Dispenser

Abstract

A knockdown dispenser including a plurality of frame sections removably secured to one another with fasteners. The frame sections form a frame, and a reel and wheels are attached to the frame.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/317,555, filed Sep. 5, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/389,367, filed on Jun. 17, 2002, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to dispensers for use in dispensing strapping for wrapping boxes, palettes, and the like.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Dispensers for dispensing strapping (plastic or metal) for wrapping around boxes, palettes, and the like are known in the art. Prior art dispensers have been manufactured by Linett Company as Model 863 and Model OSDSP as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the Model 863 dispenser 10 that includes a wing nut 12, which is used to hold a front reel 16 and a rear reel 18 together to form a reel 20. A retaining ring 14 is used to hold the rear reel 18 in place. Wheels 22 are secured to a frame 24 via wheel washer 26 and pal nuts 28. A tray 30 is held via nuts 32 to the frame 24 through threaded fasteners 34. A brake assembly 36 is attached to the frame 24. The dispenser 10 is assembled at the factory and shipped via a box. The box is rather bulky because it must include cubage sufficient to contain the dispenser 10 fully assembled.

[0006] The Model OSD5P dispenser 38 is shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, the dispenser 38 includes a wing nut 40 used to secure a front reel 44 to a rear reel 46 forming a reel 48. A retaining ring 42 is used to hold the rear reel 46 in place. This arrangement is then secured to a frame 50 to which wheels 52 are secured thereto. Wheel washers 54 and pal nuts 56 are used to secure the wheels 52 to the frame 50. A tray 58 is secured to the frame 50 via nuts 60 and fasteners 62. A brake 64 is attached to the frame 50 to assist in locking the reel 48. The OSD5P dispenser 38, like the Model 863 dispenser 10, is assembled at the factory, and the unit is then shipped via a box to the end user. Again, like the Model 863 dispenser, the box is rather bulky because it must include cubage sufficient to contain the entire dispenser.

[0007] A problem with these prior art dispensers is that the required storage space and shipping and freight costs add a great deal to the cost of the unit because the boxes used to contain these dispensers take up a large amount of space. Therefore, the storage and shipping costs can, at times, equal the manufacturing cost of the unit. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dispenser that requires less cubage space for storage and shipping to the end user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is a knockdown dispenser that is presented in kit form. The dispenser includes a frame and a reel attached to the frame. The frame includes a plurality of frame sections. In the first preferred embodiment, the plurality of frame sections includes three sections, wherein the first section includes a handle, the second section receives the first section and includes an arrangement to receive the reel, and the third section includes wheels and is attached to the second section. In this first embodiment, the plurality of frame sections is removably secured to each other via fasteners or locking pins. In the second preferred embodiment, the plurality of frame sections includes two sections, wherein the first section includes a handle and the second section receives the first section and includes an arrangement to receive the reel and wheels. In this second embodiment, the plurality of frame sections is pivotally secured to each other. Preferably, the plurality of frame sections and accompanying parts in the first and second embodiments of the invention are provided in kit form and assembled by the end users whereby the plurality of sections is secured to each other to form a frame. Then, the reel and the wheels are attached to the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a prior art dispenser;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of another prior art dispenser;

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a dispenser made in accordance with the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 3;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a dispenser made in accordance with the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 5;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a top rear perspective view of a portion of the dispenser shown in FIG. 5;

[0016] FIG. 8 is an elevational front perspective view of a portion of the dispenser shown in FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a portion of the dispenser shown in FIG. 5 showing a journal arrangement;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a portion of a dispenser shown in FIG. 5 showing a hand knob;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 5 whereby the reel is being removed from the dispenser;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 5 wherein the reel is being assembled;

[0021] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a kit that forms the dispenser shown in FIG. 5;

[0022] FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the kit shown in FIG. 13; and

[0023] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser shown in FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Dispensers made in accordance with the present invention are shown in FIGS. 3 through 15. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a first embodiment of the dispenser 66 includes a plurality of frame sections removably secured together. The plurality of frame sections includes an upper frame section 68, a mid frame section 70, and a frame base section 72. The upper frame section 68 is attached to the mid frame section 70, and the mid frame section 70 is attached to the frame base section 72, all of which, when combined, form the frame 74 of the dispenser 66. Lock pins or fasteners 76 are provided on the lower ends of the upper frame section 68 and the mid frame section 70. Lock pin receiving holes 78 are provided on upper ends of the mid frame section 70 and the frame base section 72.

[0025] A tray 80 is attached by fasteners and nuts to the upper frame section 68. A brake arm assembly 84 is attached to the mid frame section 70. The brake arm assembly 84 includes a brake 86 and a strap guide 88, and is held in place via a bolt 90, a washer 92, and a locking nut 94. The brake arm assembly 84 is similar to the brake arm assembly used in the prior art dispensers 10 and 38. A reel 96 is provided that is comprised of a rear reel 98 that includes a threaded shaft 100 onto which a front reel 102 is received. The front reel 102 is held in place via a wing nut 104 received by the threaded shaft 100 thereby forming the reel 96. The reel 96 is slidably received via an elongated cylindrical shaft 108 attached to the mid frame section 70. The elongated cylindrical shaft 108 mates with a central cylindrical hole 110 in the threaded shaft 100 of the rear reel 98. After the rear reel 98 is slid onto the elongated cylindrical shaft 108, a retaining ring 106, which can be a snap ring, is received by a groove defined in the shaft 108 to secure the rear reel 98 and, in turn, the reel 96 in place. The reel 96 can rotate about the axis Y1. A toe assembly 112 and wheels 114 are attached to the frame base section 72. The wheels 114 are secured to the frame base section 72 via wheel washers 116 and pal nuts 118. As shown in FIG. 4, the wheels 114 can rotate about the axis X1, which is perpendicular to axis Y1.

[0026] Preferably, this embodiment of the dispenser 66 is provided in a knockdown and disassembled form with all of the components provided in a box 120, such as a cardboard box, shown in phantom in FIG. 3. The upper frame section 68, the mid frame section 70, and the frame base section 72 are provided separately in a box 120 or container forming a kit. Likewise, the front reel 102, the rear reel 98, and the brake arm assembly 84 are also provided separately in the box 120, along with the wheels 114 and other parts. The box 120 containing the knockdown and disassembled dispenser 66 can be shipped anywhere in the country.

[0027] Upon delivery of the disassembled dispenser 66, a purchaser or assembler removes the kit from the box 120 for assembly. The frame 74 of the dispenser 66 is assembled by attaching the plurality of frame sections. Specifically, the frame 74 of the dispenser 66 is assembled by sliding the lock pins 76 of the upper frame section 68 into the lock pin receiving holes 78 of the mid frame section 70. Likewise, the lock pins 76 of the mid frame section 70 are slid into the lock pin receiving holes 78 of the frame base section 72. Once the frame 74 is assembled, the wheels 114, which are received by cylindrical shafts 122 of the frame base section 72, can rotate about axis X1 and are secured via wheel washers 116 and pal nuts 118. The brake arm assembly 84 is then attached to the mid frame section 70 via the bolt 90, the washer 92, and the locking nut 94. The reel 96 is assembled by placing the front reel 102 on the rear reel 98 with the threaded shaft 100 of the rear reel 98 passing through the front reel 102. The wing nut 104 is threadably received by the threaded shaft 100 until it tightly presses against the front reel 102. The assembled reel 96, which is adapted to receive plastic or steel strapping, is then slidably received on the elongated cylindrical shaft 108 of the mid frame section 70. Once in place on the elongated cylindrical shaft 108, the reel 96 is secured in place by a retaining ring 106, which is received by a groove defined on the elongated cylindrical shaft 108. Finally, the tray 80 is attached to the upper frame section 68 by fasteners and nuts.

[0028] In operation, the strapping can be dispensed from the reel 96 so that the reel 96 rotates about the axis Y1 passing through the elongated cylindrical shaft 108. One portion of the elongated cylindrical shaft 108 is attached to the mid frame section 70. The elongated cylindrical shaft 108 then is received by a hole defined by the reel 96. The dispenser 66 can be moved from place to place by tilting the dispenser 66 in a rearwardly direction R about the wheels 114 via the handle 119. Once the reel 96 is to be operated, the dispenser 66 is positioned in the vertical position so that the dispenser 66 rests on the wheels 114 and toe assembly 112 as shown in FIG. 4. Once the strapping is depleted, the dispenser 66 is laid on it's back, i.e., on the frame, so that the elongated cylindrical shaft 106 faces upwardly. The wing nut 104 is threadably removed and the reel 96 is slidably removed from the elongated cylindrical shaft 108 of the dispenser 66. The reel 96 can be disassembled and new strapping is placed on the reel 96 and the reel 96 can be replaced on the elongated cylindrical shaft 108 and secured by the wing nut 104, and then the dispenser 66 can be moved in an upright position.

[0029] FIGS. 5 through 15 show a second embodiment of a dispenser 124 made in accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the dispenser 124 includes a plurality of frame sections. The plurality of frame sections includes an upper frame section 126 and a frame base section 128. Reel parts 130 and 130′ are provided forming a reel assembly 132. The frame base section 128 includes rear wheels 134. A tray 136 is attached to the upper frame section 126. A brake arm assembly 138 is attached to the frame base section 128 as shown in FIG. 7. The brake arm assembly 138 includes a spring-loaded brake 140 and a strap guide 142 as shown in FIGS. 7, 14, and 15. The spring-loaded brake 140 includes a brake frame 143 pivotally secured to frame base section 128. The brake frame 143 also is secured to the frame base section 128 by a spring 141. A brake pad 139 is secured to the brake frame 143 and in the engaged position, as shown in FIG. 7, abuts against reel 130′ acting as a brake for the reel assembly 132. A handle 145 is defined on the brake frame 143 which when lifted in a direction W by an operator, disengages the brake pad 139 from the reel 130′ and permits rotation of the reel assembly 132. As shown in FIG. 7, strapping 147 from the reel assembly 132 passes through a strap slot 149 in the strap guide 142.

[0030] The upper frame section 126 is pivotally secured to the frame base section 128 by several components as shown in FIG. 10. Threaded hand knobs 144 are provided on the upper portion of the frame base section 128. The threaded hand knobs 144 are threadably received by receiving threaded members 146 that pass through the respective upper ends of the frame base section 128. A bracket 148 is welded to a lower end of the upper frame section 126 and each receiving threaded member 146 is attached to the respective bracket 148. Each bracket 148 has a notch 150. When the threaded hand knobs 144 are engaged with the receiving threaded members 146 and abut against the frame base section 128 the upper frame section 126 is attached to and rigidly held in place to the frame base section 128.

[0031] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a mid section 152 extending angularly downwardly from the frame base section 128. Feet 154 are provided at the lower ends of the mid section 152. Front wheels 156 extend outwardly from the forward portion of the mid section 152. The front wheels 156 can rotate about the axis X2. Open-faced bearings or J-hooks 158 are provided on the mid section 152 for receipt of a shaft 160 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and specifically in FIG. 9. Holes 162 are provided in the reel assembly 132 for receipt of the shaft 160. Ends of the shaft 160 are received within the respective open-faced bearings or J-hooks 158 so that the reel assembly 132 can rotate about the axis X3 passing through the shaft 160. Strapping is received between the reel parts 130 and 130′. The orientation of the rear wheels 134, the front wheels 156, and the feet or pivot members 154 is as follows. In a first position (not shown) when the dispenser is rotated rearwardly in the R′ direction for movement of the dispenser 124, only the rear wheels 134 contact the contacting surface 178, and the feet 154 and the front wheels 156 do not contact the surface. In a second position, as shown in FIG. 6, the feet 154 and the rear wheels 134 contact the contacting surface 178, but the front wheels 156 do not contact the contacting surface 178. In a third position, as shown in FIG. 11, when the dispenser is rotated forwardly in the F direction, the front wheels 156 contact the contacting surface 178 and the rear wheels 134 and front feet 156 do not contact the contacting surface 178. The dispenser 124 can be oriented from the second position to the third position and visa versa by pivoting the dispenser frame about the feet 154 on the contacting surface 178.

[0032] In operation, the strapping can be dispensed from the reel assembly 132 so that the reel assembly 132 rotates about the axis X3 passing through the shaft 160. One portion of the shaft 160 is attached to the reel assembly 132, while the other portion of the shaft 160 has a threaded end 164 and an offset 166. The threaded end 164 then is received by a hole 162 defined in the reel assembly 132. As shown in FIG. 12, the reel assembly 132 rests against the offset 166 and a threaded member 168 is received by the threaded end 164 so that the reel assembly 132 is held in place by the offset 166, the shaft 160, and the threaded member 168.

[0033] In operation, the dispenser 124 can be moved from place to place by tilting the dispenser 124 in a rearwardly direction R′ about the rear wheels 134, which can rotate about the axis X4, via the handle 125, then once the reel assembly 132 is to be operated, the dispenser 124 is positioned in the vertical position, such as shown in FIG. 5, so that the dispenser 124 rests on the rear wheels 134 and the front feet 154. Once the strapping is depleted, the dispenser 124 is tilted in the forward direction F so that the dispenser 124 pivots onto the front wheels 156 resting on a support member or contacting surface 178, such as shown in FIG. 11. The reel assembly 132 is then easily removed from the dispenser 124 in that the shaft 160 disengages from the open-faced bearings or J-hooks 158. Preferably, a forward end 180 of the J-hooks 158 are oriented so that in the normal operating position of the dispenser 124, they are positioned in a generally upward direction 182, shown in FIG. 6. In the removal position shown in FIG. 11, preferably the forward ends 180 of the J-hooks 158 are oriented in a generally horizontal direction 184, or turn in a downward direction for easy removal or reinsertion of the reel assembly 132. Preferably, in the orientation of dispenser 124 shown in FIG. 11, the forward ends 180 of the J-hooks 158 are at a distance Z from the supporting member. The reel assembly 132 may then be disassembled by threadably removing the threaded member 168 from the shaft 160 and removing the reel 130′. New strapping can be received on the shaft 160 and the reel assembly 132 can be replaced on the shaft 160 and secured by the threaded member 168. The reel assembly 132 can then be reassembled and re-engaged with the dispenser 124 by engagement of the ends of the shaft 160 with the open-faced bearings or J-hooks 158. As can be shown from FIG. 9, preferably, an inner surface 169 of the J-hooks base is curved, having a sufficient sized opening to permit the shaft to be received therefrom. Preferably, the inner diameter of the round portion of the J-hooks is equal to or greater than the diameter of the shaft 160 and has an arc of no more than 180°. In this manner, the reel assembly 132 with or without strapping can easily be received and removed from the J-hooks 158 without the operator lifting the reel assembly 132 off of the ground to place it in the J-hooks 158. This will eliminate the possibility of injury to an operator caused by lifting the reel assembly 132 for placement on the dispenser 124.

[0034] The present invention can be easily disassembled so that it can be contained in a kit 161 form as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The kit 161 can be provided in a box 163, such as a cardboard box, as shown in phantom in FIG. 14. Essentially, the mid section 152 and frame base section 128 define a part receiving cavity 174. The rear wheels 134, the axle 135, and the tray 136 can be separately packaged and received within a part receiving cavity 174. The shaft 160 is received by the open-spaced bearings or J-hooks 158 so as to maintain the reel assembly 132 in place. In this manner, the disassembled dispenser 124 can be easily boxed for transportation to an end site and reassembled on site. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper frame section 126 can be rotated ninety degrees (90°) in the forward direction F so that an upper portion of the frame base section 128 is received in the notch 150. This is accomplished by loosening the threaded hand knob 144, rotating the upper frame section 126 so that the frame base section 128 is received in the notch 150. The threaded hand knob 144 may then be retightened to secure the upper frame section 126 in a lowered position.

[0035] As also shown, the present dispenser 124 enables easy removal and reassembly of the reel assembly 132, orienting the reel assembly 132 ninety degrees (90°) from that of the reel parts 130 and 130′ of dispenser 124 relative to the axis of rotation of the rear wheels 134, by providing open-faced bearings or J-hooks 158 and by providing a pivoting arrangement of the front wheels 156.

[0036] The present invention simplifies inventory, reduces storage space while the unit is boxed, and drastically reduces shipping costs for bulk shipments. It is believed that shipping costs of the present kit will be approximately one-third that of the prior art dispensers previously discussed. The present invention requires less space for storage.

[0037] Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same result. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. A dispenser comprising:

a frame; and

a reel attached to the frame, wherein the frame includes a plurality of frame sections removably secured to each other.

2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of frame sections comprise a first frame section, a second frame section, and a frame base section.

3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first frame section and the frame base section are secured to the second frame section, wherein the first frame section includes a handle and a tray, the second frame section includes an elongated shaft to receive the reel, and the frame base section includes wheels for rolling on a support surface and a toe assembly.

4. A dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first frame section, the second frame section, and the frame base section are removably secured to each other by fasteners.

5. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of frame sections comprises a first frame section and a lower frame section.

6. A dispenser as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first frame section includes a handle of the dispenser further comprising a tray attached to the first section, an open-faced bearing attached to the frame to secure the reel and hold the reel in a receiving cavity defined by the frame, and rear wheels attached to the frame for rolling the dispenser on a support surface and feet for placing the mid section of the base frame section on the support surface.

7. The dispenser as claimed in claim 6, wherein open-faced bearings comprise J-hooks.

8. The dispenser as claimed in claim 6, further comprising at least one pivot member and front wheels attached to said frame, wherein the reel, the front wheels, and the rear wheels rotate on parallel axes.

9. The dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein when the dispenser is in a first position on a supporting surface, the rear wheels contact the supporting surface and at least one pivot member and the front wheels do not contact the supporting surface, wherein when the dispenser is in a second position, the at least one pivot member and the rear wheels contact the supporting surface and the front wheels do not contact the supporting surface, wherein when the dispenser is in a third position, the at least one pivot member and the front wheels contact the supporting surface and the rear wheels do not contact the supporting surface.

10. The dispenser as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one pivot member is offset from the supporting surface when the dispenser is in the second position.

11. The dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one pivot member is a foot.

12. The dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one pivot member comprises the spaced apart feet.

13. The dispenser as claimed in claim 6, wherein said receiving cavity is defined by a mid section of the frame, wherein the open-faced bearings are secured to the mid section of the frame.

14. A dispenser as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of frame sections comprises a first frame section and a second frame section, wherein the first frame section and the second frame section are pivotally secured to each other with a notched bracket, a threaded knob, and a threaded member, wherein the notched bracket, the threaded knob, and the threaded member secure the first frame section in an upward position or in a forward position.

15. A method of removing and securing a reel of a dispenser including a frame and a reel attached to the frame, the frame includes a plurality of frame sections removably secured to each other, wherein the plurality of frame sections comprise a first frame section and a lower frame section, the first frame section includes a handle of the dispenser further comprising a tray attached to the first frame section, an open-faced bearing attached to the frame to secure the reel and hold the reel in a receiving cavity defined by the frame and rear wheels attached to the frame for rolling the dispenser on a support surface, at least one pivot member and front wheels are attached to said frame, wherein the reel, the front wheels and the rear wheels rotate on a parallel axis, the method comprising:

(a) pivoting the dispenser forwardly onto the front feet and then front wheels;

(b) resting the reel on a support surface;

(c) pivoting the dispenser forwardly on the front wheels allowing the J-hooks to release the reel;

(d) replacing strapping on the reel;

(e) pivoting the dispenser rearwardly on the front wheels allowing the J-hooks to receive the reel; and

(f) pivoting the dispenser rearwardly on the front wheels, and then the feet to allow the rear wheel to rest on the support surface.

16. A kit for a dispenser, comprising:

a plurality of frame sections, and

a reel for attaching to a frame comprised of the plurality of frame sections, wherein the plurality of frame sections is adapted to be secured to each other.

17. A kit for a dispenser as claimed in claim 16, wherein the plurality of frame sections includes a first frame section adapted to be removably secured to a second frame section, and a second frame section adapted to be removably attached to a frame base section, wherein the first frame section includes a handle, the second frame section is adapted to receive the reel, and the frame base section is adapted to receive wheels for rolling on a support surface, wherein the first frame section, the second frame section, and the frame base section are adapted to be removably secured to each other with fasteners.

18. A kit for a dispenser as claimed in claim 16, wherein the plurality of frame sections includes an upper frame section adapted to be pivotally secured to a lower base section, wherein the upper frame section includes a handle and a tray, and the lower frame section includes open-faced bearings for receiving the reel, and includes wheels for rolling on a support surface, wherein the upper frame section and the lower frame section are adapted to be pivotally secured to each other by a notched bracket, threaded knob and threaded member.

19. A method for manufacturing a dispenser from a kit, comprising the steps of:

(a) attaching a plurality of frame sections to make a frame;

(b) attaching wheels to the frame; and

(c) attaching a reel to the frame.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the kit is comprised of a plurality of frame sections and a reel for attaching to a frame comprised of the plurality of frame sections, wherein the plurality of frame sections is adapted to be removably secured to each other, wherein the frame sections include a first frame section adapted to be removably attached to a second frame section, and the second frame section adapted to be removably attached to a frame base section, wherein the first frame section includes a handle, the second frame section is adapted to receive the reel, and the frame base section adapted to receive wheels for rolling on a support surface, wherein the first frame section, the second frame section, and the frame base section are adapted to be pivotally secured to each other through fasteners.

21. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the kit is comprised of a plurality of frame sections and a reel for attaching to a frame comprised of the plurality of frame sections, wherein the frame sections include an upper frame section adapted to be pivotally attached to a frame base section, wherein the upper frame section includes a handle and a tray, and the frame base section includes open-faced bearings to receive the reel and wheels for rolling on a support surface, wherein the upper frame section and the frame base section are adapted to be pivotally secured to each other by a notched bracket, a threaded knob, and a threaded member.

22. A dispenser as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a brake attached to said frame, wherein said brake coacts with said reel.