LOCKING TABS FOR ROLL STOCK STACKING SUPPORT

Abstract

A support for receiving and supporting stacked tiers of roll stock. The support can be either located below a first tier of the roll stock, placed between tiers of roll stock, or secured above the top tier, all to provide a stacked arrangement of the roll stock that is especially suited for storage or transport. Interlocking tabs and notches and interfitting registration locks are provided so that intermediate layers can use back-to-back roll supports that have been securely joined together. The roll support is preferably formed from a strong, flexible, thermoformable resinous polymeric plastic material.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to improvements in support cradles useful for the stable support of roll stock, including, for example, improved support cradles used in the support of cylindrical rolls of paper or the like.

BACKGROUND

“Roll stock” is a term that is used in various industries to describe cylindrical rolls or tubular rolls of an elongate, thin material that may be advantageously stored and shipped by winding the elongate material into a multilayer, wound or rolled generally cylindrical configuration. Such items include paper products, plastic film products, thin gauge metals, roofing sheets, and various other thin, elongate strips of materials.

Many cylindrical or tubular shaped rolls are packed on pallets for storage and for shipping. Packing of roll stock is often provided via tiers of rolls. Once method of storing and shipping roll stock involves securely locating such rolls in a horizontal configuration above pallets. In order to safely and securely stabilize and support cylindrical or tubular rolls in a horizontal position, stacking supports have often been employed.

In the field of roll supports, there still remains a need for an improved roll stacker design which can be manufactured utilizing a material that minimizes the storage space requirements of roll supports, so as to free up warehouse space. Further, a strong, weather-proof, preferably recyclable material that can be utilized in the production of compactly stackable roll supports is desirable. Finally, it would be desirable to provide a roll support design that assures that when roll supports are used in a “back-to-back” configuration, such roll supports can be secured each to the other to provide a reliable, securable, stackable configuration.

Especially when securing multiple roll stock pieces in a horizontal fashion, it would be a distinct and important improvement to provide roll supports that are quickly and easily secured each to the other, so that adjacent upper and lower roll supports are effectively prevented from slipping apart. Thus, the important advantages of a roll support product providing such desirable features in a workable roll support cradle design can be readily appreciated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In order to enable the reader to attain a more complete appreciation of the invention, and of the novel features and the advantages thereof, attention is directed to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roll support, shown in a working arrangement for use as a lower roll support as if on a shipping pallet.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an embodiment for a roll support of the type just illustrated in FIG. 1, now more clearly showing the use of a locking tab and a tab accepting notch, which components when used on opposing roll supports, provide a quick, manually implemental interlock therebetween.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view, showing two roll support cradles placed in a back-to-back configuration, wherein the locking tab in each roll support cradle is snapped into place in a tab accepting notch in the opposing roll support cradle.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view, illustrating the use of registration knobs and matching registration indentations to line up opposing roll support cradles, so that a locking tab can be snapped into a tab accepting notch.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view, similar to that just provided in FIG. 4, but now showing that the adjacent roll support cradles have been brought into contact each with the other and that the ear portions on each side of the locking tab have been snapped into locking engagement with the ledge portions on each side of the tab accepting notch, so that the adjacent roll support cradles are secured each to the other.

FIG. 6 is a partial side elevation view, similar to that first shown in FIG. 3 above, but now showing the opposite side of the interlocked pair of roll cradles, and illustrating that on one side, the locking tab may be provided so that the ear portions of the locking tab snap into place below the ledge portions on each side of the tab accepting notch.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view, similar to that first provided in FIG. 4 above, but now showing the opposite side of the interlocking pair of roll cradles, and illustrating that on one side, the locking tab may be provided above the tab accepting notch, so that the ear portions of the locking tab snap into locking engagement below the ledge portions of the tab accepting notch.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view, similar to that first provided in FIG. 5 above, but now showing the opposite side of the interlocking pair of roll cradles, and illustrating that on once side, the locking tab may be provided above the tab accepting notch, so that the ear portions of the locking tab snap into locking engagement below the ledge portions of the tab accepting notch.

FIG. 9 is a partially expanded perspective view, showing multiple vertical tiers of roll stock placed on a pallet for shipping, using “back-to-back” roll cradles, one upward facing and one downward facing, which have been locked together using the roll cradle locking configuration disclosed and claimed herein.

The foregoing figures, being merely exemplary, contain various elements that may be present or omitted from actual implementations depending upon the circumstances. An attempt has been made to draw the figures in a way that illustrates at least those elements that are significant for an understanding of the various embodiments and aspects of the invention. However, various other elements of a roll cradle with locking tabs, especially as applied for different variations of the functional components illustrated, as well as different renditions of artistic aspects of such functional components, may be utilized in order to provide a robust roll cradle design with secure interlocking tabs. Further, various features, including optional or alternate features, may be utilized in order to provide a compact, efficiently nestable, reliable structural material for a roll stacking support with locking tabs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a roll support 20 is provided. In addition to the embodiment provided in FIG. 1, in other embodiments, such roll supports 20 may generally utilize, at least in part, configurations as described in detail in several of my earlier patents, namely (a) U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,034, issued Nov. 27, 2001, (b) U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,839, issued Apr. 3, 2001, and (c) U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,613 B2, issued Nov. 5, 2002, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated into this detailed description in their entirety by this reference.

As better appreciated by reference to FIG. 9, roll supports 20 are designed for receiving and supporting stacked tiers of tubular or cylindrical roll stock 22. When used singularly, a roll support 20_A can be placed below a first tier T₁ (for example, rolls 22₁ and 22₂ of roll stock 22) when such first tier T₁ of roll stock 22 is placed on a pallet 24 for shipment. When multiple tiers of roll stock 22, for example, T₁, and T₂ (for example, rolls 22₃ and 22₄) as illustrated in FIG. 9, are placed on a pallet 24 for shipping, then “back-to-back” roll supports 20_A and 20_B may be utilized between tiers of roll stock, such as between tier T₁ and tier T₂. Another embodiment for the commonly encountered use of a plurality of roll support in such fashion may be seen in FIG. 1 of the U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,613 B2, just noted above, where a roll support is provided to support up to four rolls, horizontally, and may be stacked, for example, three tiers high, or more.

Roll supports 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1 can be manufactured in stand alone, nestable and stackable units. This allows for compact nesting, which thus allows compact storage of roll supports after their manufacture and before their use to support roll stock. In order to take maximum advantage of this quality of the roll supports disclosed herein, roll supports 20 can be manufactured from a strong, flexible, resinous plastic polymeric material. Resinous plastics which may be utilized for the roll support 20 include high-density polymers that produce a strong, yet flexible final product. A resinous plastic polymer material that can be thermoformed can be utilized to provide a desired final shape for a suitable roll support apparatus 20. On suitable resinous plastic material found to be useful is polyethylene terephthalate material, commonly known by the abbreviation “PET”. Instead of providing a cushioning support, as would be desired when protecting a fragile article such as glass, or light bulbs or the like, roll supports 20 for most roll stock applications must be strong and resistant to deformation. Such applications are ideal for PET, since PET resin forms a high strength product with good strength in all directions. Also, many businesses now prefer that materials be manufactured from recycled materials. The disclosed roll supports 20 are easily fabricated from recycled plastic materials. In the manufacture of roll supports, suitable recycled plastics are relatively easy to reprocess. PET, as with a great variety of plastic materials, is initially segregated at time of disposal, after which it is typically kept clean and uniform during the entire recycling process. This process substantially enhances the likelihood of retaining desirable material properties in a finished roll support made from recycled materials.

Another important property which is achieved by the use of PET is that a single roll support 20 can easily be stacked over another roll support 20 with only a slight increase in height. As shown in FIG. 1, the thickness T of the roll support can be as little as from approximately 40 Mils to approximately 60 Mils (or from about 0.04 inches to about 0.06 inches). In one embodiment, the thickness T can be limited to not exceed the lower end of this range, or 40 Mils (0.040 inches). Thus, with such manufactured thickness, roll supports 20 may be stacked from approximately 16 per inch, to about 20 per inch, and even up to as dense as about 26 per inch. Of course, it is desirable from a storage and nesting perspective that thicknesses be provided which occur at the lower end of the stated thickness range. This very small thickness, when nested, is a significant advantage over roll supports that utilize other materials of construction. The nesting compactness just mentioned provides a substantial and significant savings in shipping and storage space, as compared to prior art papier-mâché or other foam or plastic materials. Thus, it is important to note that warehouse space saved in the storage of nested and still unused roll supports can be allotted to other storage needs. Alternatively, the saved storage or shipping space can be used to store or transport additional roll supports and allow the purchase of higher quantities to realize bulk rate cost savings and substantially reduce freight costs.

Attention is again directed to FIG. 1, wherein one embodiment for a roll support 20 for receiving and supporting two or more pieces of roll stock 22 is illustrated. The roll support 20 includes a base 30, which extends along a longitudinal axis indicated by centerline 32. The base 30 includes laterally spaced apart first 34 and second 36 foot portions. Also, base 30 includes first 38 and second 40 end portions, as well as one or more interior portions 42.

As indicated in FIG. 3, a plurality of roll support cradle portions 44 are provided. Each of the roll support cradle portions 44 include an outward surface 46 shaped as an arcuate segment of pre-selected dimensions adapted for securely receiving a piece of roll stock 22 of substantially complementary shape. Also, the roll support cradle portions 44 have a first outer end 50 and a second outer end 52. A first end wall portion 54 and a second end wall portion 56 are provided. The first end wall portion 54 and the second end wall portion 56 extend from the base 30 to the first outer end 50 and the second outer end 52 of the roll support cradle portion 44. Opposing sidewall portions 60 and 62 are provided for each one of the plurality of roll support cradle portions 44. Each of the opposing sidewall portions 60 and 62 are sloped inwardly toward centerline 32 and outwardly from said base 30 and thus toward, and supporting, the companion roll support cradle portion 44.

Along the first foot portion 34 of the base 30, at least one locking tab 64 is provided. Shaped in a cooperative working fashion with tab 64, at least one notch 66 defined by edgewall portions 68 is provided. As more clearly seen in FIG. 2, the notch 66 in second foot portion 36 is defined by edgewall portions 68 to provide an outwardly opening notch 66. The outwardly opening notch 66 includes first 70 and second 72 neck portions. The first 70 and second 72 neck portions provide an inwardly projecting area tending to narrow, along a selected notch edgewall portion, at least some of the outwardly opening notch 66. Overall, the notch 66 is formed in the second foot portion 36 in a manner that in the region of notch 66, the second foot portion 36 has an inner end 74, and the notch edgewall portion 68 includes a proximal edge 76 that is adjacent the inner end 74. Thus, the notch 66 is, in one embodiment, formed in a generally hour-glass shaped opening having a top and a narrowed neck, wherein the proximal edge 76 provides the top of the generally hour-glass shape, wherein the first 70 and second 72 notch neck portions cooperate to provide the narrowed neck portion of the hour-glass shape. Overall, the first 70 and second 72 neck portions are sized and shaped for interlocking detachable engagement with one of the at least one tabs 64.

Tabs 64 are configured as a laterally extending flap having a body 80 that extends from a connection end 82 to an outer end 84. The tabs 64 extend stiffly from the connection end 82 to the outer end 84. However, to provide a manually interlockable method of joining a first and a second support apparatus together to form an intermediate roll support unit 20_C, seen in FIG. 3, or as further noted in FIG. 9, the tab 64 is at least slightly moveable by pivoting such as is indicated by reference arrows 86 and 88 in FIG. 4, by pivot motion of the outer end 84 with respect to the connection end 82.

In one embodiment the tabs 64 include first 90 and second 92 ear portions. The first 90 and second 92 ear portions located at longitudinally spaced apart locations on the body 80 of tabs 64. In one embodiment, the first 90 and second 92 ear portions extend stiffly from the body 80 along a common plane. However, the first 90 and second 92 ear portions are at least slightly displaceable above and below the common plane, which common plane may, in one embodiment, be defined by the plane of the first foot portion 34.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, an intermediate support apparatus 20_C may be provided for location between two or more lower (T₁) and two or more upper (T₂) pieces of roll stock 22. Such an intermediate roll support apparatus is configured by joining, in secure interlocking relationship, a first support apparatus 20_A and a second support apparatus 20_B. In such a design, the first support apparatus 20_A and the second support apparatus 20_B are each sized and shaped for complementary back-to-back interlocking engagement. At least one of the at least one locking tabs 64 on the first support apparatus 20_A is attached to at least one of the at least one notches 66 in the second support apparatus 20_B. Also, at least one of the at least one locking tabs 64 on the second support apparatus 20_B is attached to at least one of the at least one notches 66 in the first support apparatus 20_A. The stiffness of the selected material of manufacture should allow the tab 64 to snap fit into notch 66, by interference between neck portion 70 and ear 70, and between neck portion 72 and ear 92.

As is noted in FIG. 3, the roll support cradle portions 46 may, in one embodiment, be slightly spaced apart from the base 30. However, by using the materials of construction described herein above, the vertical stacking space taken up by the roll support 20 is minimized, since the roll support cradle portion 46 may be vertically spaced apart from the upper surface 30_U of base 30 by a distance V of as little as about 0.25 inches.

For ease of manufacture, each of the opposing sidewall portions 60 and 62 may be angled outward away from the base 30 and inward toward the longitudinal centerline of the roll support 20 at an angle sigma (Σ) of about 20 degrees (see FIG. 8) with respect to a plane 96 perpendicular to said first base. Further, to strengthen the roll supports 20, the first end wall portion 54 may further include a plurality of strengthening flutes 98. In one embodiment, the strengthening flutes 98 are configured as a long, rounded groove in the first end wall portion 54. As illustrated in FIG. 1, three strengthening flutes 98 are provided in the first end wall portion 54. Likewise, the second end wall portion further 56 may include a plurality of strengthening flutes 102, as seen in FIG. 2. Each of the strengthening flutes 102 may, in one embodiment, comprise a long, rounded groove in the second end wall portion 56. As illustrated for the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, three strengthening flutes 102 are provided in the second end wall portion 56.

As also seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, one or more strengthening ridges 104 may be provided. The one or more strengthening ridges 104 extend between the second end wall portions 56 of adjacent roll support cradle portions 44. As illustrated in FIG. 2, at least two strengthening ridges may be provided between the second end wall portions 56 of adjacent roll support cradle portions 44.

When roll supports 20_A and 20_B are joined in interlocking fashion to provide an intermediate roll support apparatus 20_C, in one embodiment it has been found useful to provide sets of registration locks that are sized and shaped for reliably and securely positioning roll supports 20_A and 20_B in back-to-back mating engagement. In such embodiments, the base 30 further comprises, along the first foot portion 34, a first set of registration locks 110. Similarly, the base 30 further comprises, along second foot portion 36, a second set of registration locks 112. As illustrated, complementary thimble shaped dimples may be adequate to accomplish the desired registration lock interface. Note that in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, along first foot portion 34 adjacent or toward first end 38, registration locks 110U are provided in an downward manner, extending below base 30, and along first portion 34 adjacent or toward second end 40, registration locks 110M are provided in an upward configuration, extending above base 30. Similarly, but in a fashion for complimentary mating engagement when duplicate roll supports 20 are turned for back-to-back assembly, along the second foot portion 36 adjacent or toward first end 38, registration locks 110M are provided in an upward configuration, extending above base 30, and along first portion 34 adjacent or toward second end 40, registration locks 110U are provided in an downward manner, extending below base 30,

A method providing intermediate roll stocking supports 20_C may be practiced by providing a first support apparatus 20_A, providing a second support apparatus 20_B, and then interlocking the first support apparatus 20_A with the second support apparatus 20_B. This may be accomplished by (1) engaging at least some of the at least one or more tabs 64 in the first support apparatus 20_A with at least one of the one or more notches 66 in the second support apparatus 20_B, then (2) engaging at least some of the at least one or more tabs 64 in the second support apparatus 20_B with at least one of the one or more notches 66 in the first support apparatus 20_A. Then, by interfittingly registering in mating engagement the first set 110 and the second set 112 of registration locks in the first support apparatus 20_A with the first set 110 and the second set 112 of registration locks in the second support apparatus 20_B. Overall, interlocking the first support apparatus 20_A with the second support apparatus 20_B, and interfittingly registering the sets 110 and 112 of registration locks, forms an intermediate roll stocking support 20_C in a back-to-back, stable interlocked configuration.

It is to be appreciated that the various aspects and embodiments of a roll cradle with locking tabs and registration locks as described herein is an important improvement in the state of the art. The locking tab for roll cradle just described herein is simple, robust, reliable, and susceptible to use whenever roll cradles are employed in a back-to-back configuration. Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail, various details are sufficiently set forth in the drawings and in the specification provided herein to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention(s), which need not be further described by additional writing in this detailed description.

Importantly, the aspects and embodiments described and claimed herein may be modified from those shown without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided by this invention, and may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover the structures described herein and not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent structures. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims

1. A support apparatus for receiving and supporting two or more pieces of roll stock, said support apparatus comprising:

(a) a base, said base extending along a longitudinal axis and having laterally spaced apart first and second foot portions; first and second end portions, and one or more interior portions;

(b) a plurality of roll support cradle portions, each of said roll support cradle portions comprising (i) an outward surface shaped as an arcuate segment of pre-selected dimensions adapted for securely receiving a piece of roll stock of substantially complementary shape, each of said roll support cradle portions comprising a first outer end and a second outer end, (ii) a first end wall portion, and a second end wall portion, said first end wall portion and said second end wall portions extending from said base to said first outer end and said second outer end of said roll support cradle portions; and (iv) opposing sidewall portions, said opposing side wall portions provided for each of said plurality of roll support cradle portions, each of said opposing sidewall portions sloping inwardly with respect to said longitudinal axis and outwardly from said base toward, and supporting, the companion roll support cradle portion;

(c) said base further comprising, along said first foot portion, at least one locking tab and a first set of registration locks, and along said second foot portion, at least one notch defined by notch edgewall portions, and a second set of registration locks.

2. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said notch edgewall portions define, in said second foot portion, an outwardly opening notch.

3. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said outwardly opening notch comprises first and second notch neck portions, said first and second notch neck potions sized and shaped for interlocking detachable engagement with at least one of said at least one tabs.

4. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said first and second notch neck portions each comprise projections tending to narrow, along a selected notch edgewall portion, at least some of said outwardly opening notch.

5. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said second foot portion comprises an inner end, and wherein said notch edgewall portion comprises a proximal edge adjacent said inner end.

6. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein said notch comprises a generally hour-glass shaped opening having a top and a narrowed neck, said proximal edge providing the top of said generally hour-glass shape, and said first and second notch neck portions cooperating to provide the narrowed neck portion.

7. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tab comprises a laterally extending flap having a connection end, an outer end, and a body therebetween.

8. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said tab extends stiffly from said connection end to said outer end, and wherein said tab is at least slightly moveable by pivoting action along said connection end.

9. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said tab comprises first and second ear portions, said first and second ear portions located at longitudinally spaced apart locations on said body

10. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said first and second ear portions extend stiffly from said body along a common plane, but wherein said first and second ear portions are at least slightly displaceable from said common plane.

11. An intermediate support apparatus for location between two or more lower and two or more upper pieces of roll stock, said intermediate support apparatus comprising: and wherein at least one of said at least one locking tab on said first support apparatus is attached to at least one of said at least one notch in said second support apparatus, and wherein at least one of said at least one locking tab on said second support apparatus is attached to at least one of said at least one notch in said first support apparatus

a first support apparatus and a second support apparatus, said first support apparatus and said second support apparatus each sized and shaped for complementary back-to-back interlocking engagement, wherein each of said first and second support apparatus comprises a base, said base extending along a longitudinal axis and having laterally spaced apart first and second foot portions; first and second end portions, and one or more interior portions; a plurality of roll support cradle portions, each of said roll support cradle portions comprising (i) an outward surface shaped as an arcuate segment of pre-selected dimensions adapted for securely receiving a piece of roll stock of substantially complementary shape, each of said roll support cradle portions comprising a first outer end and a second outer end, (ii) a first end wall portion, and a second end wall portion, said first end wall portion and said second end wall portions extending from said base to said first outer end and said second outer end of said roll support cradle portions; and (iv) opposing sidewall portions, said opposing side wall portions provided for each of said plurality of roll support cradle portions, each of said opposing sidewall portions sloping inwardly and outwardly from said base toward, and supporting, the companion roll support cradle portion; said base further comprising, along said first foot portion, at least one locking tab, and along said second foot portion, at least one notch defined by notch edgewall portions.

12. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said notch edgewall portions define, in said second foot portion, an outwardly opening notch.

13. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said outwardly opening notch comprises first and second notch neck portions, said first and second notch neck potions sized and shaped for interlocking detachable engagement with at least one of said at least one tabs.

14. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein said first and second notch neck portions each comprise projections tending to narrow, along a selected notch edgewall portion, at least some of said outwardly opening notch.

15. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said second foot portion comprises an inner end, and wherein said notch edgewall portion comprises a proximal edge adjacent said inner end.

16. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein said notch comprises a generally hour-glass shaped opening having a top and a narrowed neck, said proximal edge providing the top of said generally hour-glass shape, and said first and second notch neck portions cooperating to provide the narrowed neck portion.

17. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein each of said at least one tabs in said first support apparatus and in said second support apparatus comprises a laterally extending flap having a base, an outer end, and a body therebetween.

18. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 17, wherein each of said at least one tabs in said first support apparatus and in said second support apparatus extends stiffly from said base to said outer end, and wherein each of said at least one tabs is at least slightly moveable by pivoting action along said base.

19. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 17, wherein each of said at least one tabs in said first support apparatus and in said second support apparatus comprises first and second ear portions, said first and second ear portions located at longitudinally spaced apart locations on said body

20. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 19, wherein said first and second ear portions extend stiffly from said body along a common plane, but wherein said first and second ear portions are at least slightly displaceable from said common plane.

21. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said roll support cradle portions comprises a bottom portion, and wherein said bottom portion is spaced apart from said base.

22. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein said bottom portion of said roll support cradle portion is spaced apart from said base by about 0.25 inches.

23. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said opposing sidewall portions is angled outward and inward at an angle sigma (Σ) of about 20 degrees, with respect to a plane perpendicular to said first base.

24. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first end wall portion further comprises a plurality of strengthening flutes.

25. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 24, wherein strengthening flutes comprise a long, rounded groove in said first end wall portion.

26. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein three flutes are provided in said first end wall portion.

27. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second end wall portion further comprises a plurality of strengthening flutes.

28. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said strengthening flutes each comprise a long, rounded groove in said second end wall portion.

29. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 28, wherein three flutes are provided in said second end wall portion.

30. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising one or more strengthening ridges, said one or more strengthening ridges extending between the second end wall portions of adjacent roll support cradle portions.

31. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 30, wherein at least two strengthening ridges are provided.

32. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said first and said second support apparatus each comprises a strong, flexible plastic material.

33. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 32, wherein said plastic material comprises polyethylene terephthalate.

34. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 20, wherein said first and said second support apparatus comprises a thermoformed solid.

35. A support apparatus for receiving and supporting two or more pieces of roll stock, said support apparatus comprising:

(a) a base, said base extending along a longitudinal axis and having laterally spaced apart first and second foot portions; first and second end portions, and one or more interior portions;

(b) a plurality of roll support cradle portions, each of said roll support cradle portions comprising (i) an outward surface shaped as an arcuate segment of pre-selected dimensions adapted for securely receiving a piece of roll stock of substantially complementary shape, each of said roll support cradle portions comprising a first outer end and a second outer end, (ii) a first end wall portion, and a second end wall portion, said first end wall portion and said second end wall portions extending from said base to said first outer end and said second outer end of said roll support cradle portions; and (iv) opposing sidewall portions, said opposing side wall portions provided for each of said plurality of roll support cradle portions, each of said opposing sidewall portions sloping inwardly and outwardly from said base toward, and supporting, the companion roll support cradle portion;

(c) said base further comprising, along said first foot portion (i) at least one locking tab, each of said at least one locking tabs comprising a stiff laterally extending flap portion having a connection end, an outer end, and a body therebetween, said at least one locking tab at least slightly moveable by pivoting action along said connection end, each of said at least one locking tabs comprising first and second ear portions, said first and second ear portions extending stiffly from said body along, but slightly displaceable from, a common plane, and located at longitudinally spaced apart locations on said body, and (ii) a first set of registration locks; and

(d) said base further comprising along said second foot portion, (i) at least one outwardly opening generally hour glass shaped notch defined by notch edgewall portions including flexible neck portions, and (ii) a second set of registration locks.

36. A method for providing intermediate roll stocking supports, said method comprising:

providing a first support apparatus as set forth in claim 35,

providing a second support apparatus as set forth in claim 35,

interlocking said first support apparatus with said second support apparatus by engaging at least some of said at least one or more tabs in said first support apparatus with at least one of said one or more notches in said second support apparatus, and engaging at least some of said at least one or more tabs in said second support apparatus with at least one of said one or more notches in said first support apparatus; and

interfittingly registering said first set and said second set of registration locks in said first support apparatus with said first set and said second set of registration locks in said second support apparatus;

wherein interlocking said first support apparatus with said second support apparatus, and interfittingly registering said sets of registration locks, forms an intermediate roll stocking support in a back-to-back, stable interlocked configuration.