Stackable dispenser for coiled materials

A method and apparatus are provided for a stackable dispenser for coiled material. According to one embodiment, the stackable dispenser comprises a first container comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening. An outer wall extends from an outer edge of the base portion, and an inner wall extends from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall. The dispenser includes a cover comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening wherein the base portion of the cover is mounted on an edge of the outer wall of the first container opposite the base portion of the first container, and wherein the central opening of the base portion of the cover is substantially aligned with the central opening of the base portion of the first container.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of storage containers. More particularly, the invention relates to a stackable dispenser for rolled or coiled materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rolled or coiled materials such as rope, wire, cable, hose, tubing, string, twine, chain, or any other materials that are commonly stored, transported, sold, etc. in a roll or coil are commonly stored or packaged in a number of different manners. For example, wire, rope, tubing etc. is commonly sold and stored in coils bound together by tape, wire, plastic bands, etc. The material may or may not be wrapped or covered by plastic, paper, cardboard, etc. To use the material, the covering and/or binding, if any, are removed and the material unrolled.

In other cases, the coiled material may be sold and/or stored in a package that also serves as a dispenser. For example, electrical wire such as Romex® is commonly sold in a cardboard box that includes a hole through which the wire may be drawn to dispense the wire. The user threads the wire through the hole. The end of the wire threaded through the hole can then be pulled to uncoil and dispense the material as needed. In other cases, coiled material may be stored and dispensed from containers made of various materials that my be securely stacked or bound together so that more than one type of material can be dispensed from a stack of containers.

However, such containers do not allow multiple materials to be dispensed from a single, central location while the containers are stacked together. Some such containers dispense materials from the side of the individual containers. Such containers allow multiple materials to be dispensed while the containers are stacked together. However, since the materials are not dispensed from a single, central location, such containers are awkward, unwieldy, and inconvenient to use. Other containers dispense materials from the top or bottom of the container in a central location. However, these containers do not allow the material to be dispensed from more than one container while the containers are stacked or secured together. These containers require that the individual containers be unstacked to dispense material from any container other than the top container of the stack.

Therefore, known containers or dispensers for rolled or coiled materials are inconvenient and inefficient to use since they do not allow multiple materials to be dispensed from a single, central location while the containers are stacked together. It is with respect to these considerations and others that the present invention has been made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a stackable dispenser for rolled or coiled materials according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional side view of the stackable dispenser for rolled of coiled materials according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a cover for the stackable dispenser for rolled or coiled materials according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a storage compartment of a cover for a stackable dispenser for rolled or coiled materials according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and apparatus are described for a stackable dispenser for coiled material. The stackable dispenser as described herein is adapted to dispense multiple coiled materials from a single, central location from stacked containers without the need to unstack the containers. According to one embodiment, the stackable dispenser comprises a first container comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening. An outer wall extends from an outer edge of the base portion, and an inner wall extends from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall. The dispenser includes a cover comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening wherein the base portion of the cover is mounted on an edge of the outer wall of the first container opposite the base portion of the first container, and wherein the central opening of the base portion of the cover is substantially aligned with the central opening of the base portion of the first container.

As an initial matter, some terms used throughout this description are defined below.

Terminology

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases as used in various places in the specification are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The term “indicia” refers to any words, phrases, numbers, logos, pictures and/or symbols that are intended by an originator of the indicia to have meaning to a viewer thereof.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

The term “cutout” as used herein refers to a hole or space in the sheet material that is substantially surrounded by remaining sheet material excepting a slot, a slit or some similar feature extending from an outside edge to the cutout. In contrast, the term “cutaway” as used herein refers to an area wherein sheet material is removed (or could have been removed) and wherein at least one outside edge of the remaining sheet material directly abuts the cutaway.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a stackable dispenser for rolled or coiled materials according to one embodiment of the present invention. This example shows a stackable dispenser 100 for coiled material comprising a first container 115, a second container 110, and a cover 105. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first container 115, second container 110, and cover 105 may each be constructed of any of a variety of plastics by injection molding or similar processes. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, other materials and other manufacturing processes can also be used. As will become apparent, embodiments of the present invention may include one container 110, or any number of containers stacked together. Regardless of the number of containers stacked together, the coiled materials stored in each can be dispensed from a single, central location without unstacking the containers.

As shown here, the first container 110 comprises a substantially circular base portion 116 defining a central opening 122. Also as shown here, the base portion 116 of the first container 115 may be substantially flat. However, in other embodiments, the base portion 116 may have a different shape and profile. For example, the base portion 116 may be oval, square, rectangular, etc. in shape and/or be ridged, convex, concave, or otherwise configured as suitable to support and feed the material stored therein.

An outer wall 118 extends from an outer edge of the base portion 116. As shown here, the outer wall 118 may be substantially contiguous around the perimeter of the base portion 116. Alternatively, the outer wall 118 may comprise a number of wall segments extending from the base portion 116 at various locations around the perimeter of the base portion 116 with open space between the wall segments.

An inner wall 120 extends from an edge of the central opening 122 in the same direction as the outer wall 118. As shown here, the inner wall 120 may be substantially contiguous around the perimeter of the central opening 122. Alternatively, the inner wall 120 may comprise a number of wall segments extending from the base portion 116 at various locations around the perimeter of the central opening 122 with open space between the wall segments. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall 120 of the first container 115 extends from the base portion 116 of the first container 115 to a height less than a height of the outer wall 118 of the first container 115. According to another embodiment, the inner wall 120 of the first container 115 is substantially conical in shape. That is, the opening at the top of the inner wall 120 is of a smaller diameter than the bottom of the inner wall 120. In such a case, the inner wall 120 may be higher than the outer wall since the inner wall 120 of the first container 115 may extend into and through the central opening in the base portion of another container stacked on top of the first container 115. However configured, the top edge of the inner wall 120 should be positioned and/or shaped to allow material stored in the first container 115 to pass over the top edge of the inner wall 120 and into and through the central opening of a container that may be stacked on top of the first container 115.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first container 115 may further comprise one or more fasteners 126 adapted to secure the first container 115 to another container (not shown) which the first container may be stacked atop. The fastener 126 may be any of a variety of possible fasteners such as pins, tabs, threads, etc. As shown here, the fastener 126 comprises a tab adapted to mate with a corresponding slot (not shown here) in another container.

According to another embodiment, the first container 115 may also comprise a positioning ring 124 extending from the base portion 116 of the first container 115 near the outer edge of the base portion 116 of the first container 115 and on a side of the base portion 116 of the first container 115 opposite the outer wall 118 of the first container 115. The positioning ring 124 can be adapted to align the first container 115 with another container (not shown) which the first container may be stacked atop. Alternatively, another type of positioner may be used. For example, rather than a ring, a number of tabs, posts, pins, and/or other structures may be used to align the first container 115 with another container (not shown) which the first container may be stacked atop.

Similar to the first container 115, the second container 110 comprises a substantially circular base portion 130 defining a central opening 136. Also as shown here, the base portion 130 of the second container 110 may be substantially flat. However, in other embodiments, the base portion 130 may have a different shape and profile. For example, the base portion 130 may be oval, square, rectangular, etc. in shape and/or be ridged, convex, concave, or otherwise configured as suitable to support and feed the material stored therein. Regardless of the exact shape, the base portion 130 of the second container 110 can be mounted on an edge of the outer wall 118 of the first container 115 opposite the base portion 116 of the first container 115. When mounted or stacked together, the central opening 136 of the base portion 130 of the second container 110 is substantially aligned with the central opening 122 of the base portion 116 of the first container 115.

An outer wall 132 extends from an outer edge of the base portion 130. As shown here, the outer wall 132 may be substantially contiguous around the perimeter of the base portion 130. Alternatively, the outer wall 132 may comprise a number of wall segments extending from the base portion 130 at various locations around the perimeter of the base portion 130 with open space between the wall segments.

An inner wall 134 extends from an edge of the central opening 136 in the same direction as the outer wall 132. As shown here, the inner wall 134 may be substantially contiguous around the perimeter of the central opening 136. Alternatively, the inner wall 134 may comprise a number of wall segments extending from the base portion 130 at various locations around the perimeter of the central opening 136 with open space between the wall segments. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall 134 of the second container 110 extends from the base portion 130 of the second container 110 to a height less than a height of the outer wall 132 of the second container 110. According to another embodiment, the inner wall 134 of the second container 110 is substantially conical in shape. That is, the opening at the top of the inner wall 134 is of a smaller diameter than the bottom of the inner wall 134. In such a case, the inner wall 134 may be higher than the outer wall 132 since the inner wall 134 of the second container 110 may extend into and through the central opening in the base portion of another container or cover 105 stacked on top of the second container 110. However configured, the top edge of the inner wall 134 should be positioned and/or shaped to allow material stored in the second container 110 to pass of the top edge of the inner wall 134 and into and through the central opening of a container or cover that may be stacked on top of the second container 110.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second container 110 may further comprise one or more fasteners 140 adapted to secure the second container 110 to the first container 115 when the second container 110 is stacked on top of the first container 115. The fastener 140 may be any of a variety of possible fasteners such as pins, tabs, threads, etc. As shown here, the fastener 140 comprises a tab adapted to mate with a corresponding slot 128 in the first container 115.

According to another embodiment, the second container 110 may also comprise a positioning ring 138 extending from the base portion 130 of the second container 110 near the outer edge of the base portion 130 of the second container 110 and on a side of the base portion 130 of the second container 110 opposite the outer wall 132 of the second container 110. The positioning ring 138 can be adapted to align the second container 110 with the first container 115 which the second container 110 is stacked on top of the first container 115. Alternatively, another type of positioner may be used. For example, rather than a ring, a number of tabs, posts, slots, and/or other structures may be used to align the second container 110 with the first container 115.

The cover 105 comprises a substantially circular base portion 144 defining a central opening 150. As with the first and second containers 110 and 115, the base portion 144 may have a different shape and profile. For example, the base portion 144 may be oval, square, rectangular, etc. in shape and/or be ridged, convex, concave, or otherwise configured. Regardless of the exact shape, the base portion 144 of the cover 105 can be mounted on an edge of the outer wall 132 of the second container 110 opposite the base portion 130 of the second container 110. When mounted or stacked together, the central opening 150 of the base portion 144 of the cover is substantially aligned with the central opening 136 of the base portion 130 of the second container 110.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover 105 may further comprise an outer wall 146 extending from an outer edge of the base portion 144 and an inner wall 148 extending from an edge of the central opening 150 in the same direction as the outer wall 146. One or more dividers (not shown here) may extend from the base portion 144 in the same direction as the outer wall 146 and inner wall 148 and join the outer wall 146 and inner wall 148 forming a plurality of storage compartments. That is, the dividers, extending from the base portion 144 of the cover 105 and extending from the outer wall 146 to the inner wall 148 can form a number of storage compartments or trays into which may be placed items to be used with the coiled material stored in the containers 110 and 115. For example, if the containers 110 and 115 are used to store electrical wire, the storage compartments may be used to store tools such as wire cutters, a crimping tool, a soldering iron, etc. or other items such as wire nuts, terminal connectors, solder, etc. The cover 105 may further comprise a plurality of lids 152-162 coupled with the inner wall 148 of the cover 105. The lids 152-162 can be adapted to close each of the plurality of storage compartments.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a handle 168 can be coupled with the inner wall 148 of the cover 105 and can extend across the central opening 150 of the cover 105. The handle 168 can be shaped and positioned to conform to a user's hand and provide a convenient means to lift and carry the cover 105 as well as one or more containers 110 and 115 stacked together with the cover 105.

The base portion 144 of the cover 105 can be mounted on an edge of the outer wall 132 of the second container 110 opposite the base portion 130 of the second container 110. The central opening 150 of the base portion 144 of the cover 105 can be substantially aligned with the central opening 136 of the base portion 130 of the second container 110. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover 105 may further comprise one or more fasteners 166 adapted to secure the cover 105 to the second container 110. The fastener 166 may be any of a variety of possible fasteners such as pins, tabs, threads, etc. As shown here, the fastener 166 comprises a tab adapted to mate with corresponding slots 142 in the second container 110.

According to another embodiment, the cover 105 may further comprise a positioning ring 164 extending from the base portion 144 of the cover 105 near the outer edge of the base portion 144 of the cover 105 and on a side of the base portion 144 of the cover 105 opposite the outer wall 146 of the cover 105. The positioning ring 164 can be adapted to align the cover 105 with the second container 110. Alternatively, another type of positioner may be used. For example, rather than a ring, a number of tabs, posts, slots, and/or other structures may be used to align the cover 105 with the second container 110.

In use, coiled materials can be placed into the containers 110 and 115 prior to the containers being stacked together. A free end of the material in the first container 115 can be fed over the inner wall 120 of the first container 115 through the central opening 136 of the base portion 130 of the second container 110 when the second container 110 is stacked on top of the first container 115. Similarly, a free end of the material in the second container 110 can be fed over the inner wall 134 of the second container 110 through the central opening 150 of the base portion 144 of the cover 105 while the free end of material stored in the first container and extending through the central opening 136 of the base portion 130 of the second container 110 can also be fed through the central opening 150 of the base portion 144 of the cover 105 when the cover 105 is stacked on top of the second container 110. This arrangement will be further discussed below with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional side view of the stackable dispenser for rolled of coiled materials according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. This example shows the stackable dispenser 100 for coiled material comprising the first container 115, the second container 110, and the cover 105. As noted above, embodiments of the present invention may include one container 110, or any number of containers stacked together.

As shown here, the first container 115 comprises a base portion 116 defining a central opening 122. An outer wall 118 extends from an outer edge of the base portion 116. As noted above, the outer wall 118 may be substantially contiguous around the perimeter of the base portion 116. Alternatively, the outer wall 118 may comprise a number of wall segments extending from the base portion 116 at various locations around the perimeter of the base portion 116 with open space between the wall segments.

An inner wall 120 extends from an edge of the central opening 122 in the same direction as the outer wall 118. The inner wall 120 may be substantially contiguous around the perimeter of the central opening 122. Alternatively, the inner wall 120 may comprise a number of wall segments extending from the base portion 116 at various locations around the perimeter of the central opening 122 with open space between the wall segments. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall 120 of the first container 115 extends from the base portion 116 of the first container 115 to a height less than a height of the outer wall 118 of the first container 115. According to another embodiment, the inner wall 120 of the first container 115 is substantially conical in shape. That is, the opening at the top of the inner wall 120 is of a smaller diameter than the bottom of the inner wall 120. In such a case, the inner wall 120 may be higher than the outer wall since the inner wall 120 of the first container 115 may extend into and through the central opening in the base portion of another container stacked on top of the first container 115. However configured, the top edge of the inner wall 120 should be positioned and/or shaped to allow material stored in the first container 115 to pass of the top edge of the inner wall 120 and into and through the central opening of a container that may be stacked on top of the first container 1 15.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first container 115 may further comprise one or more fasteners 126 adapted to secure the first container 115 to another container (not shown) which the first container may be stacked atop. The fasteners 126 may be any of a variety of possible fasteners such as pins, tabs, threads, etc. As shown here, the fasteners 126 comprises tabs adapted to mate with a corresponding slot (not shown here) in another container.

According to another embodiment, the first container 115 may also comprise a positioning ring 124 extending from the base portion 116 of the first container 115 near the outer edge of the base portion 116 of the first container 1 15 and on a side of the base portion 116 of the first container 115 opposite the outer wall 118 of the first container 115. The positioning ring 124 can be adapted to align the first container 115 with another container (not shown) which the first container may be stacked atop. Alternatively, another type of positioner may be used. For example, rather than a ring, a number of tabs, posts, slots, and/or other structures may be used to align the first container 115 with another container (not shown) which the first container may be stacked atop.

Similar to the first container 115, the second container 110 comprises a base portion 130 defining a central opening 136. The base portion 130 of the second container 110 can be mounted on an edge of the outer wall 118 of the first container 115 opposite the base portion 116 of the first container 115. When mounted or stacked together, the central opening 136 of the base portion 130 of the second container 110 is substantially aligned with the central opening 122 of the base portion 116 of the first container 115.

An outer wall 132 extends from an outer edge of the base portion 130. The outer wall 132 may be substantially contiguous around the perimeter of the base portion 130. Alternatively, the outer wall 132 may comprise a number of wall segments extending from the base portion 130 at various locations around the perimeter of the base portion 130 with open space between the wall segments.

An inner wall 134 extends from an edge of the central opening 136 in the same direction as the outer wall 132. The inner wall 134 may be substantially contiguous around the perimeter of the central opening 136. Alternatively, the inner wall 134 may comprise a number of wall segments extending from the base portion 130 at various locations around the perimeter of the central opening 136 with open space between the wall segments. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall 134 of the second container 110 extends from the base portion 130 of the second container 110 to a height less than a height of the outer wall 132 of the second container 110. According to another embodiment, the inner wall 134 of the second container 110 is substantially conical in shape. That is, the opening at the top of the inner wall 134 is of a smaller diameter than the bottom of the inner wall 134. In such a case, the inner wall 134 may be higher than the outer wall 132 since the inner wall 134 of the second container 110 may extend into and through the central opening in the base portion of another container or cover 105 stacked on top of the second container 110. However configured, the top edge of the inner wall 134 should be positioned and/or shaped to allow material stored in the second container 110 to pass of the top edge of the inner wall 134 and into and through the central opening of a container or cover that may be stacked on top of the second container 110.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second container 110 may further comprise one or more fasteners 140 adapted to secure the second container 110 to the first container 115 when the second container 110 is stacked on top of the first container 115. The fasteners 140 may be any of a variety of possible fasteners such as pins, tabs, threads, etc. As shown here, the fasteners 140 comprise tabs adapted to mate with a corresponding slots 128 in the first container 115.

According to another embodiment, the second container 110 may also comprise a positioning ring 138 extending from the base portion 130 of the second container 110 near the outer edge of the base portion 130 of the second container 110 and on a side of the base portion 130 of the second container 110 opposite the outer wall 132 of the second container 110. The positioning ring 138 can be adapted to align the second container 110 with the first container 115 which the second container 110 is stacked on top of the first container 115. Alternatively, another type of positioner may be used. For example, rather than a ring, a number of tabs, posts, slots, and/or other structures may be used to align the second container 110 with the first container 115.

The cover 105 comprises a base portion 144 defining a central opening 150. The base portion 144 of the cover 105 can be mounted on an edge of the outer wall 132 of the second container 110 opposite the base portion 130 of the second container 110. When mounted or stacked together, the central opening 150 of the base portion 144 of the cover is substantially aligned with the central opening 136 of the base portion 130 of the second container 110.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover 105 may further comprise an outer wall 146 extending from an outer edge of the base portion 144 and an inner wall 148 extending from an edge of the central opening 150 in the same direction as the outer wall 146. One or more dividers (not shown here) may extend from the base portion 144 in the same direction as the outer wall 146 and inner wall 148 and join the outer wall 146 and inner wall 148 forming a plurality of storage compartments 206 and 208. That is, the dividers, extending from the base portion 144 of the cover 105 and extending from the outer wall 146 to the inner wall 148 can form a number of storage compartments 206 and 208 or trays into which may be placed items to be used with the coiled material stored in the containers 110 and 115. For example, if the containers 110 and 115 are used to store electrical wire, the storage compartments 206 and 208 may be used to store tools such as wire cutters, a crimping tool, a soldering iron, etc. or other items such as wire nuts, terminal connectors, solder, etc. The cover 105 may further comprise a plurality of lids 152 and 158 coupled with the inner wall 148 of the cover 105. The lids 152 and 158 can be adapted to close each of the plurality of storage compartments 206 and 208.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a handle 168 can be coupled with the inner wall 148 of the cover 105 and can extend across the central opening 150 of the cover 105. The handle 168 can be shaped and positioned to conform to a user's hand and provide a convenient means to lift and carry the cover 105 as well as one or more containers 110 and 115 stacked together with the cover 105.

The base portion 144 of the cover 105 can be mounted on an edge of the outer wall 132 of the second container 110 opposite the base portion 130 of the second container 110. The central opening 150 of the base portion 144 of the cover 105 can be substantially aligned with the central opening 136 of the base portion 130 of the second container 110. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover 105 may further comprise one or more fasteners 166 adapted to secure the cover 105 to the second container 110. The fasteners 166 may be any of a variety of possible fasteners such as pins, tabs, threads, etc. As shown here, the fasteners 166 comprise tabs adapted to mate with corresponding slots 142 in the second container 110.

According to another embodiment, the cover 105 may further comprise a positioning ring 164 extending from the base portion 144 of the cover 105 near the outer edge of the base portion 144 of the cover 105 and on a side of the base portion 144 of the cover 105 opposite the outer wall 146 of the cover 105. The positioning ring 164 can be adapted to align the cover 105 with the second container 110. Alternatively, another type of positioner may be used. For example, rather than a ring, a number of tabs, posts, slots, and/or other structures may be used to align the cover 105 with the second container 110.

In use, coiled materials 202 and 204 can be placed into the containers 110 and 115 prior to the containers being stacked together. A free end of the material 202 in the first container 115 can be fed over the inner wall 120 of the first container 115 through the central opening 136 of the base portion 130 of the second container 110 when the second container 110 is stacked on top of the first container 115. Similarly, a free end of the material 204 in the second container 110 can be fed over the inner wall 134 of the second container 110 through the central opening 150 of the base portion 144 of the cover 105 while the free end of material 202 stored in the first container and extending through the central opening 136 of the base portion 130 of the second container 110 can also be fed through the central opening 150 of the base portion 144 of the cover 105 when the cover 105 is stacked on top of the second container 110.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a cover for the stackable dispenser for rolled or coiled materials according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The cover 105 comprises a substantially circular base portion (not shown here) defining a central opening 150. The cover 105 may further comprise an outer wall (not shown here) extending from an outer edge of the base portion and an inner wall (not shown here) extending from an edge of the central opening 150 in the same direction as the outer wall. One or more dividers 302-312 may extend from the base portion in the same direction as the outer wall and inner wall and join the outer wall and inner wall forming a plurality of storage compartments. That is, the dividers 302-312, extending from the base portion of the cover 105 and extending from the outer wall to the inner wall can form a number of storage compartments or trays into which may be placed a variety of items. The cover 105 may further comprise a plurality of lids 152-162 coupled with the inner wall 148 of the cover 105. The lids 152-162 can be adapted to close each of the plurality of storage compartments.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a handle 168 can be coupled with the inner wall 148 of the cover 105 and can extend across the central opening 150 of the cover 105. The handle 168 can be shaped and positioned to conform to a user's hand and provide a convenient means to lift and carry the cover 105 as well as one or more containers 110 and 115 stacked together with the cover 105.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a storage compartment of a cover for a stackable dispenser for rolled or coiled materials according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. Shown here is the outer wall 146 extending from an outer edge of the base portion 144 and an inner wall 148 extending from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall 146. Dividers 302 and 304 extend from the base portion 144 in the same direction as the outer wall 146 and inner wall 148 and join the outer wall 146 and inner wall 148 forming a storage compartment. That is, the dividers 302 and 304, extending from the base portion 144 of the cover 105 and extending from the outer wall 146 to the inner wall 148 can form a storage compartment or tray into which may be placed items to be used with the coiled material stored in the containers. The cover 105 may further comprise a lid 152 coupled with the inner wall 148 of the cover 105. The lid 152 can be adapted to close the storage compartment. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid may be coupled with the inner wall 148 or outer wall 146 of the cover 105 by a hinge 402 or other device. Alternatively, the lid 152 may be removable from the outer wall 146 and inner wall 148 of the cover 105 and may be snapped into place on the inner wall 148 and outer wall 146 to secure the storage compartment.

The various preferred embodiments and variations thereof illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations of the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the cover that read upon the appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A stackable dispenser for coiled material, the dispenser comprising:

a first container comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening, an outer wall extending from an outer edge of the base portion, and an inner wall extending from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall;
a second container comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening, an outer wall extending from an outer edge of the base portion, and an inner wall extending from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall, wherein the base portion of the second container is mounted on an edge of the outer wall of the first container opposite the base portion of the first container, and wherein the central opening of the base portion of the second container is substantially aligned with the central opening of the base portion of the first container; and
a cover comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening wherein the base portion of the cover is mounted on an edge of the outer wall of the second container opposite the base portion of the second container, and wherein the central opening of the base portion of the cover is substantially aligned with the central opening of the base portion of the second container.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the inner wall of the first container extends from the base portion of the first container to a height less than a height of the outer wall of the first container.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the inner wall of the first container is substantially conical in shape.

4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the inner wall of the second container extends from the base portion of the second container to a height less than a height of the outer wall of the second container.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the inner wall of the second container is substantially conical in shape.

6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second container further comprises one or more fasteners adapted to secure the second container to the first container.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second container further comprises a positioning ring extending from the base portion of the second container near the outer edge of the base portion of the second container and on a side of the base portion of the second container opposite the outer wall of the second container, the positioning ring adapted to align the second container with the first container.

8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first container further comprises one or more fasteners adapted to secure the first container to a third container.

9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first container further comprises a positioning ring extending from the base portion of the first container near the outer edge of the base portion of the first container and on a side of the base portion of the first container opposite the outer wall of the first container, the positioning ring adapted to align the first container with a third container.

10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises:

an outer wall extending from an outer edge of the base portion;
an inner wall extending from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall;
one or more dividers extending from the base portion in the same direction as the outer wall and inner wall and joining the outer wall and inner wall forming a plurality of storage compartments; and
a handle coupled with inner wall of the cover and extending across the central opening of the cover.

11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the cover further comprises a plurality of lids coupled with the inner wall of the cover and adapted to close each of the plurality of storage compartments.

12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the cover further comprises one or more fasteners adapted to secure the cover to the second container and a positioning ring extending from the base portion of the cover near the outer edge of the base portion of the cover and on a side of the base portion of the cover opposite the outer wall of the cover, the positioning ring adapted to align the cover with the second container.

13. A stackable dispenser for coiled material, the dispenser comprising:

a first container comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening, an outer wall extending from an outer edge of the base portion, and an inner wall extending from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall; and
a cover comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening wherein the base portion of the cover is mounted on an edge of the outer wall of the first container opposite the base portion of the first container, and wherein the central opening of the base portion of the cover is substantially aligned with the central opening of the base portion of the first container.

14. The dispenser of claim 13, further comprising a second container comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening, an outer wall extending from an outer edge of the base portion, and an inner wall extending from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall, wherein the outer wall of the second container is mounted on an edge of the base portion of the first container, and wherein the central opening of the base portion of the second container is substantially aligned with the central opening of the base portion of the first container.

15. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the inner wall of the first container extends from the base portion of the first container to a height less than a height of the outer wall of the first container.

16. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the inner wall of the second container extends from the base portion of the second container to a height less than a height of the outer wall of the second container.

17. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the first container further comprises one or more fasteners adapted to secure the first container to the second container.

18. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the first container further comprises a positioning ring extending from the base portion of the first container near the outer edge of the base portion of the first container and on a side of the base portion of the first container opposite the outer wall of the first container the positioning ring adapted to align the first container with the second container.

19. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the cover further comprises:

an outer wall extending from an outer edge of the base portion;
an inner wall extending from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall;
one or more dividers extending from the base portion in the same direction as the outer wall and inner wall and joining the outer wall and inner wall forming a plurality of storage compartments;
a plurality of lids coupled with the inner wall of the cover and adapted to close each of the plurality of storage compartments;
one or more fasteners adapted to secure the cover to the first container a positioning ring extending from the base portion of the cover near the outer edge of the base portion of the cover and on a side of the base portion of the cover opposite the outer wall of the cover, the positioning ring adapted to align the cover with the first container; and
a handle coupled with inner wall of the cover and extending across the central opening of the cover.

20. A stackable dispenser for coiled material, the dispenser comprising:

a first container comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening, an outer wall extending from an outer edge of the base portion, a substantially conical inner wall extending from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall to a height less than a height of the outer wall, one or more fasteners adapted to secure the first container to a another container mounted on the first container, and a positioning ring extending from the base portion of the first container near the outer edge of the base portion of the first container and on a side of the base portion of the first container opposite the outer wall of the first container the positioning ring adapted to align the first container with another container mounted on the first container;
a second container comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening, an outer wall extending from an outer edge of the base portion, a substantially conical inner wall extending from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall to a height less than a height of the outer wall of the second container, one or more fasteners adapted to secure the second container to the first container and a positioning ring extending from the base portion of the second container near the outer edge of the base portion of the second container and on a side of the base portion of the second container opposite the outer wall of the second container, the positioning ring adapted to align the second container with the first container, and wherein the base portion of the second container is mounted on an edge of the outer wall of the first container opposite the base portion of the first container, and the central opening of the base portion of the second container is substantially aligned with the central opening of the base portion of the first container; and
a cover comprising a substantially circular base portion defining a central opening, an inner wall extending from an edge of the central opening in the same direction as the outer wall, one or more dividers extending from the base portion in the same direction as the outer wall and inner wall and joining the outer wall and inner wall forming a plurality of storage compartments, a plurality of lids coupled with the inner wall of the cover and adapted to close each of the plurality of storage compartments, one or more fasteners adapted to secure the cover to the second container and a positioning ring extending from the base portion of the cover near the outer edge of the base portion of the cover and on a side of the base portion of the cover opposite the outer wall of the cover, the positioning ring adapted to align the cover with the second container, and a handle coupled with inner wall of the cover and extending across the central opening of the cover, wherein the base portion of the cover is mounted on an edge of the outer wall of the second container opposite the base portion of the second container, and wherein the central opening of the base portion of the cover is substantially aligned with the central opening of the base portion of the second container.
Patent History
Publication number: 20060196989
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 4, 2005
Publication Date: Sep 7, 2006
Inventors: Harold Bartley (Denver, CO), Allen Ferrell (Atlanta, GA)
Application Number: 11/072,809
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 242/601.000; 242/605.000
International Classification: B65H 75/16 (20060101);