Roll supporting hub

Abstract

A roll supporting hub is adapted for acceptance of a plurality of rolls (one at a time), with each roll having a different predefined core width. The hub includes a hub body with a plurality of core support surfaces spaced circumferentially about a central rotation axis. One or more of those surfaces engage the core of the roll to secure the roll and hub together for coupled rotation. A stop surface on the hub body engages a first radial side of the core, while a radially retractable retainer surface engages a second radial side of the core. The retainer surface is secured to the hub body in one of a plurality of possible predefined axially disposed positions relative to the stop surface, each of which corresponds to one of the predetermined core widths of the roll being supported by the hub. The retainer surface is supported by a spring which is retractable within a slot extending axially between opposed support surfaces on the hub body.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.