The invention relates to a reel for holding a winding material. The invention relates particularly to a reel with a clamping mechanism for fixedly clamping an end of the winding material.

Reels are used for winding thereon of different types and sorts of material. Reels typically have for this purpose a revolving body (such as a cylindrical body) which extends between a first flange and a second flange. Yarn, garden hose, cables, fishing line, extension cable, ... (referred to below as winding materials) can all be stored and transported efficiently via reels. The winding materials are rolled onto the revolving body between the first and the second flange. A drawback of a winding material on a reel is that the winding material tends to unwind and thus come off the reel.

Different solutions have been devised for holding a winding material on a reel. US

5441215 describes a reel wherein the flange has in its peripheral edge a slit through which an end of the winding material can extend so as to be fixed against the outer side of a flange by means of a tape. Adhesion with a tape has the advantage here that the end can be held effectively in fully continuous manner and in all unwinding positions of the reel.

A drawback of the known solution is that adhesion of an end part of the winding material by means of a tape is time-consuming. Releasing the winding material again is also time- consuming because the tape either sticks to the winding material or sticks to the flange, or tears whereby a combination of the above situations is also possible. In order to enable comfortable further use of the reel with the winding material the tape will have to be removed manually each time.

It is an object of the invention to provide a reel wherein an end of the winding material can be held effectively in all positions.

The invention provides for this purpose a reel for holding a winding material, which reel has a revolving body which extends between a first and a second flange such that the winding material is windable between the two flanges onto the revolving body, wherein the first flange has a recess at the position of a peripheral edge of the flange and wherein the first flange further comprises an elongate tongue which lies against an outer surface of the flange and is connected with a first tongue end to the flange, wherein a second tongue end protrudes beyond the peripheral edge of the flange and wherein the tongue has a flexibility such that an end of the winding material is provided so as to extend From the reel through the recess to a position between the tongue and the flange in order to be clamped between the tongue and the flange such that unwinding of the winding material is prevented.

The reel according to the invention is constructed in technically simple manner and can thereby be manufactured quickly and cheaply. The reel according to the invention is further easy to use, i.e. the end of the winding material can be clamped and also released again via a simple operation. Compared to a standard reel, the reel according to the invention further comprises a recess in the peripheral edge of a flange, and a tongue is mounted against the outer side of this flange. The tongue is connected here with a first end to the flange and a second end protrudes beyond the peripheral edge of the flange. A tongue is hereby obtained which has a springy or flexing action (just as a springboard or diving board). This allows the winding material to be clamped between the outer surface of the flange and the tongue. Because the tongue extends beyond the edge of the flange, it is very easy for a user of the reel to clamp the winding material between the tongue and flange. This is because substantially any movement wherein the winding material moves over the edge of the flange in the direction of the tongue will result in the winding material coming to lie between the flange and the tongue. This means that the movement with which the end of the winding material can be secured can be performed in defined manner (as opposed to precisely), whereby it can even be used in poor ambient conditions (for instance poor visibility) and by users with less good motor development. Release of the winding material is also simple because no clamping aids (such as tape) stick to flange and/or winding material. The fact that the tongue protrudes beyond the edge of the flange is at first sight a drawback because the outer dimensions of the reel thereby increase. This is not found to be a drawback in practice however because round objects such as a reel are typically stored in rectangular storage spaces anyway. If the round reel is placed in a rectangular storage space the protruding part of the tongue can be oriented in the direction of a corner of the rectangular storage space, whereby the reel with protruding tongue fits in the same rectangular space as a reel without protruding tongue.

The recess is preferably elongate and the recess extends substantially in radial direction in the outer surface of the flange. This means that the recess, which begins at the peripheral edge of the flange, extends in the direction of the centre (central axis) of the flange. Because the recess is elongate and extends in radial direction, a winding material can always extend with the same ease through the recess irrespective of the winding direction of the winding material on the reel, and can be carried into and out of the recess with the same movement.

The recess preferably has a width of N times the thickness of the winding material, wherein N is a minimum of 1 , preferably a minimum of 2, more preferably a minimum of 3.

Making the recess wider than the thickness of the winding material enables the winding material to move without appreciable resistance through the recess. This allows the winding material to be moved through the recess via a simple operation during the process of fixedly clamping the end of the winding material.

The recess preferably has a length such that the recess extends substantially as far as the revolving body. The winding material can hereby extend from the reel through the recess directly and without any appreciable detours irrespective of the amount of winding material remaining on the reel.

The tongue is preferably formed along a longitudinal axis lying eccentrically relative to the outer surface of the flange. A central zone of the flange is hereby not affected by the tongue (because the tongue lies out of the centre) and the reel can be placed in conventional manner in a holder or frame (wherein clamping typically takes place at the position of the central zone) so as to facilitate winding onto and/or unwinding from the reel. Tests have further shown that an eccentric positioning of the tongue facilitates clamping of the winding material between the tongue and the flange. This is a result of the eccentricity, and more specifically the angle formed between the peripheral edge of the flange and the tongue. If the tongue is placed centrally, this angle will always be obtuse (greater than 90°). As a result the winding material is not always held optimally inside the angle (because it is obtuse), and clamping of the winding material between flange and tongue may fail. If the tongue is placed eccentrically, at least one of the angles between the tongue and the peripheral edge of the flange will be acute. A winding material which is moved into an acute angle will have little or no tendency to move back out of it again (in contrast to when moved into an obtuse angle). The clamping operation is therefore simplified considerably by the eccentric position of the tongue.

The tongue is preferably positioned such that the longitudinal axis lies substantially perpendicularly of a length direction of the elongate recess. The tongue preferably lies

eccentrically here in a direction remote from the recess. The tongue and the recess are hereby formed at the position of opposite halves of the flange. Tests have shown that with such an arrangement the movement for clamping an end of the winding material is minimal. Tests have also shown that with such an arrangement the clamping is optimal.

The tongue preferably has a length greater than the radius of the first flange. This allows easy mounting of the tongue against the outer surface of the flange and simplifies the use of the reel according to the invention.

The first tongue end is preferably connected to the outer side of the flange over a distance of a minimum of one fifth the length of the tongue and a maximum of half the length of the tongue. This allows simple mounting of the tongue against the outer side of the flange, for instance by glueing, and also leaves sufficient space for clamping of the winding material between the tongue and the flange. By only connecting a minimum of one fifth and a maximum of half the length of the tongue to the flange the other (unconnected) part of the tongue will be able to flex or spring relative to the flange. The winding material can hereby be carried between the tongue and the flange in order to clamp an end of the winding material.

The winding material is preferably a wire. A wire, such as a yarn or a fishline thread, typically has a small thickness and relatively high flexibility. Such a wire can be clamped fixedly between the tongue and the flange in simple manner such that the wire does not unwind from the reel in undesired manner. The winding material is alternatively a flexible tube. A flexible tube, such as a garden hose, can be wound onto a reel according to the invention, wherein an end of the garden hose is clamped fixedly between a tongue and an outer surface of the flange of the reel. The skilled person will appreciate that the reel can be designed in different ways here (can for instance have different sizes) depending on the type of winding material.

The winding material is preferably wound onto the reel and an inner end of the winding material is operatively connected to the revolving body of the reel, wherein said end of the winding material is formed by an outer end of the winding material. The inner end of the winding material, this being the end of the winding material on the inner side of the wound-up winding material, is operatively connected to the tubular body. Operatively connected is defined here as directly or indirectly connected to the revolving body such that first windings of the winding material on the revolving body provide resistance to movement relative to the revolving body. The outer end of the winding material is then clamped fixedly between the tongue and the flange of the reel according to the invention. This outer end can be released when necessary, so that the reel can take up or pay out winding material, and be secured again by being clamped between tongue and flange, as required by the user.

The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a reel according to the invention wherein, beginning with a reel with a revolving body which extends between a first and a second flange such that a winding material is windable between the two flanges onto the revolving body, the method comprises the steps of:

- creating a recess in the first flange of the reel;

- connecting an elongate tongue via a first tongue end to the first flange such that the tongue lies against an outer surface of the flange and such that a second tongue end protrudes beyond the peripheral edge of the flange, wherein the tongue has a flexibility such that an end of the winding material is provided so as to extend from the reel through the recess to a position between tongue and flange in order to be clamped between the tongue and the flange such that unwinding of the winding material is prevented.

Via the method of the invention a conventional reel can be converted in simple manner to a reel according to the invention, wherein an end of the winding material can be clamped in simple manner in all positions in order to prevent undesired unwinding of the winding material.

The invention will now be further described on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

In the drawing:

figure 1 shows a side view of a reel with winding material according to an embodiment of the invention; figure 2 shows a section of the reel of figure 1 ; and

figure 3 shows a reel as in figure 1 , wherein an end of the winding material is shown in different clamping steps.

The same or similar elements are designated in the drawing with the same reference numeral.

Figures 1 and 2 show a reel 1 with a winding material 5. Reel 1 is substantially formed here by a revolving body 4 extending between a first flange 2 and a second flange 3. The flanges hereby form collars (upright edges) on opposite ends of revolving body 4. Revolving body 4 and first and second flanges 2 and 3 form a delimited zone inside which a winding material 5 can be rolled up.

In most practical embodiments revolving body 4 is preferably a cylindrical body (as shown in figures 1 and 2). In specific embodiments the revolving body 4 can also take a form other than cylindrical, for instance conical or diabolo-shaped (two truncated cones with their truncated sides facing toward each other). As will also be understood by the skilled person, an effect on the winding material can be achieved, and the winding material can be controlled, via a revolving body 4 with a form other than a cylinder. The skilled person can therefore choose a suitable revolving body 4 subject to the specific application.

A winding material 5 is an elongate and flexible element, typically with a limited cross- sectional area. Such elements are stored and transported in rolled-up state. A winding material 5 is defined as an elongate and flexible element suitable for winding up. Examples of winding materials 5 are a wire, a cable, a cord, a hose, a tube, a ribbon and a strip. Each winding material typically has a minimum winding radius. Reel 1 is typically adapted here so as to be suitable for a predetermined winding material; i.e. the radius of revolving body 4 of reel 1 is greater than or equal to the minimum winding radius of the predetermined winding material.

When a winding material is wound onto a reel, one end of the winding material will always be located closer to revolving body 4 and another end of the winding material will always be located on an outer side of the winding, and so at a distance from revolving body 4. The end at the position of revolving body 4 is on the inner side of the winding and will therefore be referred to as the inner end of the winding material. The other end on the outer side of the winding will be referred to as the outer end of the winding material. It will be apparent that inner end and outer end are not properties of the winding material per se but that they indicate only the position of the end of the winding material on the reel. When inner or outer (end of the winding material) is not specified, it will always be the outer end to which reference is being made.

The inner end is typically fixed directly or indirectly relative to revolving body 4 such that the first windings (during normal use of the reel) do not slip relative to revolving body 4. An example of direct fixing of the inner end of winding material 5 relative to revolving body 4 is adhesion of the end against the revolving body. An example of indirect fixing of the inner end of winding material 5 relative to revolving body 4 is making several windings over revolving body 4, wherein the windings cross each other such that a clamping is created between the revolving body and the winding material as a result of the crossover. A further example of indirect fixing of the inner end of winding material 5 relative to revolving body 4 is clamping or adhesion of winding material 5 against one of the flanges 2, 3, after which the winding material is guided to revolving body 4 and wound thereon. Each of these mechanisms prevent relative movement of the winding material and revolving body 4. This allows easy winding and unwinding of the winding material onto and from the reel.

The skilled person will appreciate that the inner end of winding material 5 can be fixed in different ways relative to the reel. In most cases the way in which the inner end of winding material 5 is fixed relative to the reel will have little or no effect on the operation of the reel because in practice a winding material is usually not fully unwound. Only when a winding material is fully used up (in the case of consumer winding materials such as wire, yarn and the like) or when all of a winding material is utilized (in the case of winding materials such as a fastening strap or garden hose) will the winding material be fully unwound from the reel. The inner end of the winding material can be connected to revolving body 4 in a manner adapted to the type of winding material and to the anticipated use (whether the winding material is fully unwound on a regular basis or only rarely). The skilled person will appreciate that there are different possibilities here and can select a suitable option on the basis of a specific application.

The outer end of winding material 5 is released before each use and fixed to the reel again after each use. This prevents undesired and uncontrolled unwinding of winding material 5 from the reel, for instance during transport. Because the winding material is fixed and/or released each time it is used, and often even during use of the reel, this preferably takes place via a simple operation.

The reel according to the invention has for this purpose a recess 6 in the first flange at a peripheral edge of the flange. The recess extends wholly through the flange such that winding material can extend through the recess. The recess has a width which is preferably several times greater than the thickness of the winding material. It will be apparent here that a reel is typically formed for a predetermined winding material. In such a case the width of the recess is at least lx, preferably at least 2x, more preferably at least 3x greater than the thickness (diameter or minimum outer dimension of the cross-section) of the winding material. The recess is preferably rounded at the position of the peripheral edge of the flange so that no sharp corners are present which could damage the winding material. The recess is elongate and extends radially relative to a central axis 12 of reel 1. This means that the longitudinal axis of the recess intersects the central axis 12. The recess extends from the peripheral edge of first flange 2 to the position of revolving body 4 such that even when there is little winding material on the reel (and the diameter of the reel has not yet increased appreciably due to the accumulation of wound winding material), the winding material can move without detours through the recess and out of the reel.

The outer end of winding material 5 on the reel can be guided to the outer side of first flange 2 via recess 6. The end of winding material 5 extends here through recess 6. Because the recess extends from the peripheral edge, winding material 5 can be carried via the peripheral edge into the recess and also be taken out of the recess again. During unwinding of winding material 5 from the reel the winding material will not extend through recess 6, as this would make unwinding of winding material 5 practically impossible. During transport and storage however (when the winding material on the reel is not in use), the winding material preferably does extend through recess 6 in order to avoid uncontrolled and undesired unwinding. A clamping mechanism is provided on the outer side of first flange 2 for the purpose of clamping the end of winding material

5 which is carried outward.

A tongue 7 for clamping winding material 5 is provided on the outer side of first flange 2. Tongue 7 is elongate and has a form which is complementary to the form of the outer side of first flange 2 such that tongue 7 is provided so as to lie against flange 2. Because it is elongate, tongue 7 further has a first end 8 and a second end 10. The tongue is only connected to the outer side of the flange 2 at first end 8. Second end 10 of flange 7 extends beyond the peripheral edge of flange 2 and thereby protrudes outside the diameter of flange 2.

Tongue 7 is formed from a resilient material. A resilient material is a material which has a neutral position and which can be moved out of this neutral position by applying an external force, and wherein the material moves back to the neutral position once the external force has been removed. The resilient material will always tend here to oppose the external force in order to return to the neutral position. In other words, tongue 7 is formed from a material which allows an elastic deformation without immediate plastic deformation. Because tongue 7 is connected only with first end 8 to flange 2 because the tongue is elongate, and because tongue 7 is formed from a resilient material, tongue 7 is able to clamp an end of winding material 5 between tongue 7 and flange 2. Second end 10 of the tongue can be moved here in the direction away from flange 2 designated in figure 2 with reference numeral 9. The clamping force depends on the form and the material of tongue 7 and can be optimized by the skilled person in accordance with the winding material 5 for clamping.

Tongue 7, which is elongate, is preferably placed such that its longitudinal axis lies eccentrically relative to flange 2. This means that tongue 7 and central axis 12 of the reel do not intersect, but cross at a distance from each other. The eccentricity is preferably remote from recess

6 here. Tongue 7 preferably further extends at a right angle to the length direction of recess 6. The eccentric placing of tongue 7 has multiple effects. First and foremost the flange 2 will hereby be unchanged at the position of central axis 12, this typically meaning that it will be identical on two sides of reel 1 (so at the position of first flange 2 and at the position of second flange 3). Reel 1 can hereby be clamped in simple manner at the position of central axis 12, whereby winding up and unwinding of reel 1 can be performed in simple manner. Existing reels can also be provided with a tongue 7 and still be clamped in the same way and in the same reel clamps as before.

A further effect of the eccentric placing of tongue 7 is that one of the angles between tongue 7 and the peripheral edge of first flange 2 will be acute. This acute angle is designated in figure 1 with reference numeral 11. In the case of a central placing the two angles (on each longitudinal side of tongue 7) between tongue 7 and the peripheral edge of flange 2 would be obtuse. An acute angle simplifies the operation of clamping winding material 5. This is because winding material 5 will always be clamped when an end of winding material 5 is carried into the acute angle. This is not always the case with an obtuse angle, where winding material 5 can spring back out of the angle. This will be further elucidated below with reference to figures 3A, 3B and 3C.

First end 8 of tongue 7 is connected to flange 2 via glueing, via welding (whereby material of the tongue fuses with material of the flange), via a screw or bolt connection or via other equivalent connections. Tongue 7 is alternatively formed integrally with flange 2. First end 8 extends over a maximum of 50% of the length of tongue 7, preferably over a maximum of 40%, more preferably over a maximum of 30% of the tongue. The connection between tongue 7 and flange 2 is situated within first zone 8 and connects at least 10%, preferably at least 20% of the surface area of tongue 7 to flange 2. Because an appreciable surface area is connected, the connection does not function as a hinge, and the clamping action of tongue 7 is obtained.

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate the co-action between the different components of reel 1. The figures show how an end 13 of winding material 5 can be fixed relative to reel 1 via a movement of winding material 5.

Figure 3A shows a situation in which reel 1 with winding material 5 has just been used, i.e. typically wound up and/or unwound. Before reel 1 is stowed away (after use), winding material 5 is fixed relative to reel 1 , whereby undesired and/or uncontrolled unwinding of winding material 5 is prevented. Outer end 13 of winding material 5 is moved for this purpose as according to a first movement as designated with arrow 14. The first movement 14 is directed so as to carry winding material 5 into the recess. The result of first movement 14 is shown in figure 3B.

Figure 3B shows a situation in which winding material 5 extends with an end 13 from reel 1 through recess 6 and outside reel 1. With a further movement of the end of winding material 5, this further movement being designated in the figure with arrow 15, the end of winding material 5 is carried between tongue 7 and the outer side of flange 2. The movement 15 here guides the end 13 of winding material 5 into acute angle 11 between flange 2 and tongue 7. When winding material 5 is pulled into this angle 11 by movement 15, winding material 5 will move tongue 7 away from flange 2 (movement 9 of figure 2), whereby winding material 5 comes to lie between tongue 7 and flange 2. This latter position is shown in figure 3C. In this position the end 13 of winding material 5 is clamped between tongue 7 and flange 2, and the clamping prevents uncontrolled and/or undesired unwinding of winding material 5 from reel 1.

Owing to the specific construction of the reel according to the invention the overall movement (which is a combination of first movement 14 and further movement 15) is simple and relatively limited. This is because the first movement 14 and further movement 15 lie mutually in line (without complex bends/changes in direction). In addition, the first and second movements together do not even describe a semicircle, so the movement is limited. This limited movement can be easily performed in one hand movement, whereby reel 1 according to the invention is easy to use. A further advantage of the specific construction of the reel according to the invention is that, in the clamped state (as shown in figure 3C), the winding material does not have a radius smaller than the radius of revolving body 4. The winding material is hereby not adversely affected by the clamping.

In order to release the clamped winding material again a movement is necessary which is in roughly opposite direction to the movement for clamping the winding material. This movement for releasing the winding material is designated in figure 3C with arrow 16. Just as the movement for clamping the winding material, this movement 16 is simple and of limited scope. This movement 16 can hereby be performed easily by hand.

Because the movements for clamping 14, 15 and unclamping 16 the winding material are very similar to the movement for winding and unwinding winding material onto and from the reel, these movements can be easily automated, which is an advantage during use of such reels.

The above described embodiments and figures are purely illustrative and serve only to increase understanding of the invention. The invention will thus not be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is defined in the claims.