Abstract: A container is reconfigurable between a shipping configuration in which a roll of material is enclosed therein and a dispensing configuration in which an access passageway is exposed. A free edge portion of the roll may be withdrawn through the passageway in the dispensing configuration. A container sidewall door portion is pivotally attached to the container body and pivots between an open position to expose the passageway in the dispensing configuration and a closed position in the shipping configuration to close off the passageway. The door portion enclosing the passageway is substantially horizontal in the open position and supported by at least one leg, whereby forming a worktable. The free end of the roll may be drawn across the worktable and scored at an appropriate location. The side wall portion and the support leg may be pivoted against the container in storage positions when the container is transported between field sites.

Abstract: An improved method of splicing a belt, and preparing a belt end to be spliced, is disclosed. The ends of the multiple reinforcing layers of the belt are prepared along spaced transverse edges in defined different geometric configurations. At a minimum, the ends of the reinforcing layers are prepared with at least two different geometric configurations.