Spool assembly

Abstract

A spool assembly 100 for storing a length of flexible line, such as a builders’ line or brick line. The spool assembly has a spool body 112 extending along an axis A with first 118 and second 120 ax

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to hand tools and accessories for use in the construction industry. In particular the present invention relates to a spool assembly for storing a length of flexible line such as a marking line for use in construction tasks. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION In the construction industry, it is known to use a length of flexible line such as string or twine for marking a straight line to guide laying of bricks or other tasks. A length of line which may be referred to as builders line, builders string, or brick line is pulled taught between two or more points to demarcate a boundary along which a wall or similar is to be constructed. Typically, the length of line is stored by being wound manually around an elongate body such as a cardboard tube or plastic winder, which may have an elongate handle to be held by a user. In some cases the body onto which the line is wound is arranged to rotate on the handle, to facilitate unwinding of the line. With these arrangements, the elongate body and / or handle may be bulky and can easily become damaged when stored in a toolbox or vehicle. Also the line may become snagged on other objects or may partially unwind and become tangled. It is against this background that the present invention is devised. It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a spool assembly for storing a length of flexible line, the spool assembly extending along an axis and comprising: a spool body onto which the length of flexible line may be wound, the spool body extending along the axis; first and second axially spaced retaining members each extending radially outward from the spool body for retaining the flexible line on the spool body between the retaining members; a handle member rotatably mounted to the spool body for allowing the spool body to be rotated with respect to the handle member about said axis for unwinding the flexible line from the spool body, the handle member extending radially and being arranged coaxially with the spool body; wherein the handle member comprises a peripheral gripping edge for allowing a user to grip the handle member while the spool is rotated with respect to the handle member and wherein the peripheral gripping edge extends at least partially around the axis. With this arrangement, the present invention provides a particularly compact and robust assembly for storing and dispensing a length of flexible line. Preferably the spool assembly is a handheld spool assembly. The second retaining member may be disposed further from the handle member than the first retaining member. The handle member may extend over at least part of the first retaining member. Preferably the handle member is arranged to extend over a surface the first retaining member. The first retaining member may be disposed closer to the handle member than the second retaining member. Preferably the handle member is arranged to extend radially proximate the first retaining member. Preferably the handle member extends radially over the first retaining member over at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 90%, or 100% of a distance between the axis and a (radially) outer edge of the first retaining member. The peripheral gripping edge may extend fully around the axis. The handle member may be arranged to extend around the axis. The peripheral gripping edge may be spaced apart from an edge of the first retaining member. This helps the user to grip the handle. Preferably the peripheral gripping edge is disposed further from the axis than an outer (peripheral) edge of the first retaining member. Preferably the peripheral gripping edge is disposed further from the axis than an outer (peripheral) edge of said first retaining member. With this arrangement, the user can grip the handle member without gripping the first retaining member, to allow the spool body to rotate with respect to the handle, for unwinding the line. Preferably the peripheral gripping edge is disposed radially outward of a radially outer edge of the first retaining member. Preferably substantially all of the peripheral gripping edge is disposed further from the axis than the outer edge of the first retaining member. Preferably the peripheral gripping edge extends around a radially outer edge of said first retaining member. The peripheral gripping edge may be curved to extend around the axis. Preferably opposite side surfaces of the handle member are substantially planar. The opposite side surfaces may extend radially. The opposite side surfaces may face in opposite axial directions. The handle member may comprise a plate. The handle member may be substantially planar. The handle member may comprise a substantially planar portion. These arrangements provide a particularly compact handle member. Preferably a plane of the handle member is arranged to extend substantially perpendicular to the axis. Preferably the first retaining member is substantially planar. Preferably the handle member is arranged to extend substantially parallel to the first retaining member. Preferably a surface of the handle member is arranged to extend substantially parallel to a surface of the first retaining member. Preferably a plane of the handle member is arranged to extend substantially parallel to a plane of the first retaining member. The handle member may be substantially disc shaped. The handle member may comprise a disc shaped portion. The handle member may comprise a circular outer edge. The handle member may have a substantially circular cross section. In this way the handle member may easily be gripped in any angular position or orientation. The handle member may comprise a central aperture. The handle member may be substantially annular, or may have an annular cross section. The first and / or the second retaining member may be substantially disc shaped. The first retaining member may be substantially disc shaped. The first and / or second retaining member may comprise a central aperture. The first and / or second retaining member may be substantially annular, or may have an annular cross section. In some embodiments, the retaining members may be of substantially any suitable shape. Preferably, a ratio of a distance between the axis and an outermost edge of the first retaining member to a distance between the axis and the peripheral gripping edge is at least 0.9:1. The ratio may be at least 0.7:1, at least 0.8:1, at least 0.9:1, or at least 0.95:1 .Preferably a ratio of the diameter of the first retaining member to a diameter of the handle member is at least 0.9:1. The ratio may be at least 0.7:1, at least 0.8:1, at least 0.9:1, or at least 0.95:1. With these arrangements, the handle member is compact and discrete, and not bulky. For example, the distance between the axis and an outermost edge of the first retaining member may be from 40 to 50 mm and the distance between the axis the peripheral gripping edge may be from 45 to 55 mm. An axial distance between the first retaining member (closest to the handle member) and an axial end of the handle member furthest from the spool member may be less than 25 mm, or less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 3 mm. A thickness of the handle member in a direction parallel to the axis (e.g., an axial thickness) may be less than 25 mm, or less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm, or less than 5 mm. Preferably the thickness is 3 mm or less, preferably 2.5 mm. Again, these arrangements help to provide a compact handle member and reduce the overall bulk of the spool assembly. A thickness or width of the peripheral gripping edge in a direction parallel to the axis may be less than 25 mm, or less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm, or less than 5 mm. Preferably the thickness is 3 mm or less, preferably 2.5 mm. A ratio of the thickness of the handle member to a distance between the first and second retaining members, in a direction parallel to the axis, may be1 or less, 0.75 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.25 or less, 0.1 or less, or 0.075 or less. The spool assembly may comprise a mounting member or spindle member arranged to extend along the axis for rotatably mounting the handle member to the spool body. Preferably the spool body is mounted for rotation on the spindle member. Preferably the spool body is axially retained on the spindle member. Preferably the spindle member is tubular. The spindle member may be arranged to extend axially from the handle member into a bore in the spool body. Preferably the spool body is tubular. The spindle member may extend between the handle member and the second retaining member which is further from the handle member than the first retaining member. The handle member may comprise the spindle member. The handle member and the spindle member may be integrally formed. This helps to simplify manufacture and assembly. For example the handle member and spindle member may be co-moulded or co-extruded. An end of the spindle member distal from the handle member may be arranged to align with a second one of the retaining members further from the handle member than a first one of the retaining members. In this way the spindle member may extend fully through the spool body to help stabilise rotation of the spool body. The distal end of the spindle member may not protrude beyond an end of the spool body, which helps to keep the spool assembly compact. The spindle member may comprise a retaining arrangement and / or at least one retaining member for securing the spindle member to the spool body. Preferably the spool assembly comprises or consists of a two-part construction, having a first part comprising the handle member (and optionally the spindle member) and a second part comprising the spool body and retaining members. Preferably the first part is releasably mountable to the second part. For example by a snap fit arrangement. Preferably the peripheral gripping edge comprises a plurality of grip formations. The grip formations may be circumferentially spaced. The peripheral griping edge may comprise castellations or crenelations, or a castellated or crenelated edge. The gripping formations may be of substantially any suitable shape or arrangement. The peripheral gripping edge may comprise a textured surface. Preferably the axially spaced retaining members are fixed for rotation with the spool body. Preferably the retaining members are integrally formed with the spool body. The or each retaining member may comprise a flange. The first retaining member may be arranged to bear against the handle member when the spool body is rotated with respect to the handle member. This arrangement helps to guide rotation of the spool body with respect to the handle member. A substantially planar surface of the first retaining member may be arranged to bear against a substantially planar surface of the handle member. A substantially annular surface of the first retaining member may be arranged to bear against a substantially annular surface of the handle member. The first retaining member may be arranged to rotate in a recessed portion of the handle member. Preferably the spool assembly comprises a cover arranged to extend over the spool body. The cover helps to protect the line from damage or from becoming tangled or unwound from the spool body. The cover is preferably securable to the spool body or to the handle member. The cover may be arranged coaxially with the axis of the spool assembly. Preferably the cover has a substantially circular cross section. The cover may comprise at least one retaining element arranged to engage with the handle member to secure the cover over the spool body. The at least one retaining element may be arranged to engage with the peripheral gripping edge. The cover and the handle member may comprise a keying arrangement for securing the cover to the handle member. In this way the cover may be securable to the handle member only in some relative orientations of the cover and handle member. The at least one retaining element may be arranged to pass through a space or notch between adjacent grip formations to fit the cover over the spool body. The cover may be configured such that turning of the cover relative to the handle member about the axis secures (retains) the cover to the handle member. The cover may be arranged to extend over the peripheral gripping edge. An edge of the cover may comprise at least one concave portion to allow a user to grip the peripheral gripping edge when the cover is secured over the spool body. An edge of the cover may comprise a pair of concave portions, which may be diametrically opposed. When the cover is secured over the spool body, the handle member may be disposed between the at least one retaining element and the first retaining member. Preferably the handle member does not protrude axially beyond the cover. When the cover is secured over the spool body, an end wall of the cover may be arranged to abut one of the retaining members. For example, the end wall of the cover may be arranged to abut a second one of the retaining members further from the handle than a first one of the retaining members. Alternatively the spool body may be fitted into the cover in an opposite orientation, such that the handle member abuts the end wall of the cover. The cover may be arranged to flex to allow the retaining elements to engage with the handle member to allow the cover to be secured. The cover may be arranged to flex to allow the at least one retaining element to disengage from the handle member to allow removal of the cover. With this arrangement, the cover may quickly and easily be secured or removed. 5 The spool assembly is preferably manufactured from a polymeric material such as a plastics material. The cover member may comprise a transparent or translucent material. 10 The spool assembly may comprise a length of flexible line wound around the spool body. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising a spool assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, and a length of flexible line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described, byway of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like features and in which: Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a spool assembly according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an alternative perspective exploded view of the spool assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a spool member of the spool assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the spool member of Figure 4; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a handle part of the spool assembly of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the handle part of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cover of the spool assembly of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the spool body of Figure 3 mounted for rotation on the handle part of Figure 4; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional side view of parts of the spool assembly of Figure 1, showing spool body mounted on the handle part; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the spool assembly of Figure 1, showing the cover fitted over the spool body; Figure 12 is an alternative cross-sectional side view of the spool assembly of Figure 1, showing the cover fitted over the spool body; Figure 12 is an end view of the spool assembly of Figure 1, showing the cover fitted over the spool body; and Figure 14 is a perspective view of the spool assembly of Figure 1, showing the cover fitted over the spool body. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention provides a particularly convenient and compact handheld assembly or device for storing a length of flexible line. In particular the present invention provides a spool assembly comprising a spool body onto which the length of flexible line may be wound, and a handle member rotatably mounted to the spool body. The handle member comprises a peripheral gripping edge for allowing a user to grip the handle while the spool is rotated with respect to the handle. A spool assembly 100 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The spool assembly 100 comprises a spool member 102, a handle part 104, and a cover 106. The spool member 102 is arranged to store a quantity of flexible line (not shown). The spool member 102 is arranged to be mounted for rotation with respect to the handle part 104. In this embodiment, the handle part 104 comprises a handle member 108 and a spindle member 110, and the spool member 102 is arranged to be mounted for rotation on the spindle member 110. The cover 106 is arranged to extend over the spool member 102 to protect the flexible line from becoming tangled with other items, for example when stored in a toolbox. In this embodiment the spool member 102, handle part 104 and cover 106 are arranged coaxially on a common axis A. Referring additionally to Figures 3 and 4, the spool member 102 comprises a tubular spool body 112 which extends along the axis A of the spool assembly 100. The axis A is also an axis of rotation of the spool body 112 relative to the handle part 104. The spool body 112 extends along the axis A between a first, proximal end 114, and a second, distal end 116. The first end 114 is disposed nearest the handle member 108 in the assembled spool assembly 100. The spool member 112 comprises first and second retaining members 118, 120 which in this embodiment are first and second retaining flanges 118, 120. The first retaining flange 118 is disposed proximate the first end 114 of the spool body 112 and the second retaining flange 120 is disposed proximate the second end 116 of the spool body 112. In this way, the retaining flanges 118, 120 are axially spaced apart along the axis A. In this embodiment, the retaining flanges 118, 120 are substantially disc shaped and extend radially with respect to the spool body 112. In this way, opposing faces of the retaining flanges 118, 120 are arranged to retain a length of line wound onto the spool body 112 between the retaining flanges 118, 120. In this example the second retaining flange 120 is provided with a plurality of line retaining slots 122. Each retaining slot 122 extends axially through a thickness of the second retaining flange 120. Each retaining slot 122 extends inward from a circumferential edge of the second retaining flange 120 and at an angle to the circumferential edge. Three retaining slots 122 are angularly spaced around the circumference of the second retaining flange 120. In use, a part of the flexible line may be temporarily jammed into one of the retaining slots 122 to mark a particular length of line, or to prevent further unwinding of line from the spool body 112. A central bore 124 of the spool body 112 extends axially through the spool body 112 between the first and second ends 114, 116. A diameter of the bore 124 is sized to receive a part of the spindle member 110 with clearance for rotation. A distal end portion 126 of the bore opening at the second end 116 of the spool body 112 has a greater diameter than a middle portion 128 of the bore 124 which extends between the first end 114 and the distal portion 126. In this way an annular shoulder 130 is defined between the distal and middle portions 126, 128 of the bore 124. The annular shoulder 130 faces in a direction away from the first end 114. The annular shoulder 130 is arranged to engage with part of the spindle member 110. Referring additionally to Figures 5 and 6, the handle part 104 comprises the handle member 108 and the spindle member or boss member 110. The handle member 108 is substantially disc shaped and comprises a central aperture 132. A plane of the disc shaped handle member 108 extends perpendicular to the axis A. A first side 134 of the handle member 108 is arranged to face away from the spool member 102. A second side 136 of the handle member 108 opposite the first side 134 is arranged to face the spool member 102. The handle member 108 comprises substantially planar opposite side surfaces. In this embodiment the handle member 108 and spindle member 110 are integrally formed. In other embodiments however, the handle member and spindle member may be separate components which are connectable to provide the handle part. A circumferential edge portion 138 of the handle member 108 is provided with a plurality of grip formations 140 spaced apart along the circumferential edge portion 138. In this way the edge portion 138 provides a peripheral gripping edge of the handle member 108. In this example, the circumferential edge portion 138 comprises a castellated edge which provides the plurality of grip formations 140 in the form of castellations 140 formed by alternating notches and projections. A diameter of the handle member 108 is greater than a diameter of the first retaining flange 118. A thickness of the circumferential edge portion 138 between the first and second sides 134, 136 is greater than a thickness of the handle 108 member radially inward of the edge portion 138, so as to provide a circumferential lip 142 which projects in an axial direction away from the second side 136 of the handle member 108 towards the second end of the spool body. In this way, an annular recessed surface 145 is defined between the lip 142 and the spindle 110. As can be seen most clearly in Figure 5, the grip formations 140 are arranged in sections 144 around the circumferential edge 138 of the handle member 138. Adjacent sections are separated by an enlarged locking notch 146 which is wider (in a circumferential direction) than notches defining adjacent grip formations 140. In this embodiment, the grip formations 140 are arranged in four sections 144, and the handle member 108 comprises four equi-angularly spaced locking notches 146. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the grip formations may be of substantially any suitable shape or arrangement, or may be absent. In either case, an outer edge of the handle member provides a peripheral gripping edge of the handle member which extends around the axis A. Referring in particular to Figure 6, in this embodiment, the spindle member 110 is elongate to extend axially from a central portion of the handle member 108. In this way the handle member 108 extends radially from the spindle member 110. The spindle member 110 is generally tubular. The spindle member 110 comprises a first portion 148 which extends between the handle member 108 and a second portion 150 of the spindle member 110 distal to the handle member 108. The second portion 150 extends between the first portion 148 and a distal end 152 of the spindle member 110. A central bore 155 extends through the spindle member 110 between the distal end 152 and the central aperture 132 of the handle member 108. An axial length of the spindle member 110 corresponds to an axial length of the bore 124 in the spool body 112. The spindle member 110 is arranged to be received in the bore 124 of the spool body 112. The second portion 150 of the spindle member 110 comprises a plurality of angularly spaced slots which extend axially in the spindle member 110 to divide the tubular wall of the second portion 150 into a plurality of elongate retaining fingers 154. Each retaining finger 154 is provided with a retaining formation 156 which extends radially outward from the retaining finger 154 proximate the distal end 152 of the spindle member 110. Each retaining formation 156 provides a part-annular step 158 which faces towards the handle member 108. Each retaining formation 156 comprises a ramped surface 160 which faces radially outward and away from the handle member 108. Each ramped surface 160 extends between a distal end of the respective retaining finger 154 and the step 158. Each retaining finger 154 is arranged to flex radially inwards. Turning to Figures 7 and 8, the cover 106 comprises a generally tubular curved side wall 162 which is closed at a first, distal end by a substantially circular end wall 164. The side wall 162 has a substantially circular cross section. The side wall 162 extends from the end wall 164 to an opposite second end 166 of the cover 106 furthest from the end wall 164. An edge 168 of the curved side wall 162 at the second end 166 is generally circular, but is interrupted by a pair of diametrically-opposed concave edge portions 170. In each concave portion 170, the edge 168 is concave so as to be recessed in a direction away from the second end 166 of the cover and towards the end wall 164. In this embodiment, the cover 106 is provided with retaining elements 172. As can be seen most clearly in Figures 6 and 7, the cover 106 comprises a pair of retaining elements 172 disposed proximate the second end edge 168 of the side wall 162. The retaining elements 172 are arranged diametrically opposite one another. The retaining elements 172 are angularly offset from the concave portions 170 along the generally circular edge 168. In this way a diameter of the cover 106 extending between the retaining elements 172 extends generally perpendicular to a diameter of the cover 106 extending between the concave portions 170. The retaining elements 172 are therefore disposed between the concave portions 170. Each retaining element 172 projects radially inward from an inner side surface of the side wall 162. Each retaining element 172 comprises a ramped surface 174 which faces towards the end wall 164. The retaining elements 172 are arranged to engage with part of the handle member 108, as described further below. A width of each retaining element 172 (in a circumferential direction) is sized to pass through a respective one of the locking notches 146 provided in the edge of the handle member 108. When fitted over the spool member 102, as described further below, the end wall 164 of the cover 106 is arranged to locate proximate the second retaining flange 120, and the side wall 162 is arranged to extend around the spool body 112 so that the cover 106 is arranged coaxially with the spool body 112. Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 show the parts of the spool assembly 100 fitted together. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, to mount the spool body 112 to the handle part 104, the distal end 152 of the spindle member 110 is inserted into the bore 124 of the spool body 112 from the first (proximal) end 114 of the spool body 112. A diameter of the spindle member 110 between opposing retaining formations 156 is greater than a diameter of the middle portion 128 of the bore 124, such that the retaining fingers 154 flex radially inwards as the spindle member 110 is inserted through the bore 124 towards the second end 116 of the spool body 112. When the retaining formations 156 reach the enlarged-diameter distal portion 126 of the bore 124, the retaining fingers 154 return radially outwards such that each part-annular step 158 engages with the annular shoulder 130. In this way, relative axial movement of the spool body 112 and spindle member 110 is blocked and the spool body 112 is retained for rotation on the handle part 104, as can be seen most clearly in Figures 8 and 9. An outer surface of the spindle member 110 provides a bearing surface for rotation of the spool body 112 on the spindle member 110. The spindle member 110 extends fully through the bore 124 to the second end 116 of the spool body 112, and this arrangement helps to resist forces acting to misalign the spool body 112 and spindle member 110, for example as a result of line being pulled from the spool body 112 distal to the handle member 108. The retaining formations 156 are disposed in the recessed distal end portion 126 of the bore 124 so that the spindle member 110 does not protrude beyond the second end 116 of the spool body 112, which helps to prevent the retaining formations 156 from snagging on other objects. One advantage of the arrangements described above is that the spool body 112 may be removed from the handle part 104 by pulling the handle member 108 axially away from the spool body 112 with sufficient force to flex the retaining fingers 154 radially inwards. The spool body 112 may then be mounted for rotation on another object or rotated using a drill or other tool, for instance to wind line back onto the spool. In the present embodiment, the handle member 108 extends parallel to the first retaining flange 118 and abuts the first retaining flange 118. The handle member 108 thus extends over a surface of the first retaining flange 118. In particular, the diameter of the first retaining flange 118 is sized to fit with clearance within an internal diameter defined by the lip 142 on the handle member 108. This arrangement helps to guide and stabilise rotation of the spool member 112 with respect to the handle member 108 as the first retaining flange 118 bears against the handle member 108. In particular, a surface of the first retaining flange 118 is arranged to bear against the annular recessed surface 145 of the handle member 108. As can be seen most clearly in Figures 9 and 10, because the diameter of the handle member 108 is greater than the diameter of the first retaining flange 118, the circumferential edge portion 138 of the handle member 108 is disposed radially outward of an outer edge of the first retaining flange 118. The gripping formations 140 project radially beyond the first retaining flange 118. In this way, a user of the spool assembly 100 is able to grip the handle member 108 with their fingers, without also gripping the first retaining flange 118, allowing the spool body 112 to rotate with respect to the handle member 108 for unwinding line wound onto the spool body 112. With these arrangements, the present invention provides a particularly compact or low-profile handle. The spool assembly 100 is thus considerably less bulky than prior art arrangements for holding flexible line, and may therefore be stored more conveniently. The spool assembly 100 is also robust and less likely to be damaged (for example when stored in a tool box) compared to prior art devices. The cover 106 is arranged to be fitted over the spool member 102 to protect the flexible line (not shown) and parts of the spool assembly 100, for example when the spool assembly 100 is not being used to wind line onto or from the spool body 112. To fit the cover 106 to the spool body 112 and handle member 108, the second end 116 of the spool body 112 is inserted into the open end of the cover 106. The cover 106 is orientated about the axis A to align each of the retaining elements 172 with a respective locking notch 146, as can be seen in Figure 13. This allows each retaining element 172 to pass axially through the respective locking notch 146 for subsequent engagement with the handle member 108. In this way the handle member 108 is disposed between the retaining elements 172 and the spool body 112, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 11. With these arrangements the cover and handle can be considered to comprise a keying arrangement. Subsequent rotation of the cover 106 with respect to the handle member 108 causes misalignment of the retaining elements 172 and locking notches 146, in order to block relative axial movement of the cover 106 and handle member 108, to retain the cover 106 over the spool body 112 and handle member 108. It will be appreciated that the concave edge portions 170 of the cover 106 allow a user to continue to grip the gripping edge 138 of the handle member 108 as the cover 106 is fitted, by aligning the user’s fingers with the concave portions 170. When the cover 106 is fitted, portions of the edge portion 138 remain exposed to allow the user to grip the handle member 108 for subsequent removal of the cover 106, as seen most clearly in Figure 14. To allow removal of the cover 106, the cover 106 may be rotated again to align each retaining element 172 with a respective locking notch 146, thereby to allow the cover 106 to be moved axially away from the handle member 108 and spool body 112. Additionally or alternatively, the side wall 162 of the cover member 106 may be arranged to flex so that the cover 106 can be fitted or removed, including without the need to align the retaining elements 172 and locking notches 146. In this case, to fit the cover 106, the user may squeeze the cover 106 radially inwards proximate the concave portions 170, which causes the cover 106 to flex and the retaining elements 172 to move slightly apart from one another, thereby allowing the retaining elements 172 to pass over the edge 138 of the handle member 108. When the cover 106 is fitted, pulling of the cover 106 axially away from the handle member 108 causes the ramped surface 174 of each retaining element 172 to engage with a surface of the circumferential edge portion 138 of the handle 108, causing the side wall 162 to flex to allows the retaining elements 172 to ride over the edge portion 138. Optionally, radially inward squeezing of the cover 106 by the user proximate the concave edge portions 170 may help to move the retaining elements 172 apart in order to release the cover 106. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cover may be securable to part of the spool body, such as to one of the retaining flanges. Although in the example described above the spindle member is fixed to the handle member, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the spool body may be rotatably mounted to the handle member by other suitable means. For example, the spool body may comprise a projecting spindle which is arranged to engage with an aperture in the handle member and which is arranged to rotate with respect to the spool body and / or the handle member. In some embodiments, the spool body may be inserted into the cover in an opposing orientation, with the handle member and first retaining flange being inserted first into the cover with the user gripping the second retaining flange. In this case, the second retaining flange may be provided with locking notches to receive the retaining elements of the cover, or other suitable engagement means. Preferably the diameter of the handle member is greater than the diameter of the first retaining flange, as described above. In other embodiments however, the diameter of the handle member may be substantially the same as, or less than, the diameter of the first retaining flange, and at least a part of the handle member may be axially spaced apart from the first retaining flange in order for a user to grip the handle member without gripping the first retaining flange. For example a radially outer part of the handle member may be axially offset so as to be spaced apart from the first retaining flange. It will also be appreciated that the retaining flanges and / or the handle member need not be disc shaped or circular, and may each be of different shapes. For example, the handle member and / or the retaining flanges may have a polygonal shape (e.g., octagonal, hexagonal, and the like, or having substantially any number of side edges). Preferably the handle member and / or retaining flanges have a radially symmetrical shape. The handle member, and / or the or each retaining member, may comprise a plurality of angularly spaced, radially extending members (for example like spokes) to provide the handle member and / or retaining members. For example the handle member and / or the retaining members may have a star shape, cruciform shape, other suitable shape. With the arrangements described above, the present invention provides a particularly compact and robust assembly for storing and paying out flexible line. Further modifications and variations not explicitly described above are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A spool assembly for storing a length of flexible line, the spool assembly extending along an axis and comprising:a spool body onto which the length of flexible line may be wound, the spool body extending along the axis;first and second axially spaced retaining members each extending radially outward from the spool body for retaining the flexible line on the spool body between the retaining members;a handle member rotatably mounted to the spool body for allowing the spool body to be rotated with respect to the handle member about said axis for unwinding the flexible line from the spool body, the handle member extending radially and being arranged coaxially with the spool body;wherein the handle member comprises a peripheral gripping edge for allowing a user to grip the handle member while the spool is rotated with respect to the handle member and wherein the peripheral gripping edge extends at least partially around the axis.

2. A spool assembly according to Claim 1, in which the handle member is arranged to extend radially over a surface of the first retaining member.

3. A spool assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the peripheral gripping edge is disposed further from the axis than an outer edge of the first retaining member.

4. A spool assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the peripheral gripping edge is curved to extend around the axis.

5. A spool assembly according to any preceding claim, in which opposite side surfaces of the handle member are substantially planar.

6. A spool assembly according to Claim 5, in which a plane of the handle member is arranged to extend substantially perpendicular to the axis.

7. A spool assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the handle member is arranged to extend substantially parallel to the first retaining member.

8. A spool assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the handle member is substantially disc shaped.

9. A spool assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the first retaining member is substantially disc shaped.

10. A spool assembly according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, in which a ratio of the diameter of the first retaining member to a diameter of the handle member is at least 0.9:1.

11. A spool assembly according to any preceding claim, in which a thickness of the handle member in a direction parallel to the axis is less than 25 mm.

12. A spool assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising a spindle member arranged to extend along the axis for rotatably mounting the handle member to the spool body and in which the spindle member is arranged to extend axially from the handle member into a bore in the spool body.

13. A spool assembly according to Claim 12, in which the spindle member extends between the handle member and the second retaining member which is further from the handle member than the first retaining member.

14. A spool assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the peripheral gripping edge comprises a plurality of grip formations.

15. A spool assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the first retaining member is arranged to bear against the handle member when the spool body is rotated with respect to the handle member.

16. A spool assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising a cover arranged to extend over the spool body, the cover being securable to the spool body or to the handle member and wherein the cover is arranged coaxially with the axis of the spool assembly.

17. A spool assembly according to Claim 16, in which the cover comprises at least one retaining element arranged to engage with the handle member to secure the cover over the spool body.

18. A spool assembly according to Claim 17, in which the at least one retaining element is arranged to engage with the peripheral gripping edge.

19. A spool assembly according to any of Claims 16 to 18, in which the cover is configured such that turning of the cover relative to the handle member about the axis secures the cover to the handle member.

20. A spool assembly according to any of Claims 16 to 19, in which the cover is arranged to extend over the peripheral gripping edge.

21. A spool assembly according to Claim 20, in which an edge of the cover comprises a concave portion to allow a user to grip the peripheral gripping edge when the cover is secured over the spool body.

22. A spool assembly according to any of Claims 17 to 21, in which, when the cover is secured over the spool body, the handle member is disposed between the at least one retaining element and the first retaining member.

23. A spool assembly according to any of Claims 16 to 22, in which, when the cover is secured over the spool body, an end wall of the cover is arranged to abut the second retaining member which is further from the handle member than the first retaining member.

24. A spool assembly according to any of Claims 17 to 23, in which the cover is arranged to flex to allow the at least one retaining element to disengage from the handle member to allow removal of the cover.5 25. A spool assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising a length offlexible line wound around the spool body.

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