechanical strength into the attachment may be used.

[0013] The purpose of the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength is to provide the attachment with a designated point or region at which failure of the attachment is likely to occur in the event that the mechanical stresses and strains within the attachment reach or exceed a critical level.

[0014] By providing the attachment with one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength, it is envisaged that, in the event of failure, the attachment may break at one of the regions of reduced mechanical strength. Thus, the broken attachment may be removed from the spool and/or tool quickly and easily, and damage to the spool and/or tool may be minimised or eliminated. This failure may be due to mechanical failure during use, or may occur due to mistreatment of the attachment (for instance, dropping the attachment, placing heavy tools on the attachment in a toolbox and so on).

[0015] In some embodiments of the invention, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be fabricated from a material having reduced mechanical strength in comparison to the remainder of the attachment (for instance the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be fabricated from a more brittle or ductile material to the remainder of the attachment). Alternatively, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may have a different cross-sectional shape to the rest of the shank (for instance, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may have a square cross-section compared to a circular cross-section of the rest of the shank). In other embodiments of the invention, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may have a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the remainder of the shank. In these embodiments of the invention, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be created by forming one or more recesses, notches, slots, bores, holes, regions of reduced diameter, channels and/or the like in the shank to create the one or more region of reduced mechanical strength. The recess, notch, channel and/or the like may be continuous, extending around the entire circumference of the shank, or may comprise one or more non-continuous channels, notches and/or the like extending around at least a portion of the circumference of the shank.

[0016] Preferably the one or more regions of reduced mechanical torque strength may allow for the maximum retention of lateral and/or transverse mechanical strength so that maximum attachment service life may be possible. It is envisaged that, although the retention of lateral and/or transverse strength is maximised, the fracture or breakage of the attachment will still occur in the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength in over-torque conditions. However, it is envisaged that the retention of lateral and/or transverse strength will prevent accidental damage or breakage of the attachment caused by lateral movement or bending of the attachment, either manually or created by the tool. [0017] The work portion may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. The work portion may be located at any suitable location on the shank, although in a preferred embodiment, the work portion may be located at or adjacent an end of the shank furthest from the connection portion.

[0018] As previously stated, the work portion includes one or more resiliently deformable engagement members. The resiliently deformable engagement members may be formed integrally with the shank. For instance, the attachment may be produced by moulding, casting, printing (including 3-D printing) or the like. In other embodiments of the invention, the attachment may be fabricated from one or more lengths of metal wire. Alternatively, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be formed separately from the shank and adapted for fixed or temporary attachment thereto using any suitable technique, including, but not limited to, the use of one or more fasteners, adhesives, joining techniques (welding, brazing or the like) or any suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, the shank may comprise a bore therethrough (and particularly a substantially laterally extending bore therethrough located at or adjacent the end of the shank) in which the resiliently deformable engagement members may be received and retained.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may extend generally outwardly from the shank. Preferably, the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members extend generally outwardly from the shank at or adjacent an end thereof. Most preferably, the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members extend generally outwardly from the shank at or adjacent an end of the shank furthest from the connection portion. Preferably, the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members extend from the end of the shank.

[0020] In some embodiments of the invention, an end portion may be provided at or adjacent an end of the shank. Preferably the end portion may be provided at or adjacent the opposite end of the shank to the connection portion.

[0021 ] The end portion may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the shank and at least one of the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be associated with the end portion. More preferably, the shank and at least one of the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be connected to the end portion. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be indirectly connected to the shank via the end portion. [0022] It is envisaged that the end portion may provide additional strength and/or stability to the attachment. This may be achieved through the shape of the end portion, the material used in the end portion, the thickness of the end portion, or a combination thereof. For instance, in some embodiments of the invention, the end portion may comprise a solid portion. The solid portion may be of any suitable form, such as a disc or the like. Alternatively, the end portion may comprise a shaped portion, such as a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle or the like. The shank and the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be connected to any suitable point on the end portion.

[0023] The shank and the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be integrally formed with the end portion. Altematively, the shank and the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be formed separately to the end portion and adapted for fixed or temporary attachment thereto.

[0024] The resiliently deformable engagement members may extend outwardly from the shank in any suitable direction. For instance, the resiliently deformable engagement members may extend generally outwardly and forward of the shank. In this embodiment of the invention, a plurality of resiliently deformable engagement members may extend from the shank.

[0025] Alternatively, a single resiliently deformable engagement member may extend from the shank. In this embodiment of the invention, the single engagement member may be of any suitable form. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the single engagement member may be provided with multiple resiliently deformable regions. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the single engagement member may be circular, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. Preferably, the single resiliently deformable engagement member may be provided with a pair of resiliently deformable portions. Preferably, the pair of deformable portions may be located substantially opposed to one another in a lateral direction. It is envisaged that, in these embodiments of the invention, each of the pair of opposed portions of the single engagement member may be resiliently deformed by applying a force to each of the pair of opposed portions in the direction of the other of the pair of opposed portions.

[0026] Preferably, however, the resiliently deformable engagement members may extend generally outwardly and towards the end of the attachment at which the connection portion is located. Thus, in use, the resiliently deformable engagement members may extend generally outwardly and rearwardly from the end of the shank. It is en visaged that, in this embodiment of the present invention, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be provided in a swept configuration. In some embodiments of the invention at least one resiliently deformable engagement member may extend generally outwardly from the shank and forwardly towards the work portion and/or at least one resiliently deformable engagement member may extend generally outwardly from the shank and rearwardly towards the connection portion.

[0027] The one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be substantially linear, so that the resiliently deformable engagement members extend outwardly at a substantially constant angle to the shank along the length of the resiliently deformable engagement members. Alternatively, the resiliently deformable engagement members may include two or more sections disposed at an angle to one another. For instance, the resiliently deformable engagement members may include a first section that extends outwardly from the shank at a first angle to the shank, and a second section disposed relative to the first section that extends at a second angle to the shank.

[0028] In other embodiments of the invention, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be curved members. In this embodiment of the invention, the resiliently deformable engagement members may curve generally outwardly from the shank. The resiliently deformable engagement members may be in the form of a convex curv e or a concave curve.

[0029] In some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be connected to the shank at opposed ends of the resiliently deformable engagement members. In this embodiment, it is envisaged that the resiliently deformable engagement members may extend outwardly fi om the opposite end of the shank to the connection portion at a first end thereof and along a portion of the length of the engagements members, and may then extend inwardly towards the shank along a portion of the length of the engagement members. A second end of the engagement members may connect to the shank at any suitable point along the length of the shank, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be connected to the shank at a point between opposed ends thereof.

[0030] It is envisaged that, in this embodiment of the invention, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be substantially semi-circular, semi-oval, or semi-elliptical in shape. However, the resiliently deformable engagement members may also have two or more portions disposed at an angle to one another. The two or more portions may be curved, linear, or a combination of the two. [003 1] The resiliently deformable engagement members may be of any suitable size. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the resiliently deformable engagement members comprise elongate members. The resiliently deformable engagement members may extend any suitable distance towards the end of the shank including the connection portion, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shank may be longer than the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members.

[0032] It is envisaged that the resiliently defonnable engagement members may, at a first end thereof, be connected to the shank. An opposed second end of the resiliently deformable engagement members may be positioned so as to be spaced away from the shank. In some embodiments of the invention, a region of the resiliently defonnable engagement members adjacent the second end thereof may be oriented substantially parallel to the shank.

[0033] In some embodiments of the invention, the resiliently deformable engagement members may all be connected to the shank in the same region thereof (for instance, at or adjacent one end of the shank). In other embodiments of the invention, at least one of the resiliently deformable engagement members may be connected to the shank in a different region thereof to the other resiliently deformable engagement members. For instance, a first resiliently defonnable may be connected to the shank at or near the opposite end of the shank to the connection portion, and may extend substantially rearwardly, while a second resiliently deformable engagement member may be connected to the shank at a point between opposed ends of the shank (or in a region of the shank adjacent the connection portion) and may extend substantially forwardly.

[0034] In some embodiments of the invention, the shank may be substantially linear. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the shank may include one or more bends or curves therein along its length. The one or more bends or curves may be oriented in any suitable direction. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the shank may comprise a first portion located substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the attachment and a second portion located parallel to, but spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the attachment. In a prefeixed embodiment of the in ven tion, the first and second portions of the shank may be connected by one or more intermediate portions of the shank. Preferably, the one or more work resiliently defonnable members extend from the second portion of the shank, while the connection portion may be associated with the first portion of the shank.

[0035] In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that, in use, the second portion of the shank and the one or more resiliently defonnable members may abut the inner surface of the opening of the spool when

[0036] Any suitable number of resiliently deformable engagement members may be provided. Preferably, however, two or more resiliently defonnable engagement members may be provided on the attachment. The two or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be provided at any suitable location. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the two or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be located substantially equidistant from one another about the longitudinal axis of the shank. Thus, in embodiments of the invention in which two resiliently deformable engagement members are present, the resiliently defonnable engagement members may be spaced 180° apart from one another about the longitudinal axis of the shank. Similarly, when three resiliently defonnable engagement members are present, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be spaced 120° apart from one another about the longitudinal axis of the shank.

[0037] In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of resiliently defonnable engagement members is provided.

[0038] In some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the resiliently deformable engagement members may be provided with one or more contact members. The contact members may be of any suitable form, although it is envisaged that the one or more contact members may be adapted to abut an inner surface of the bore and/or opening when inserted into the spool. The one or more contact members may be provided so as to increase the degree of contact between the attachment and the bore and/or opening.

[0039] Contact members may be of particular benefit in embodiments of the invention in which the resiliently deformable engagement members are of curved construction. In these embodiments, it is envisaged that only a relatively short length of the resiliently deformable engagement members forms a contact surface that is in contact with the inner surface of the bore. Thus, by providing one or more contact members, the length of the attachment in abutment with the inner surface of the bore may be increased. This may, in turn, reduce or eliminate tilting movement of the spool relative to the attachment, such that the longitudinal axis of the spool is maintained substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shank.

[0040] The contact members may be located at any suitable location on the resiliently deformable engagement members, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact members include a contact surface that extends substantially tangentially to the resiliently deformable engagement member with which it is associated. It is envisaged that the contact surface of the contact members may extend substantia lly parallel to the contact surface of the resiliency deformable engagement members.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be fabricated from a resiliently deformable material. Any suitable resiliently deformable material may be used, such as a metal, polymer or the like, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the material is selected so as to be capable of repeated deformation and in order to minimise plastic deformation, as well as being relatively resistant to fatigue failure.

[0042] Preferably, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be fabricated from a polymer. More preferably, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be fabricated from a glass-filled polymer, such as, but not limited to, polyamide (Nylon), acetal homopolymers and copolymers, polyester, polyphenylene oxide (PPO/Noryl), polycarbonate and/or polyethersulphone.

[0043] The glass-filled polymer may comprise any suitable quantity of glass. For instance, the glass-filled polymer may comprise between 1 wt% and 30 wt% glass. More preferably, the glass-filled polymer may comprise between 10 wt% and 25 wt% glass. Still more preferably, the glass-filled polymer may comprise between 1 wt% and 22 wt% glass.

[0044] The one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be fabricated from the same material as the shank, or may be fabricated from a different material to the shank. In some embodiments of the invention, the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be fabricated from a glass-filled polymer while the shank may be fabricated from a metal, such as steel. In other embodiments, the entire attachment may be fabricated from a glass-filled polymer, such as glass-filled nylon.

[0045] As stated previously, the resiliently deformable engagement members are adapted to be at least partially received in an opening in a spool. It is envisaged that the spool may comprise a spool of builder's or bricklayer's string, although it will be understood that the attachment may be used to wind a spool of any suitable material (such as fishing line, wool, haberdashery thread, electrical cable, wire, such as fencing wire, or the like).

[0046] Typically, a spool comprises a flanged or unflanged cylinder about which a flexible elongate member is wound. Many spools include a hollow cylinder having a bore that extends at least partially therethrough (and preferably entirely therethrough). It is envisaged, therefore, that the opening in which the resiliently deformable engagement members are received and retained may be an opening to the bore within the spool. [0047] It is envisaged that, in a rest condition, the circumference of the attachment in the region of the resiliently deformable engagement members may be greater than the diameter of the opening of the spool. Thus, as the attachment enters the opening in the spool, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be biased into a use condition in which the resiliently deformable engagement members bias inwardly towards the shank (or towards each other in embodiments of the invention in which no shank is present or the resiliently deformable engagement members extend generally forward from the shank). This may reduce the circumference of the attachment in the region of the resiliently deformable engagement members, thereby allowing the attachment to be inserted a desired distance into the opening (or bore) in the spool.

[0048] Preferably, the resiliently deformable engagement members are naturally biased outwardly away from the shank. Thus, as the attachment is inserted into the opening, the natural bias of the resiliently deformable engagement members causes the resiliently deformable engagement members to abut an inner surface of the opening and/or bore, thereby ensuring that the attachment is retained within the spool.

[0049] The resiliently deformable engagement members may be biased into the use condition using any suitable technique. For instance, the attachment may be at least partially inserted into the opening of the spool, and, as at least a portion of the resiliently deformable engagement members abut the inner surface of the opening and/or bore, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be forcibly biased into the use condition.

[0050] Alternatively, a user may manually bias the resiliently deformable engagement members into the use condition (either manually or using a tool, such as pliers or the like) prior to inserting the attachment into the spool. Once inserted, the user may release the resiliently deformable engagement members so that the resiliently deformable engagement members move towards the rest condition and abut the inner surface of the opening and/or bore, thereby retaining the attachment on the spool. The connection portion of the attachment may then be connected to a tool. When the tool is actuated, the attachment portion will rotate, thereby winding the flexible elongate member either onto or off the spool.

[005 1] In some embodiments of the invention, the attachment may be provided with one or more biasing members. It is envisaged that the biasing members may be provided in order to ensure that the resiliently deformable engagement members return to the rest condition when connected to a spool . In other words, the one or more biasing members may be adapted to urge the resiliently deformable engagement members into abutment with the opening and/or inner surface of the spool. The one or more biasing members may assist in retaining the resiliently deformable engagement members in abutment with the opening and/or an inner surface of the spool.

[0052] The one or more biasing members may be of any suitable type. For instance, the biasing members may comprise one or more springs, scissors, pieces of compressible material or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. The one or more biasing members may be located at any suitable location on the attachment. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a biasing member may be associated with a resil iently defonnable engagement member and may extend at least partway towards the shank. Alternatively, a biasing member may be associated with the shank and may extend at least partway towards a resiliently deformable engagement member.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the biasing member may be associated with both the shank and a resiliently deformable engagement member.

[0054] Preferably, at least one resiliently deformable engagement member may be provided with at least one biasing member. More preferably, each resiliently defonnable engagement member may be provided with at least one biasing member. In some embodiments of the invention, the resiliently defonnable engagement members may each be provided with a plurality of biasing members.

[0055] In some embodiments of the invention, the one or more biasing members may extend at least partway between a pair of resiliently deformable engagement members. This may occur, for instance, when the resiliently defonnable engagement members extend forwardly of the shank.

[0056] It is envisaged that, under the natural bias of the one or more biasing members, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be retained in the rest condition. However, the application of a force by the user (specifically, a force pushing the resiliently defonnable engagement members inwardly towards the shank or each other) may overcome the natural bias of the biasing members, allowing the user to move the resiliently deformable engagement members into the use condition in which the attachment may be inserted into the bore of a spool.

[0057] Once the user releases the resiliently deformable engagement members, the resiliently deformable engagement members may return to the rest condition under the natural bias of the biasing members. [0058] The biasing members may be adapted for fixed or temporary connection to the shank and/or the resiliently deformable engagement members using any suitable technique. For instance, the biasing members may be fixed to the shank and/or the resiliently deformable engagement members using adhesives, one or more mechanical fasteners or the like. Alternatively, the biasing members may be fixed to the shank and/or the resiliently deformable engagement members using any suitable connection technique (welding, brazing, or other heat treatment).

[0059] In other embodiments of the invention, the shank and/or the resiliently deformable engagement members may be provided with one or more connection members adapted to facilitate the connection of the biasing members thereto, and the retention of the biasing members thereon. Any suitable connection members may be provided, such as one or more protrusions on which the biasing members are located, or one or more recesses in which the biasing members are at least partially received.

[0060] In embodiments of the invention in which the biasing members comprise coiled springs or tubes of compressible material, it is envisaged that the connection members may be at least partially inserted into the bore in the coiled spring or tube of compressible material.

[0061 ] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the resiliently deformable engagement members may comprise one or more fin members. Preferably, at least one of the fin members extends radially outwardly from the shank. More preferably, all of the fin members extend radially outwardly from the shank. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of fin members may be provided. The fin members may be disposed at any suitable orientation to one another, although in some embodiments of the invention, the fin members may be spaced equidistantly from one another ab out the circumference of the shank. Thus, in embodiments of the invention in which a pair of fin members are present, the fin members may be spaced apart from one another by approximately 180° about the circumference of the shank. Similarly, when three fin members are provided, the fin members may be spaced apart from one another by approximately 120° about the circumference of the shank, and so on.

[0062] Preferably, the fin members extend along at least a portion of the length of the shank. More specifically, an edge of the fin members may extend along at least a portion of the length of the shank. Preferably, the fin members may be oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shank. In some embodiments of the invention, the fin members may be connected to the shank along substantially the entire length of the fin member. Preferably, the fin members may be connected to the shank along an edge of the fin member. [0063] The fin members may be of any suitable, size, shape or configurati on. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fin members may comprise substantially planar members that extend outwardly from the shank.

[0064] The fin member may be formed integrally with the shank, or may be adapted for fixed or temporary connection thereto. For instance, the fin members may be received in one or more slots, channels, recesses or the like in the outer surface of the shank. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fin members may be provided on a cap member, and the cap member may be adapted for fixed or temporary connection to the shank. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the fin members may be formed integrally with the cap member.

[0065] It is envisaged that, in use, at least a portion of the fin members may be resiliently deformable. Any suitable part of the fin members may be resiliently deformable, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a region of the fin members further from the shank (i.e. an outer region of the fin members) may be resiliently deformable. Thus, in use, when the attachment is at least partially inserted into an opening and/or bore in the spool, the outer region of the fin members may deform and abut the inner surface of the opening and/or bore. When the attachment is removed from the spool, it is envisaged that the one or more fin members may return to their original position.

[0066] In some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the fin members may be provided with a stop member. It is envisaged that the stop member may define the limit of insertion of the attachment into the opening and/or bore of the spool. The stop member may be of any suitable form, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stop member may comprise a projection extending from the fin member (or formed integrally therewith) adapted to abut a surface of the spool adjacent the opening thereof, thereby preventing further insertion of the attachment into the spool.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fin members may be fabricated from a resiliently deformable material. Any suitable resiliently deformable material may be used, such as a metal, polymer or the like, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the material is selected so as to be capable of repeated deformatio and in order to minimise plastic deformation, as well as being relatively resistant to fatigue failure.

[0068] Preferably, the fin members may be fabricated from a polymer. More preferably, the fin members may be fabricated from a glass-filled polymer, such as, but not limited to, polyamide (Nylon), acetal homopolymers and copolymers, polyester, poiyphenyiene oxide (PPO/Noryl), polycarbonate and/or polyethersulphone.

[0069] The glass-filled polymer may comprise any suitable quantity of glass. For instance, the glass-filled polymer may comprise between 1 wt% and 30 wt% glass. More preferably, the glass-filled polymer may comprise between 10 wt% and 25 wt% glass. Still more preferably, the glass-filled polymer may comprise between 15 wt% and 22 wt% glass.

[0070] In embodiments of the invention in which the elongate member is wound off the spool, it is envisaged that a free end of the elongate member may be attached to a fixed object (such as a post, wall, nail, screw, or the like). A user may then walk away from the fixed object while simultaneously actuating the tool, thereby unwinding the elongate member from the spool. Alternatively, a user may simply manually unwind the elongate member from the spool (for instance, by inserting a finger into a bore within the spool such that the spool rotates about the user's finger).

[0071] A user may bias the resiliently deformable engagement members into the use condition using any suitable technique. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a user may apply a force to the resiliently deformable engagement members so as to press the resiliently deformable engagement members inwardly towards the shank. In this embodiment of the invention, the resiliently deformable engagement members may be provided with a grip portion adapted to allow a user to apply the inward force to the resiliently deformable engagement members. The grip portion may be of any suitable form, such as a pad, recess, land or the like.

[0072] In some embodiments of the invention, the attachment may be provided with one or more stop members. In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more resiliently deformable engagement members may be provided with a stop member. It is envisaged that the stop member may define the limit to which the attachment may be inserted into the opening in the spool. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stop member may extend outwardly from the resiliently deformable engagement members (i.e. away from the shank) so that, as the attachment is receded in the opening of the spool, the stop member may abut the edge of the opening, thereby preventing the attachment from further insertion into the opening.

[0073] The stop member may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stop member may comprise one or more projections extending outwardly from the resiliently deformable engagement members. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the resiliency defonnable engagement members may be provided with a stop member.

[0074] In some embodiments of the invention, the stop member may be provided on the shank. Preferably, the stop member may extend outwardly from the shank. The stop member may comprise one or more annular discs, projections or protrusions, or may be provided in the form of an annulus, disc or plate extending outwardly from the shank member. The stop member may be provided at any suitable point on the shank. Preferably, however, the stop member may be provided between the connection portion and the end of the resiliently defonnable member closest to the connection portion. Alternatively, in embodiments of the invention in which the resilient defonnable engagement members extend forwardly of the end of the shank, the stop member may be located at or adjacent the point of the shank at which the engagement members connect to the shank. Preferably, in this embodiment, the stop member may be located between the point at which the engagement members connect to the shank and the connection portion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stop member may be sized so as to be wider in at least one dimension that the diameter of the bore in the spool. In this way, the stop member may be prevented from entering the bore. In a preferred embodiment, a stop member may constitute a pair of projections that extend outwardly from the shank at an angle of approximately 180° to one another. Even though a pair of projections may be provided, the pair of projections functions together as a stop member.

[0075] It is also envisaged that the stop member may be sized so as not to extend beyond the outer edge of the spool and/or a flange located at the end of the spool. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outside diameter of the spool (or the outside diameter of the flange located at the end of the spool ) is greater than the width (or diameter) of the stop member.

[0076] In some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of stop members may be provided. In this embodiment, a plurality of stop member may extend outwardly from the shank. Preferably, the plurality of stop members may be disposed at an angle to one another. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the plurality of stop members may be spaced equidistantly about the shank from one another. Thus, for instance, when a pair of stop members is provided, the stop members may be disposed at an angle of approximately 90° to one another. Similarly, when three stop members are provided, the stop members may be disposed at an angle of approximately 60° to one another, and so on. Preferably, the plurality of stop members all extend outwardly from the shank at the same point on the shank between opposed ends thereof. Thus, it is envisaged that the plurality of stop members are positioned substantially coplanar with one another on a plane oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shank.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the stop members may be provided with a retention portion at and end thereof. Preferably, the retention portion may be provided at and end of the stop members distal to the shank. It is envisaged that the retention portions may be provided to enhance the contact between the spool and the attachment and/or to enhance the retention of the spool on the attachment.

[0078] The retention portion may be of any suitable form. Preferably, however, the retention portion may comprise a lip. It is envisaged that, in this embodiment of the invention, the stop member may extend outwardly nom the shank to a point substantially adjacent an outer edge of the spool. The retention portion may then extend from the stop member beyond the outer edge of the spool.

[0079] More specifically, the lip may be provided at an angle to the stop member. It is envisaged that the lip may be disposed at any suitable angle to the stop member. Preferably, however, the lip is disposed at an angle to the stop member such that the lip extends generally outwardly and forward of the stop member (i.e. towards the work portion of the attachment). The lip may be disposed at any suitable angle to the stop member. In some embodiments of the invention, the lip may be disposed at an angle of between about 1 ° and about 180° to the stop member. More preferably, the lip may be disposed at an angle of between about 10° and about 150° to the stop member. Still more preferably, the lip may be disposed at an angle of between about 20° and about 120° to the stop member. Yet more preferably, the lip may be disposed at an angle of between about 30° and about 90° to the stop member. Even more preferably, the lip may be disposed at an angle of between about 40° and about 60° to the stop member. Most preferably, the lip may be disposed at an angle of about 45° to the stop member.

[0080] In some embodiments of the invention, the one or more stop members may be provided on the shank, the resiliently defonnable stop members, or both.

[0081] While the one or more resiliently defonnable members may be located in abutment with an inner surface of the spool during use, it is envisaged that the abutment will still allow rotation of the attachment relative to the spool under certain circumstances. Specifically, it is envisaged that, as the elongate member is wound onto the spool, it may drag along the ground. Thus, there is a possibility that the elongate member may become caught on an object (such as rocks or stones, sticks, building debris or the like) while it is being wound onto the spool. In this situation, further rotation of the spool may cause breakage of the elongate member, or damage to the attachment and/or tool.

[0082] In light of the foregoing, the attachment of the present invention may be adapted to rotate relative to the spool in the event of the elongate member becoming caught on an object while being wound onto the spool. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the attachment may be adapted to rotate relative to the spool once the torque reaches or exceeds a predetermined level. Preferably, the predetermined level of torque is less than the torque at which breakage of the elongate member may occur.

[0083] It is envisaged that, when the torque reaches or exceeds the predetermined torque, rotation of the spool may cease, but the attachment may continue to rotate relative to the spool (e.g. within the opening or bore in the spool). In this way, no further tension is applied to the elongate member, and a user may be able to remove the elongate member from the object on which it is caught prior to resuming winding of the elongate member onto the spool .

[0084] Preferably, the tool may be set on a relatively low torque or speed setting during actuation of the tool. By setting the tool in a relatively low torque or speed setting, the likelihood of breakage of the elongate member (particularly when caught on an object) may be reduced or eliminated.

[0085] It will be understood that different spools may have openings of different diameters. Thus, it is envisaged that the attachments may be fabricated in two or more different sizes in order to be compatible with spools of different sizes.

[0086] In a second aspect, the invention resides broadly in an attachment for a tool, the attachment comprising a work portion and a shank extending from the work portion, the work portion including a spool member about which a flexible line member is adapted to be wound.

[0087] The tool may be of any suitable form. For instance, the tool may be a hand operated tool or electric hand tool. By "electric hand tool" it will be understood that this is intended to refer to a tool connected to an external power source (such as mains power, a generator or the like), or a tool including its own power source (such as a battery). Preferably, however, the tool may be an electric hand tool. In particular, the tool may be, most preferably, a battery-powered (cordless) drill or a battery-powered (cordless) impact drill.

[0088] The shank may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shank may comprise a drive shaft. A skilled addressee will understand that the length of the drive shaft is not critical and, while the shape is also not critical, it is preferred that the drive shaft is substantially cylindrical.

[0089] The shank may further be provided with a connection portion adapted to enable the attachment to be connected to a tool. The connection portion may be of any suitable form, although in some embodiments the connection portion may comprise a section having a particular configuration adapted to engage with a correspondingly shaped receiving portion in the tool. For instance, the connection portion may comprise a portion of the shank having a cylindrical, square or hexagonal cross-section, although a skilled addressee will understand that any suitable cross-sectional shape could be used. Alternatively, the connection portion may comprise a slot, projection, recess, keyway or the like (or a combination thereof) adapted to engage with a corresponding receiving portion in the tool. Preferably the connection portion is located at or adjacent an end of the attachment furthest from the work portion, although a skilled addressee will understand that the connection portion may be located at any suitable point in the shank.

[0090] Preferably, the driving force of the attachment is provided by the tool. While any suitable force may be imparted to the attachment by the tool, it is envisaged that, in preferred embodiments of the invention, the tool may provide a rotational force to the attachment.

[0091 ] The shank may further comprise one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength. The one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be located at any suitable point in the shank, although in one embodiment of the invention, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be located in the connection portion. The one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be of any suitable configuration, and any suitable method of introducing reduced mechanical strength into the attachment may be used.

[0092] The purpose of the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength is to provide the attachment with a designated point or region at which failure of the attachment is likely to occur in the event that the mechanical stresses and strains within the attachment reach or exceed a critical level.

[0093] By providing the attachment with one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength, it is envisaged that, in the event of failure, the attachment may break at one of the regions of reduced mechanical strength. Thus, the broken attachment may be removed from the spool and/or tool quickly and easily, and damage to the spool and/or tool may be minimised or eliminated. This failure may be due to mechanical failure during use, or may occur due to mistreatment of the attachment (for instance, dropping the attachment, placing heavy tools on the attachment in a toolbox and so on).

[0094] In some embodiments of the invention, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be fabricated from a material having reduced mechanical strength in comparison to the remainder of the attachment (for instance the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be fabricated from a more brittle or ductile material to the remainder of the attachment). Alternatively, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may have a different cross-sectional shape to the rest of the shank (for instance, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may have a square cross-section compared to a circular cross-section of the rest of the shank). In other embodiments of the invention, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may have a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the remainder of the shank. In these embodiments of the invention, the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength may be created by forming one or more recesses, notches, slots, bores, holes, regions of reduced diameter, channels and/or the like in the shank to create the one or more region of reduced mechanical strength. The recess, notch, channel and/or the like may be continuous, extending around the entire circumference of the shank, or may comprise one or more non-continuous channels, notches and/or the like extending around at least a portion of the circumference of the shank.

[0095] Preferably the one or more regions of reduced mechanical torque strength may allow for the maximum retention of lateral and/or transverse mechanical strength so that maximum attachment service life may be possible. It is envisaged that, although the retention of lateral and/or transverse strength is maximised, the fracture or breakage of the attachment will still occur in the one or more regions of reduced mechanical strength in over-torque conditions. However, it is envisaged that the retention of lateral and/or transverse strength will prevent accidental damage or breakage of the attachment caused by lateral movement or bending of the attachment, either manually or created by the tool.

[0096] The work portion may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. The work portion may be located at any suitable location on the shank, although in a preferred embodiment, the work portion may be located at or adjacent an end of the shank furthest from the connection portion.

[0097] As previously stated, the work portion includes a spool member about which a flexible line member is adapted to be wound. The spool member may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention the spool member may be substantially cylindrical. [0098] The shank may extend from the spool member at any suitable location. Preferably, however, the spool member may be associated with the shank at a first end of the shank. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first end of the shank is the opposed end of the shank to the end to which the connection portion is located.

[0099] The spool member may be oriented in any suitable direction relative to the shank, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the spool member and the longitudinal axis of the shank may be substantially parallel to one another. More preferably, the longitudinal axis of the spool member and the longitudinal axis of the shank may be substantially co-axial with one another. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the line member is wound about the spool in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the attachment.

[00100] The spool member may comprise a solid cylinder or may be tubular along at least a portion of its length. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the spool member may include a bore. Preferably, the bore extends into the spool member from an end thereof. Preferably, the end of the spool member into which the bore extends is the opposite end of the spool member to the end of the spool member associated with the shank.

[00101 ] The bore may be of any suitable diameter and length. It is envisaged, however, that the purpose of the bore may be twofold: firstly, providing a bore in the spool member may reduce the amount of material required for the fabrication of the attachment (thereby reducing the weight and cost of the attachment). Secondly, providing a bore means that the attachment may be conveniently stored on the end of a post, stake or bar (or the like) by inserting an end of the post, stake or bar into the bore of the spool member. In this way, the attachment may be stored in a convenient location that is away from a ground surface, where it may get dirty, lost or damaged.

[00102] In some embodiments of the invention, the outer surface of the spool member may be provided with one or more receiving portions (such as grooves or the like) into which the flexible line member may be received when being wound onto the spool member. In this way, it may be possible to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of the flexible line member becoming disengaged from the spool member by slipping off an end of the spool member.

[00103] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the spool member may be provided with one or more stop members adapted to prevent the flexible line member becoming disengaged from the spool member by slipping off an end of the spool member. The one or more stop members may be of any suitable form, and may be provided at any suitable location on the spool member.

[00104] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a stop member may be provided at or adjacent an end of the spool member furthest from the connection portion. In some embodiments, a pair of stop members may be provided, with one of the pair of stop members located at or adjacent each opposed end of the spool member.

[00105] It is envisaged that, in some embodiments, the stop members may comprise a flange. In this embodiment of the invention, a flange may be located at or adjacent each opposed end of the stop member. The flange may be of any suitable size, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flange may extend radially outwardly from the spool member. Preferably the flanges extend radially outwardly from the spool member a sufficient distance so that the line member, when wound about the spool member, extends radially outwardly from the spool member to a height less than that of the flange. In this way, the line member is prevented from becoming disengaged from the spool member by slipping over the flange.

[00106] In some embodiments of the invention, one or more further stop members may be provided on the spool member. In this embodiment of the invention, the one or more further stop members may be located at a point on the spool member intermediate the stop member located at or adjacent opposed ends of the spool member. The one or more further spool members may comprise flanges. Preferably, the flanges extend radially outwardly from the spool member.

[00107] In this embodiment of the invention, the one or more further stop members may divide the spool member into two or more sections on which different flexible line members may be wound and unwound. For instance, if the spool member includes an additional stop member located at a point on the spool member intermediate the stop members at adjacent ends of the spool member, the additional stop member may effectively divide the spool member into two winding portions separated by the additional stop member. Thus, a flexible line member may be wound onto, and wound off, each of the two winding portions.

[00108] It is envisaged that any suitable number of additional stop members may be located on the spool member, such that the spool member may be divided into any suitable number of winding portions.

[00109] In another embodiment of the invention, the shape of the spool member may be adapted to retain the flexible line member thereon. The spool member may be provided with any suitable shape. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the spool member may comprise thickened portions at or adjacent opposed ends of the spool member. The spool member may then taper from each end towards a point intermediate the opposed ends of the spool member. In this way, a flexible line member wound onto the spool member may be substantially precluded from slipping off the thickened ends of the spool member.

[001 10] Preferably, the spool member may be provided with one or more attachment members. The attachment members may be of any suitable form, although in a preferred embodiment, the attachment members may be adapted to provide a location to which an end of the flexible line member may be secured. In this way, the flexible line member may be prevented from becoming fully separate from the spool member.

[001 1 1 ] The attachment members may be of any suitable form, and may include one or more projections, hooks, apertures, eyes or the like (or any suitable combination thereof) to which the flexible line member may be attached.

[001 12] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spool member may be at least partially fabricated from a resiliency deformable material. Any suitable resiliently defonnable material may be used, such as a metal, polymer or the like, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the material is selected so as to be capable of repeated deformation and in order to minimise plastic deformation, as well as being relatively resistant to fatigue failure.

[001 13] Preferably, the spool member may be at least partially fabricated from a polymer. More preferably, the spool member may be fabricated from a glass-filled polymer, such as, but not limited to, polyamide (Nylon), acetal homopolymers and copolymers, polyester, polyphenylene oxide (PPO/Noryl), polycarbonate and/or polyethersulphone.

[001 14] The glass-filled polymer may comprise any suitable quantity of glass. For instance, the glass-filled polymer may comprise between 1 wt% and 30 wt% glass. More preferably, the glass-filled polymer may comprise between 10 wt% and 25 wt% glass. Still more preferably, the glass-filled polymer may comprise between 15 wt% and 22 wt% glass.

[001 15] The spool member may be fabricated from the same material as the shank, or may be fabricated from a different material to the shank. In some embodiments of the invention, the spool member may be fabricated from a glass-filled polymer while the shank may be fabricated from a metal, such as steel. In other embodiments, the entire attachment may be fabricated from a glass-filled polymer, such as glass-filled nylon. [001 16] The present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. Specifically, the ability to wind a flexible elongate member onto a spool using a tool (such as a drill) represents a significant time (and therefore cost) saving. Secondly, the present invention reduces the likelihood of tangling a line being wound onto a spool. Thirdly, the present invention is simple to use and is compatible with equipment that many tradespeople (builders, bricklayers, carpenters, landscapers, concreters, fencing contractors, handymen or the like) would already have as part of their standard set of tools. Thus, the present invention will typically be an inexpensive addition to a tradesperson's tool kit.

[001 17] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[001 18] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[001 19] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[00120] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00121 ] Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00122] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of an attachment for a tool according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[00123] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention when in use.

[00124] Figure 5 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00125] Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a too! according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00126] Figure 7 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00127] Figure 8 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention .

[00128] Figure 9 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00129] Figure 10 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00130] Figure 1 1 illustrates an end view of the attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention .

[00131 ] Figure 12 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00132] Figure 13 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention .

[00133] Figure 14 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00134] Figure 15 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00135] Figures 16A and 16B illustrate views of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00136] Figures 17A to 17C illustrate views of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00137] Figure 1 8 illustrates a plan view of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention .

[00138] Figures 19A to 19D illustrate view ^r s of an attachment for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[00139] In Figures 1 and 2 there are illustrated isometric and plan views, respectively, of attachments 10 for a tool according to embodiments of the present invention. The attachments 10 comprise an elongate shank 1 1 having, at a first end thereof, a connection portion 12 adapted for connection to a tool (not shown), such as a dri ll or impact drill. Thus, in use, actuation of the tool (not shown) will result in rotation of the attachment 10 about the longitudinal axis of the shank 1 1 .

[00140] The connection portion 12 has a hexagonal cross-section, allowing the connection portion 12 to be received and retained in a drill chuck (not shown).

[00141 ] The connection portion 12 also includes a region of reduced mechanical strength in the form of an annular channel 13 that extends about the circumference of the connection portion 12. The annular channel 13 has a reduced diameter in comparison to the remainder of the shank 1 1. The annular channel 13 is provided so that the attachment may be used with an impact drill (not shown), although it will be understood that the attachment 10 can also be used with battery- powered (cordless) drills. Advantageously, the annular channel 13 provides a location at which mechanical failure of the attachment 10 may occur in the event of misuse of mistreatment of the attachment 10.

[00142] At the end of the shank 1 1 opposite to the connection portion 12 is located the work portion 14. The work portion 14 comprises a pair of resiliently deformable engagement members 1 arranged in a swept configuration relative to the shank 1 1.

[00143] The resiliently deformable engagement members 15 are spaced apart from one another approximately 180° about the longitudinal axis 50 of the shank 1 1. This equidistant spacing of the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 helps to ensure that, as the attachment 10 rotates under the actuation of the tool (not shown), the attachment 10 is substantially balanced and symmetrical about its longitudinal axis 50.

[00144] The resil iently deformable engagement members 1 5 are connected to the shank 1 1 at an end 16 thereof. In this embodiment of the invention, the pair of resiliently deformable engagement members 1 is formed as a single U-shaped member that is connected to the end 16 of the shank 1 1 . Each of the pair of resiliently deformable engagement members 15 extend generally outwardly from the shank 1 1 and rearwardly towards the connection portion 12. The resiliently deformable engagement members 15 extend outwardly from the shank 1 1 in a substantially concave curve.

[00145] At the end regions 17 of the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 furthest from the end 16 of the shank 1 1 , the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 are located substantially parallel to the shank 1 1 .

[00146] The attachment of Figures 1 and 2 is shown in the rest condition, in which the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 are naturally biased away from the shank 1 1. In the rest condition, it is envisaged that the width of the attachment 10 (or, in other words, the circumference of the attachment 10 in the region of the resiliently deformable engagement members 15) will be greater than the opening in the spool (not shown). Therefore, in use, a user will apply a force to each of the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 in the end regions 17 thereof. The force applied will push the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 inwardly towards the shank 1 1 and into the use condition. This reduces the width of the attachment 10 (and the circumference of the attachment 10 in the region of the resiliently deformable engagement members 15) meaning that the attachment can be inserted into the opening in the spool (not shown). Once inserted a desired distance into the spool (not shown), the force on the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 may be removed, allowing the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 to bias towards the rest condition.

[00147] As the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 move towards the rest condition, the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 engage with an inner surface of a bore and/or opening in the spool (not shown). In this way, the attachment 10 is retained within the opening.

[00148] When the connection portion 12 is connected to a tool (such as a drill) and the work portion 14 is received and retained in the opening in a spool (not shown) actuation of the tool results in rotation of the attachment about the longitudinal axis of the shank 1 1. As the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 are in abutment with the inner surface of the bore or opening in the spool (not shown), the spool also rotates with the attachment. Thus, when the attachment 10 is received in the opening, a flexible elongate member (such as builders' or bricklayers' string) may be wound onto the spool (not shown) when the tool is actuated.

[00149] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2, each of the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 includes a stop member 18 located thereon. The stop members 18 are provided in the form of projections that extend outwardly from the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 5 (i.e. away from the shank 1 1 ).

[00150] Each stop member 18 is provided with a land 19 adapted to abut with a face of the spool (not shown) adjacent the opening thereof, thereby preventing further insertion of the attachment 10 into the opening. Thus, the stop members 18 define the limit of movement of the attachment 10 relative to the spool (not shown).

[00151 ] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2, the attachment 10 is fabricated from glass-filled nylon.

[00152] While the features and operation of the attachments 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 are largely identical, a difference lies in the fact that the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 of Figure 2 are positioned closer to the shank 1 1 than the resiliently deformable engagement members 15 of Figure 1. Thus, it is envisaged that the attachment 10 of Figure 1 may be used with spools having openings of a relatively large diameter, while the attachment of Figure 2 may be used with spools having openings of a relatively small diameter.

[00153] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of an attachment 20 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The attachment 20 comprises an elongate shank 21 having, at a first end thereof, a connection portion 22 adapted for connection to a tool (not shown), such as a drill or impact drill. Thus, in use, actuation of the tool (not shown) will result in rotation of the attachment 20 about the longitudinal axis of the shank 21.

[00154] The connection portion 22 has a hexagonal cross-section, allowing the connection portion 22 to be received and retained in a drill chuck (not shown).

[00155] The connection portion 22 also includes a region of reduced mechanical strength in the form of an annular channel 23 that extends about the circumference of the connection portion 22. The annular channel 23 has a reduced diameter in comparison to the remainder of the shank 21. The annular channel 23 is provided so that the attachment may be used with an impact drill (not shown), although it will be understood that the attachment 20 can also be used with battery- powered (cordless) drills. Advantageously, the annular channel 23 provides a location at which mechanical failure of the attachment 20 may occur in the event of misuse of mistreatment of the attachment 20.

[00156] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 3, the shank 21 comprises a first shank portion 21 A and a second shank portion 21 B that are connected via an intermediate shank portion 2 1 C. The first shank portion 21 A is located substantially co-axially with the longitudinal axis 50 of the attachment 20, while the second shank portion 2 I B is located parallel with, but spaced apart from, the longitudinal axis 50 of the attachment 20.

[00157] At the end of the shank 21 opposite to the connection portion 22 is located the work portion 24. The work portion 24 comprises a resiliently deformable engagement member 25.

[00158] The resiliently deformable engagement member 25 is connected to the shank 21 at an end 26 thereof. In this embodiment of the invention, the resiliently deformable engagement member 25 extends generally outwardly from the shank 2 1 and rearwardly towards the connection portion 22. The resiliently deformable engagement member 25 extends outwardly from the shank 21 in a substantially concave curve.

[00159] At the end region 27 of the resiliently deformable engagement member 25 furthest from the end 26 of the shank 21 , the resiliently deformable engagement member 25 is located substantially parallel to the shank 21 .

[00160] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, the attachment 20 is fabricated from metal wire.

[00161 ] The resiliently deformable engagement member 25 includes a stop member 28 located thereon. The stop member 28 is provided in the form of a projection that extends outwardly from the resiliently deformable engagement member 25 (i.e. away from the shank 1 1 ). The stop member 28 is formed by making a loop of wire adjacent the end region 27 of the resiliently deformable engagement member 25.

[00162] The stop member 28 is provided with a land 29 adapted to abut a face of the spool (not shown) adjacent the opening thereof, thereby preventing further insertion of the attachment 20 into the opening. Thus, the stop member 28 defines the limit of movement of the attachment 20 relative to the spool (not shown).

[00163] The attachment 20 of Figure 3 is shown in the rest condition, in which the resiliently deformable engagement member 25 is naturally biased away from the shank 21. However, in Figure 4, the attachment 20 is shown in use.

[00164] In this Figure, a user has applied a force to the resiliently deformable engagement member 25 in the end region 27 thereof. The force applied will push the resiliently deformable engagement member 25 inwardly towards the shank 21 and into the use condition. This reduces the width of the attachment 20 (and the circumference of the attachment 20 in the region of the resiliently deformable engagement member 25) meaning that the attachment 20 can be inserted into the opening (obscured, but at the opposite end of a bore 33 to opening 30) in a spool 31 . Once inserted a desired distance into the spool 31, the force on the resiliently deformable engagement member 25 is removed, allowing the resiliently deformable engagement member 25 to bias towards the rest condition.

[00165] As the resiliently deformable engagement member 25 moves towards the rest condition, the resiliently defoimable engagement member 25 engages with an inner surface 32 of the bore 33 and/or the opening in the spool 3 1 . In this way, the attachment 20 is retained within the opening and/or bore 33.

[00166] When the connection portion 22 (including a chamfered groove 150 adapted to facilitate connection of the attachment 20 to a tool, such as an impact drill) and the attachment 20 is received and retained in the opening in the spool 31 actuation of the tool results in rotation of the attachment 20 about the longitudinal axis of the shank 21. As the resiliently deformable engagement member 25 is in abutment with the inner surface 32 of the bore 33 or opening in the spool 31 , the spool 31 also rotates with the attachment 20. Thus, when the attachment 20 is received in the opening, a flexible elongate member 34 (such as builders' or bricklayers' string) is wound onto or off the spool 31 when the tool is actuated.

[00167] In Figure 5, a plan view of an attachment 100 for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The attachment 100 comprises an elongate shank 101 having, at a first end thereof, a connection portion 102 adapted for connection to a tool (not shown), such as a drill or impact drill. Thus, in use, actuation of the tool (not shown) will resul t in rotation of the attachment 100 about the longitudinal axis of the shank 101.

[00168] The connection portion 102 includes a region of reduced mechanical strength in the form of an annular channel 103 that extends about the circumference of the connection portion 102. The annular channel 103 has a reduced diameter in comparison to the remainder of the shank 101. The annular channel 103 is provided so that the attachment may be used with an impact drill (not shown), although it will be understood that the attachment 100 can also be used with battery-powered (cordless) drills. Advantageously, the annular channel 103 provides a location at which mechanical failure of the attachment 100 may occur in the event of misuse of mistreatment of the attachment 100.

[00169] At the end of the shank 101 opposite to the connection portion 102 is located the work portion 104. The work portion 104 comprises a pair of resiliently deformable engagement members 105 arranged in a swept configuration relative to the shank 101 .

[00170] The resiliently deformable engagement members 105 are spaced apart from one another approximately 180° about the longitudinal axis 50 of the shank 101. This equidistant spacing of the resiliently deformable engagement members 105 helps to ensure that, as the attachment 100 rotates under the actuation of the tool (not shown), the attachment 100 is substantially balanced and symmetrical about its longitudinal axis 50.

[00171 ] The resiliently deformable engagement members 105 are connected to a circular end portion 106, with the shank 101 also connected to the end portion 106. Each of the pair of resiliently defonnable engagement members 105 extend generally outwardly from the shank 101 and rearwardly towards the connection portion 102. The resiliently defonnable engagement members 105 extend outwardly from the shank 1 1 in a substantially linear manner.

[00172] The attachment 100 of Figure 5 is shown in the rest condition, in which the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 05 are naturally biased away from the shank 101 . In the rest condition, it is envisaged that the width of the attachment 100 (or, in other words, the circumference of the attachment 100 in the region of the resiliently deformable engagement members 105) will be greater than the opening in the spool (not shown). Therefore, in use, a user will apply a force to each of the resiliently deformable engagement members 105 in the end regions 107 thereof. The force applied will push the resiliently deformable engagement members 105 inwardly towards the shank 101 and into the use condition. This reduces the width of the attachment 100 (and the circumference of the attachment 100 in the region of the resiliently defonnable engagement members 105) meaning that the attachment can be inserted into the opening in the spool (not shown). Once inserted a desired distance into the spool (not shown), the force on the resiliently deformable engagement members 105 may be removed, allowing the resiliently defonnable engagement members 105 to bias towards the rest condition.

[00173] As the resiliently deformable engagement members 105 move towards the rest condition, the resiliently defonnable engagement members 105 engage with an inner surface of a bore and/or opening in the spool (not shown). In this way, the attachment 100 is retained within the opening.

[00174] When the connection portion 102 is connected to a tool (such as a drill) and the work portion 104 is received and retained in the opening in a spool (not shown) actuation of the tool results in rotation of the attachment about the longitudinal axis of the shank 101 . As the resiliently defonnable engagement members 105 are in abutment with the inner surface of the bore or opening in the spool (not shown), the spool also rotates with the attachment. Thus, when the attachment 100 is received in the opening, a flexible elongate member (such as builders' or bricklayers' string) may be wound onto the spool (not shown) when the tool is actuated.

[00175] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5, each of the resiliently deformable engagement members 105 includes a stop member 108 located thereon. The stop members 108 are provided in the form of projections that extend outwardly from the resiliently defonnable engagement members 105 (i.e. away from the shank 101 ).

[00176] Each stop member 108 is provided with a land 109 adapted to abut with a face of the spool (not shown) adjacent the opening thereof, thereby preventing further insertion of the attachment 100 into the opening. Thus, the stop members 108 define the limit of movement of the attachment 100 relative to the spool (not shown).

[00177] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5, the attachment 100 is fabricated from glass-filled nylon.

[00178] In Figure 6, a plan view of an attachment 100 for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The attachment of Figure 6 is veiy similar to that of Figure 5 with the exception that the end portion 106 comprises a circular ring, rather than the circular disc of Figure 5.

[00179] It is envisaged that the attachment 100 of Figure 6 may be used with spools (not shown) having bores of a relatively large diameter, while the attachment of Figure 5 may be used with spools having bores of relatively small diameter.

[00180] In Figure 7, a plan view of an attachment 1 10 for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment of the invention, the attachment 110 includes a pair of resiliently defonnable engagement members 1 1 1 that are attached to the shank 1 12 at the end 1 14 of the shank 1 12, and also at the ends 1 15 of the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 1 1 located closest to the connection portion 1 16.

[00181 ] In this embodiment of the invention, a stop member 1 13 is located on the shank 1 12 at a point between the connection portion 1 16 and the ends 115 of the resiliently defonnable engagement members 1 1 1 located closest to the connection portion 1 16. The stop member 1 13 may be a plate or block, or may extend radially outwardly from the shank 1 12.

[00182] In Figure 8, a plan view of an attachment 1 10 for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The attachment 1 10 of Figure 8 is similar to that illustrated in Figure 7 with the exception that a single oval-shaped resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 extends forwardly from the end 1 14 of the shank 1 12. As with Figure 7, a stop member 1 13 is provided on the shank 1 12, although in this embodiment, the stop member 1 13 is located on the end 1 14 of the shank.

[00183] In Figure 9, a plan view of an attachment 1 10 for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The attachment of Figure 9 is similar to that of Figure 8 in that the resiliently defonnable engagement members 1 1 1 are connected to an end 1 14 of the shank 1 12 and extend forwardly therefrom. However, in Figure 9, a pair of curved resiliently defonnable engagement members 1 1 1 are connected to the shank 1 12 and extend fowardly therefrom.

[00184] Figures 10 and 1 1 illustrate plan and end views, respectively, of an attachment 120 for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. In these Figures, the attachment 120 comprises a work portion in the form of a spool member 121 that extends forwardly of the shank 122. The spool member 121 is cylindrical so that a flexible line member (not shown) may be smoothly and evenly wound about the spool member 121.

[00185] The spool member 121 includes an attachment member 123 therein to which and end of the flexible line member (not shown) is attached during use to prevent disengagement of the line member from the spool member 121 . The attachment member 123 is in the fonn of a projection to which an end of the line member is tied.

[00186] The attachment 120 includes a pair of flanges 124 adapted to prevent the line member (not shown) from slipping off the end of the spool member 121. The flanges 124 are located at opposed ends of the spool member 121 , such that the flexible line member (not shown) may be wound onto the full width of the spool member 121 but cannot extend beyond opposed ends thereof.

[00187] When the attachment 120 is connected to a tool (not shown) via the connection portion 125, actuation of the tool causes rotation of the attachment 120 about its longitudinal axis 50. When the attachment 120 is rotated in a first direction, the line member (not shown) will be wound onto the spool member 121 , while when the attachment 120 is rotated in a second, opposite direction, the line member (not shown) will be wound off the spool member 121.

[00188] In Figure 1 1, an end view of the attachment 120 is shown. The end of the attachment 120 shown in Figure 1 1 is the opposite end of the attachment 120 to the connection portion. [00189] In this Figure it may be seen that an opening 126 is located centrally within the flange 124, wherein the opening 126 is the opening to a bore that extends into the attachment 120 from the end thereof. The presence of the bore allows a user to place the attachment 120 over an object such as a reinforcement (reo) bar, star picket, pipe, rod or the like, such that the object is received in the bore. In this way, the attachment 120 may be temporarily stored in an accessible location off the ground while the user works.

[00190] In Figure 12, a plan view of an attachment 1 10 is shown. The attachment 1 10 is similar to that shown in Figure 9, with the exception that a biasing member in the form of a spring 130 is located between the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 1 1. The spring 130 is a coiled spring that is located over a protrusion 131 located on each of the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 1 1 so as to retain the spring 130 in place.

[00191 ] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, a user applies a force to the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 1 1 to push them towards one another, thereby overcoming the natural bias of the spring 130 and allowing the attachment 1 10 to be inserted into the bore of a spool (not shown). Once the user releases the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 1 1 , the natural bias of the spring 130 forces the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 11 to return to the rest condition shown in Figure 12.

[00192] In Figure 13, a plan view of an attachment 100 is shown. The attachment 100 is similar to that shown in Figure 6, with the exception that biasing members in the form of springs 130 are located between each resiliently deformable engagement member 105 and the shank 101. The springs 130 are coiled springs that are located over protrusions 13 1 located on each of the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 1 1 and protrusions 132 located on the shank so as to retain the spring 130 in place.

[00193] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13, a user applies a force to the resiliently deformable engagement members 105 to push them towards the shank 101 , thereby overcoming the natural bias of the springs 130 and allowing the attachment 100 to be inserted into the bore of a spool (not shown). Once the user releases the resiliently deformable engagement members 105, the natural bias of the springs 130 forces the resiliently deformable engagement members 105 to return to the rest condition shown in Figure 13.

[00194] In Figure 14, a plan view of an attachment 1 10 is shown. The attachment 1 10 is similar to that shown in Figure 7, with the exception that each resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 A, 1 1 1 B is connected to the shank 1 12 at one end thereof only. [00195] Specifically, resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 A is connected to the shank 1 12 at an end 1 15, the end 1 15 being located between the end 1 14 of the shank 1 12 and the connection portion 1 16. The resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 A extends forwardly from the end 1 15 where it is connected to the shank 1 12 towards the end 1 14 of the shank 1 12. Conversely, resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 I B is connected at one end thereof to the end 1 14 of the shank 1 12 and extends rearwardly towards the connection portion 1 16.

[00196] In Figure 15, a plan view of an attachment 1 10 is shown. The attachment 1 10 is similar to that shown in Figure 25, with the exception that biasing members in the form of springs 130 are located between each resiliently deformable engagement member l l lA, 1 1 I B and the shank 1 12. The springs 130 are coiled springs that are located over protrusions 131 located on each of the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 1 1 A, 1 1 I B and protrusions 132 located on the shank so as to retain the spring 130 in place.

[00197] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 15, a user applies a force to the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 1 1 A , 1 1 I B to push them towards the shank 1 12, thereby overcoming the natural bias of the springs 130 and allowing the attachment 1 10 to be inserted into the bore of a spool (not shown). Once the user releases the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 1 1A, 1 1 IB, the natural bias of the springs 130 forces the resiliently deformable engagement members 1 1 1 A, 1 1 1 B to return to the rest condition shown in Figure 15.

[00198] Figure 16A illustrates a plan view of an attachment 110 for a tool according to an embodiment of the invention. The attachment 1 10 of Figure 16A i s very similar to that shown in Figure 8, with the exception that a pair of stop members U 3A, 1 13B are provided. The pair of stop members 1 13A, 1 13B extends outwardly from the shank 1 12 at the point at which the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 connects to the shank 1 12 (i.e. at the end 1 14 of the shank 1 12).

[00199] As with Figure 8, it will be noted that the shank 1 12 of Figure 16A includes a chamfered groove 150 adapted to allow connection of the attachment 1 10 to an impact drill (not shown). The chamfered groove 150 extends annularly about the shank 1 12.

[00200] In Figure 16B, an isometric view of a similar attachment 1 10 to that shown in Figure 16A is illustrated. In this Figure, the orientation of the stop members 1 13A, 1 13B at 90° to one another may be seen. In addition, in Figure 16B, it may be seen that the stop members 1 13A, 1 13B extend outwardly from the shank 1 12 further than the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 . In this way, while the resiliency deformable engagement member 1 1 1 may be inserted into an opening and/or bore in a spool (not shown in the Figure), the stop members 1 13A, 1 13B are sized so as to be too large to be inserted into the opening in the spool. Thus, the stop members 1 13 A, 1 13B define the limit of insertion of the attachment 1 10 into the spool.

[00201 ] In Figure 16B the connection portion 22 has a hexagonal cross-section, allowing the connection portion 22 to be received and retained in the chuck of an electric drill (not shown).

[00202] In Figure 17A there is illustrated an attachment 1 10 for a tool according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this Figure, the resiliently deformable engagement members comprise fin members 151 that extend radially outwardly from the shank 1 12. In Figure 17A, four fin members 15 1 are provided spaced equidistantly from one another about the shank 1 12. Thus, the fin members 15 1 extend outwardly from the shank 1 12 at an angle of 90° to one another.

[00203] The fin members 151 comprise planar members that are connected to the shank 1 12 at an edge thereof along substantially the entire length of the fin members 151. In this embodiment of the invention, each fin member 15 1 includes a stop member 152 located at the end of the fin member 151 closest to the connection portion 102. It is envisaged that the stop members 152 extend outwardly from the shank 1 12 to a distance greater than the opening of the spool (not shown in the Figure). Thus, the stop members 152 define the limit of insertion of the attachment 1 10 into the spool.

[00204] As with Figure 16A , the connection portion 102 of the attachment 1 10 of Figure 17 A comprises a chamfered groove 150 adapted to facilitate connection of the attachment 1 10 to an impact drill (not shown).

[00205] In Figure 17B an end view of the attachment 110 of Figure 17A is illustrated. In this Figure it may be more clearly seen that four fin members 151 are oriented at 90° to one another about the circumference of the shank 1 12. The fin members 151 are planar members that extend outwardly from the shank at a perpendicular orientation to the shank 1 12.

[00206] When the attachment 1 10 is inserted into an opening and/or bore in a spool (not shown in the Figure) it is envisaged that an outer region 153 of each fin member 151 may deform in a manner indicated by arrows 154. Thus, a portion of the fin members 151 abuts an inner portion of the opening and/or bore in the spool (not shown in this Figure) there by retaining the attachment 1 10 within the spool. [00207] In Figure 17C an isometric view of an attachment 1 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The attachment 1 10 of this Figure is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 17A with the exception that the fin members 151 are formed integrally with a cap member 155. The cap member 155 is then adapted for connection to the shank 1 12. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 17C, the cap member 155 is overmoulded onto the shank 1 12.

[00208] In Figure 18 an attachment 1 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The attachment of Figure 18 is essentially the same as that illustratd in Figure 16A with the exception that the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 is provided with a pair of contact portions 156. The contact portions 156 each include a contact surface 157 that extends substantially tangentially to the widest point of the resiliently deformable engagement member 11 1. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the contact surfaces 157 may abut an inner surface of the opening and/or bore in the spool (not shown in this Figure) so as to provide an increased area of contact between the attachment 1 10 and the spool. In this way, tilting of the spool (not shown) relative to the longitudinal axis 50 of the shank 1 12 may be reduced or eliminated.

[00209] Figures 19A to 19C illustrate views of an attachment 1 10 for a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. The attachment 1 10 of Figure 19A to 19C is essentially the same as that illustrated in Figure 16 A.

[00210] In Figure 19A, a user has applied a force to the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 on opposed sides thereof in order to force the sides of the resiliently deformable engagement member inwardly towards one another and into the use condition. This reduces the width of the attachment 110 (and the circumference of the attachment 110 in the region of the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 ) meaning that the attachment 1 10 can be inserted into the opening (obscured, but at the opposite end of a bore 33 to opening 30) in a spool 31. Once inserted a desired distance into the spool 3 1 , the force on the resiliently deformable engagement member 11 1 is removed, allowing the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 to bias outwardly towards the rest condition.

[002 1 1 ] As the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 moves towards the rest condition, the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 engages with an inner surface 32 of the bore 33 and/or the opening in the spool 31. In this way, the attachment 1 10 is retained within the opening and/or bore 33. [00212] When the connection portion 22 (including a chamfered groove 150 adapted to facilitate connection of the attachment 1 10 to a tool, such as an impact drill) and the attachment 1 10 is received and retained in the opening in the spool 31 actuation of the tool results in rotation of the attachment 1 10 about the longitudinal axis of the shank 21 . As the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 is in abutment with the inner surface 32 of the bore 33 or opening in the spool 31 , the spool 31 also rotates with the attachment 1 10. Thus, when the attachment 110 is received in the opening, a flexible elongate member 34 (such as builders' or bricklayers' string, fishing line, haberdashery thread, wool etc.) is wound onto or off the spool 31 when the tool is actuated.

[00213] Figures 19B and 19C illustrated end views of the spool 31 of Figure 19A with the attachment 1 10 inserted therein. In Figure 19B the opening 200 into which the attachment 1 10 is inserted may be seen. Also in this Figure, it may be seen that the stop members 1 13 A, 1 13B are extend radially outward from the shank 21 to a distance greater than the radius of the opening 200. Thus, the stop members 1 13 A, 1 13B cannot be inserted into the opening 200 and therefore define the limit of insertion of the attachment 1 10 into the opening 200. Instead, an outer region of the stop members 1 13 A, 1 13B abuts an end 201 of the spool 31 adjacent the opening 200.

[00214] In Figure 19C an end of the spool 31 including opening 30 is shown. In this Figure it may be seen that the force on the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 (required to effect the insertion of the attachment 1 10 into the bore 33) has been released, and the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 1 1 returns to its rest condition in which it abuts an inner surface 32 of the bore 33 within the spool 31. This frictional engagement between the resiliently deformable engagement member 1 J 1 and the inner surface 32 of the bore 33 is sufficient such that the spool 31 and the attachment 1 10 rotate together when the tool (not shown) is actuated, but, if the torque reaches or exceeds a predetermined level (such as in the event of the line member 34 becoming snagged), the attachment 1 10 is adapted to rotate within the bore 33 so as to prevent breakage of the line member 34.

[00215] In Figure 19D, the attachment 1 10 of Figures 19A to 19C is shown connected to a tool in the form of a cordless drill 210. The connection portion 22 of the attachment 1 10 is inserted into and retained in the chuck 21 1 of the drill 210.

[00216] Once the attachment 1 10 is secured in the chuck 21 1 , a user may actuate the drill 210 so as to cause rotation of the attachment 1 10 about its longitudinal axis, which results in a corresponding rotation of the spool 31 and (provided that the spool 31 is oriented correctly on the attachment 110) the winding of the elongate flexible member 34 about the spool 31 . [00217] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 19D, the drill 210 is actuated by pressing a trigger 212. In this embodiment, the further the trigger 212 is depressed (or the harder it is pressed), the faster the attachment 1 10 will rotate, and the faster that the line member 34 will be wound onto the spool 31. Thus, the trigger 212 may act to provide a variable speed drive. While it is envisaged that the drill 210 could be operated at the fastest possible speed to minimise the time to wind the flexible member 34 onto the spool 31 , it is preferred that, at least initially, the drill 210 may be operated at a slower speed in order to reduce the possibility of snagging or tangling of the line member 34 and to assist with the smooth winding of the line member 34 onto the spool 31.

[00218] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its deri vatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00219] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00220] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred fonns of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its fonns or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.