U.S. patent application number 11/059730 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-25 for device for dispensing wire.
This patent application is currently assigned to King Electrical Contractors, LLC. Invention is credited to King, Scott A., King, Steven J..
Application Number | 20050184190 11/059730 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34910777 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050184190 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
King, Steven J. ; et
al. |
August 25, 2005 |
Device for dispensing wire
Abstract
A dispenser for retaining electrical wire by standing on a floor
or mounting on a wall stud, the dispenser has a support assembly
for providing a base for use on a floor, a bracket assembly for
coupling to a wall stud and a central mast assembly for holding the
electrical wire. The central mast assembly selectively mount
upright upon the support assembly and the bracket assembly.
Inventors: |
King, Steven J.; (Old
Saybrook, CT) ; King, Scott A.; (Durham, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS & ANGELL, LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Assignee: |
King Electrical Contractors,
LLC
|
Family ID: |
34910777 |
Appl. No.: |
11/059730 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60546478 |
Feb 20, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/594.4 ;
242/597.4; 242/597.8; 242/598.3; 242/598.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 3/10 20130101; B65H
2402/412 20130101; B62B 1/26 20130101; B62B 2202/025 20130101; B65H
49/30 20130101; B65H 49/321 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/594.4 ;
242/597.4; 242/597.8; 242/598.3; 242/598.5 |
International
Class: |
B65H 016/04; B65H
016/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dispenser for retaining electrical wire by standing on a floor
or mounting on a wall stud, the dispenser comprising: a support
assembly for providing a base for use on a floor; a bracket
assembly for coupling to a wall stud; and a central mast assembly
for holding the electrical wire, the central mast assembly capable
of being selectively mounted upright upon the support assembly and
the bracket assembly.
2. A dispenser as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least
one arm releasably secured to the central mast assembly.
3. A dispenser as recited in claim 2, further comprising a frame
plug inserted in the central mast assembly for retaining the at
least one arm within a slotted hole formed by the central mast
assembly
4. A dispenser as recited in claim 3, the frame plug being nylon
and having deflectable ears that extend at least parially into the
slotted hole.
5. A dispenser as recited in claim 3, wherein the at least one arm
forms a button head on an end inserted within the slotted hole.
6. A dispenser as recited in claim 1, further comprising a wire
guide connected to the central mast assembly.
7. A caddy for spools of electrical wire comprising: a) an
elongated base portion defining a longitudinal axis; b) first and
second upstanding frame portions extending from the elongated base,
respectively; c) a handle portion extending between and releasably
secured to the first and second upstanding frame portions; and d)
first and second reel shaft members, substantially along the
longitudinal axis, mounted on the first and second upstanding frame
portions, respectively, such that a plurality of spools can be
retained thereon.
8. A caddy as recited in claim 7, further comprising a plurality of
pin clips disposed on the first and second reel shaft members for
retaining the plurality of spools.
9. A caddy as recited in claim 7, wherein the elongated base
further includes first and second rails selectively mounted to the
first and second upstanding portions, respectively.
10. A caddy as recited in claim 7, wherein the first and second
reel shaft members releasably mount to the first and second
upstanding frame portions.
11. A cart for storing and dispensing wire comprising: a) a pair of
opposing support frame portions, each support frame having a distal
end and a proximal end; b) a first frame connector portion
extending between and releasably secured to the distal ends of the
pair of support frame portions; c) a second frame connector portion
extending between and releasably secured to the proximal ends of
the pair of support frame portions; d) an axle extending between
and releasably secured to the proximal ends of the pair of support
frame portions; e) first and second wheels disposed on each end of
the axle for rolling the cart; and f) two reel shaft members
extending from the first frame connector portion to the second
frame connector portion such that a plurality of coiled cables can
be retained thereon, wherein the reels can be removed for storage
and loading coiled cables thereon.
12. A cart as recited in claim 11, further comprising a handle
releasably connected to at least one of the frame connector
portions.
13. A cart as recited in claim 11, further comprising push buttons
on the frame connector portions for engaging holes formed in the
opposing support frame portions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/546,478, filed Feb. 20, 2004 which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The subject disclosure relates to improved devices for
storing and dispensing wire and cable, and more particularly to
systems for efficiently storing, displaying, transporting and using
the improved devices.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] Use of dispensers having spindles for holding wire or cable
has been widely used and well understood in the art. The prior art
dispenser is purchased as a rigid, fully assembled product. The
connections and joints between the components are often welded or
otherwise not removably attached so that packaging for shipment and
display is cumbersome. As a result, freight costs become
prohibitive. Further, the number of packages that fit on a shipping
palette or shelf is so undesirably limited that sales and
distribution are significantly hampered. The same bulkiness
prevents retailers from stocking the dispensers in any quantity at
the distribution centers and retail outlets. As a result, delay in
delivering ordered products often occurs. Such assemblies are
difficult to promote, market and merchandise. Moreover, after
purchase, contractors cannot easily store and transport the wire
cart.
[0006] Thus, there is a need for an improved wire and/or cable
dispenser that can be easily transported and assembled while
assuring adequate structural integrity when assembled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the subject disclosure to provide a wire
dispenser that can be easily mounted on a wall or floor as
desired.
[0008] It is an object of the subject disclosure to provide a wire
dispensers herein as a kit in a box or bag that can be efficiently
displayed, transported and assembled.
[0009] It is another object of the subject disclosure to provide a
device that can dispense wire from spools but be disassembled for
storage, transport and display.
[0010] One embodiment of the subject disclosure is directed to a
dispenser for retaining electrical wire by standing on a floor or
mounting on a wall stud, the dispenser has a support assembly for
providing a base for use on a floor, a bracket assembly for
coupling to a wall stud and a central mast assembly for holding the
electrical wire. The central mast assembly selectively mount
upright upon the support assembly and the bracket assembly.
[0011] Another embodiment of the subject disclosure is directed to
a caddy for spools of electrical wire having an elongated base
portion defining a longitudinal axis and first and second
upstanding frame portions extending from the elongated base,
respectively. A handle portion extends between and releasably
secured to the first and second upstanding frame portions. First
and second reel shaft members, substantially along the longitudinal
axis, mount on the first and second upstanding frame portions,
respectively, such that a plurality of spools can be retained
thereon.
[0012] Still another embodiment of the subject disclosure is
directed to a cart for storing and dispensing wire including a pair
of opposing support frame portions, each support frame having a
distal end and a proximal end. A first frame connector portion
extends between and releasably secures to the distal ends of the
pair of support frame portions. A second frame connector portion
extends between and releasably secures to the proximal ends of the
pair of support frame portions. An axle extends between and
releasably secures to the proximal ends of the pair of support
frame portions. First and second wheels disposed on each end of the
axle allow rolling the cart and two reel shaft members extend from
the first frame connector portion to the second frame connector
portion such that a plurality of coiled cables can be retained
thereon, wherein the reels can be removed for storage and loading
coiled cables thereon.
[0013] It should be appreciated that the present invention can be
implemented and utilized in numerous ways. These and other unique
features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily
apparent from the following description and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to
make and use the same, reference may be had to the following
drawings.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a dispenser of
electrical wire mounted on a wall stud in accordance with the
subject disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the dispenser of
FIG. 1 mounted on a floor.
[0017] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a frame plug of the
dispenser of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the frame plug
of FIG. 3A.
[0019] FIG. 3C illustrates a top, partial cross-section view of the
frame plug of FIG. 3A.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a loaded caddy for
electrical wire that can be easily hand carried and efficiently
packaged in accordance with the subject disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of the caddy of FIG. 4
without any spools loaded thereon.
[0022] FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the caddy of FIG. 5A.
[0023] FIG. 5C illustrates an end view of the caddy of FIG. 5A.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a wire handling
cart for transporting and dispensing electrical wire that can be
easily packaged, transported and stored in accordance with the
subject disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates the components of the cart of FIG. 6.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another wire
handling cart for transporting and dispensing electrical wire that
can be easily packaged, transported and stored in accordance with
the subject disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates the components of the cart of FIG. 8.
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another dolly type
wire handling cart for transporting and dispensing electrical wire
that can be easily packaged, transported and stored in accordance
with the subject disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates the components of the cart of FIG.
10.
[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another wire
handling cart for transporting and dispensing electrical wire that
can be easily packaged, transported and stored in accordance with
the subject disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the wire handling cart of
FIG. 12.
[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates the components of the cart of FIG.
12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The present invention overcomes many of the prior art
problems associated with wire and cable dispensers. The advantages,
and other features of the system disclosed herein, will become more
readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the
following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments
taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth
representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein
like reference numerals identify similar structural elements
whenever possible.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dispenser 100 capable of
mounting on a wall stud 110 (FIG. 1) or being converted to stand
upright on a floor (FIG. 2) is shown. The dispenser has a central
mast assembly 102 for supporting a plurality of arms 104. The arms
104 cradle a coil of wire. In other words, a wire is simply wrapped
into a circular shape and placed over the central mast assembly
102. The central mast assembly 102 includes a central post 106 with
a sleeve 108 rotatably mounted thereon. Preferably, the central
post 106 is circular in cross-section while the sleeve 108 is
square. When mounted on a wall stud 110, the central post 106
threadably engages a bracket assembly 120. When standing on the
floor, the central post 106 threadably engages a support assembly
140. In each case, a hitch clip 112 may retain the sleeve 108 on
the central post 106 such that the axial mast can freely rotate
about the central axis. When loaded with coiled wire, an end of the
wire is fed through a wire guide 116 attached to the central mast
assembly 102. The wire guide 116 may be fixed in place but is
preferably allowed to rotate about the central post 106. In another
embodiment, one or more collars allow stacking one or more
additional central mast assemblies upon the first central mast
assembly 102 so that multiple coils of different wire may be placed
thereon.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the bracket assembly 120 has a branch
122 that defines a hole on a distal end 124 for threadably engaging
the central post 106. A proximal end 126 of the branch 122 has
opposing hooks 128 for selectively mounting on the wall stud 110.
Preferably, the relationship between the hooks 128 is fixed to
attach to a 2".times.4" or 2".times.6" wall stud. Alternatively,
the hooks 128 can be adjustable to accept variable size wall studs.
A brace 132 extends from one of the hooks 128 toward the distal end
124 to further support the dispenser 100. The hooks 128 allow easy
coupling to the wall stud 110 without fasteners. As a result, the
dispenser 100 can be quickly moved from location to location as
desired by the user. Similarly, the central mast assembly 102 can
be removed from the bracket assembly 120 and attached to the
support assembly 140 for placement on the floor.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, the support assembly 140 is a main tube
142 that defines a hole to threadably receive the central post 106.
The main tube 142 is supported by three additional tubes 144 so
that a stable base is provide to the dispenser 100. Preferably, the
support assembly 140 has a plurality of non-marking feet (not
shown) attached at various locations. It is envisioned that both
the bracket assembly 120 and support assembly 140 could be varied
considerably while still performing the desired function to
accomplish the goals of the preferred embodiment.
[0037] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of arms 104
for retaining coiled cables extend from and are releasably secured
to the sleeve 108. The arms 104 form buttons on the proximal ends
that insert into slotted holes formed in the sleeve 108. As shown
in FIGS. 3A-3C, a sleeve plug 160 preferably retains the arms 104
within the sleeve 108. In a preferred embodiment, a frame plug 160
is inserted in both ends of the sleeve 108. The frame plug 160 has
deflectable ears 162 that protrude in the slotted key holes formed
in the sleeve 108. A protruding circular portion 164 fills most of
the slotted key holes. To insert or remove the arms 104, the
proximal ends of the arms 104 are forced pass the deflectable ears
162 that deflect to temporarily provide clearance for the proximal
ends of the arms 104.
[0038] The sleeve plug 160 also forms a central opening 166. The
central openings 166 of each sleeve plug 160 pass over the central
post 106. Thus, the sleeve 108 remains centered about the central
post 106 while being allowed to freely rotate. Preferably, the
frame plug is nylon. In a preferred embodiment, a wire is coiled
directly on to the rotating arms 104. In another embodiment, the
arms may be fixed in place such that spools of wire may be placed
thereon. It is envisioned that the axial mast may be selectively
fixed in place or rotate depending on configuration of the
surroundings.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary portable caddy for eight
spools 250 or coiled cables of wire is shown and referred to
generally by the reference numeral 200. It is envisioned that the
caddy 200 may be configured to support more or less spools 250 as
would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.
Preferably, the caddy 200 is sized and configured to be easily
carried by a person.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, the portable caddy 200 has an
elongated base portion 202 for stabilizing the caddy 200 on the
floor and a handle 204 for easy carrying. The elongated base 202
consists of two rails 206 having plastic end caps (not shown). An
upstanding frame portion 210 is welded to each of the rails 206. In
another embodiment, the upstanding frame portions 210 are
releasably coupled to the rails by a friction fit, bolt, clip,
spring-loaded button with corresponding hole or other means known
to those of ordinary skill in the art. A reel shaft 212 mounted
substantially along the longitudinal axis on each of the upstanding
frame portions 210. Preferably, the reel shafts 212 are welded to
the respective upstanding frame portion 210. In another embodiment,
the reel shaft 212 is selevtively fixed to the upstanding frame
portion 210. For example, the reel shaft 212 may define a hole for
receiving a set screw or other mechanism. The reel shafts 212
retain a plurality of spools 250 or coiled cables. Pin clips 214
are selectively disposed in holes on the reel shafts 212 to prevent
the spools 250 from falling off or moving undesirably during use.
Preferably, the pin clips 214 mount so as to susbstantially
maintain spacing between adjacent spools 250.
[0041] A handle portion 204 extends between the upstanding frame
portions 210. The handle 204 preferably forms a notch 220 for
receiving the upstanding frame portions 210. Fastening means such
as a nut and bolt or other mechanism releasably connect the handle
210 to the upstanding frame portions. As a result, the caddy 200
can be easily broken down into subparts with hardware for storage,
transport and display. In a preferred embodiment, the sub parts are
the handle 204 and two sub assemblies, each sub assembly consisting
of an upstanding frame portion 210 with a rail 206 and reel shaft
212 coupled thereto. Of course, in alternative embodiments, the
caddy 200 could be further disasssembled as desired. In still
another embodiment, one or more portions, such as the rails 206 and
reel shafts 212, telescope or are differently sized such that a
further reduction in size may be accomplished.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 6, a cart 300 for storing and
dispensing wire is illustrated. Preferably, the cart 300 is
fabricated susbtantially from steel that is powder coated. Zinc
plating can also be utilized to further improve the wear
characteristics of the cart 300. In one embodiment, the cart 300 is
sized and configured to hold twelve spools (not shown) of 7"
diameter by 5" width or six spools of 7" diameter by 10" width.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cart 300 includes a pair
of opposing support frame portions 302. For simplicity, only one
component is shown in FIG. 7 when the components are the same. Each
support frame portion 302 has a distal end 304 and a proximal end
306. A first frame connector portion 308 extends between and
releasably secures to the distal ends 304 of the support frame
portions 302. A second frame connector portion 310 extends between
and releasably secures to the proximal ends 306 of the support
frame portions 302. Preferably, the frame portions 308 and the
connector portions 310 are interchangeably with each other. In one
embodiment, spring-loaded push buttons on the frame connector
portions 308, 310 engage holes formed in the support frame portions
302 to accomplish the releasable securement. As a result, a solid
frame can be formed for use but can be easily broken down for
storage, display and transport.
[0044] An axle 312 extends between and releasably secures to the
support frame portions 302. A pair of wheels 314 mount on the axle
312 for rolling the cart 300. Preferably, cotter pins (not shown)
retain the wheels 314 and, thereby, the axle 312 in place. An
elongated handle 320 releasably connects to the frame connector
portions 308, 310. Each end of the handle 320 has rubber grips 322.
In a preferred embodiment, threaded bolts engage holes formed in
the connector portions 308, 310, respectively, and provide posts to
receive holes formed in the handle 320. The posts 334 define
throughbores so that cotter pins (not shown) can effectively secure
the handle 320 thereon. As a result, the cart 300 can rest on the
floor or be lifted from the distal end to roll on the wheels
314.
[0045] To support the spools, two reel shafts 330 extend from the
first frame connector portion 308 to the second frame connector
portion 310 such that a plurality of spools can be retained
thereon. The reel shafts 330 are held in place by hitch pins (not
shown) such that the reel shafts 332 can be removed for storage and
loading coiled cables or spools thereon. As would be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the cart 300 can be
disassembled into a very small box or bag for shipment, display,
storage and transport. It is envisioned that the reel shafts 330
may be removed and one or more larger spools may be mounted
directly onto the handle 320.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 8, a cart 400 for storing and dispensing
wire is illustrated. In one embodiment, the cart 400 is sized and
configured to hold six spools (not shown) up to 18" in diameter.
Referring now to FIG. 9 as well, the cart 400 includes a support
frame 402 for attaching various components thereto. In an
alternative embodiment, the support frame 402 consists of two or
more pieces that frictionally engage so that the support frame 402
can be reduced in size when desired. The support frame 402 has a
fixture 404 that receives a wheel axle 406. Bolts or like fastening
means (not shown) pass through holes 408 in the wheel axle 406 to
secure the wheel axle 406 to the support frame 402. A pair of
wheels 412 mount on the axle 406 to facilitate rolling the cart
400. Preferably, cotter pins (not shown) retain the wheels 412 in
place. The support frame 402 also has a protuberance 414 that
receives a swivel locking caster 416. The protuberance 414 defines
a hole 418 that aligns with a hole 420 formed in the caster 416.
The aligned holes 418, 420 receive a clevis pin 422 that can be
held in place by a cotter pin (not shown). As a result, the cart
400 can rest on the floor in a locked or unlocked position, or
rolled to a desired location.
[0047] To support the spools, three reel axle pair assemblies 450
are mounted to the support frame 402. Each axle pair assembly 450
includes two complimentary arms 452. Each arm 452 has a shoulder
454 that couples to a semi-circular shell 456. The semi-circular
shells 456 couple onto opposing sides of the support frame 402 by
fasteners (not shown) in holes 436 of the support frame 402. In
another embodiment, the semi-circular shells 456 have locating pins
to help position and facilate assembly. Upon placing spools on the
arms 452, the wires can be passed through one of two wire guides
460 formed on the support frame 402. In operation, the cart 400 is
loaded with spools and rolled to the desired location. For storage,
display and transport, the cart 400 is easily disassembled and
packed in a relatively reduced size package.
[0048] Refering now to FIG. 10, a cart 500 for storing and
dispensing wire is illustrated. In one embodiment, the cart 500 is
sized and configured to hold six spools (not shown) up to 16" in
diameter or fifteen spools of about 7" in diameter. Referring now
to FIG. 11 as well, the cart 500 has a pair of opposing support
frame portions 502. For simplicity, only one component is shown in
FIG. 11 when the components are the same. Each support frame
portion 502 has a distal end 504 and a proximal end 506. A top
frame connector 508 extends between and releasably secures to the
proximal ends 506 of the support frame portions 502. A bottom frame
connector 510 extends between and releasably secures to the distal
ends 506 of the support frame portions 502. Preferably, two
straight frame connectors 515 extend between the opposing frame
portions 502 to add further structural support to the cart 500. In
one embodiment, spring-loaded push buttons (now shown) on the top
frame connector 508, bottom frame connector 510 and straight frame
connectors 515 engage holes formed in the support frame portions
502 to accomplish the releasable securement. As a result, a solid
frame can be formed for use but can be easily broken down for
storage, display and transport. As would be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the cart 500 can be
disassembled into a very small box or bag.
[0049] An axle 512 extends between and releasably secures to the
near the distal ends 504 of the support frame portions 502. A pair
of wheels 514 mount on the axle 512 for rolling the cart 500. A
user can lift the top frame connector 508 to roll the cart 500 on
the wheels 514. When at rest, the cart 500 is stable on the floor
in either of two positions by resting on the bottom frame connector
510, the upright position, or by resting on the wheels 514 and the
support frame portions 502, the prone position.
[0050] To support the spools, five reel shafts 530 extend between
the support frames 502 such that a plurality of spools can be
retained thereon. The reel shafts 530 are held in place by hitch
pins (not shown) such that the reel shafts 530 can be removed for
storage and loading coiled cables or spools thereon. In a preferred
embodiment, the reel shafts 530 have a plurality of holes formed
therein for receiving hitch pins such that spacing between reels
can be varied and maintained as desired. In use, the wire is fed
through a wire guide 550 formed on the top frame connector 508.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a cart 600 for storing and
dispensing wire is illustrated. In one embodiment, the cart 600 is
sized and configured to hold ten spools (not shown) up to 18" in
diameter and still fit through a 36" doorway. Referring now to FIG.
14 as well, the cart 600 includes a base 602 for attaching various
components thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the base 602
consists of two or more pieces that frictionally engage so that the
support frame 602 can be reduced in size when desired.
[0052] The base 602 defines a central opening 604 that receives an
axial mast 606 in an upstanding manner. A cotter pin (not shown) or
like fastening means secures the axial mast 606 to the base 602 so
that the axial mast 606 may rotate about its axis. In another
embodiment, the axial mast 606 threads into the base 602. The axial
mast 606 has a plurality of locations 608 for receiving spindle
assemblies 610. The spindle assemblies 610 can attach to the
locations 608 by bolts, threads and like fastening means. In
another embodiment, a plurality of holes in the axial mast 606
allow varying the configuration of where the spindle assemblies 610
are mounted. Preferably, the attachment leaves the spindle
assemblies 610 upwardly angled so that the wire spools are normally
urged in place. Wheels 630 mount on the base 602 to facilitate
rolling the cart 600. Preferably, at least one of the wheels 630
has a locking feature 632. As a result, the cart 600 can rest on
the floor in a locked or unlocked position, or rolled to a desired
location.
[0053] A wire guide 612 extends from one of the spindle assemblies
610 and is secured in place by an adjustable bracket 614. By
adjusting the mounting of the adjustable bracket 614, the angle at
which the wire passes through the wire guide 612 can be varied. For
example, when passing wire directly through a drop ceiling, an
upward angle helps reduce friction. When the axial mast 606
rotates, the relationship between the spindle assemblies 610 and
the wire guide 612 is maintained. The wire guide 612 also includes
a collar 618 for selectively coupling to a handle 616. The handle
616 is rotatably connected to a collar 620 on the base 602 at one
end 622, and able to couple to the handle 616 at the other end 624.
As a result, the axial mast 606 may be fixed in place by capturing
the top end 624 of the handle 616 in the collar 618 of the wire
guide 612. When not captured, the axial mast 606 is free to rotate.
By rotating, the axial mast 606 self-adjusts to facilitate wire
removal. In one embodiment, a captive pin (not shown) is used to
selectively couple the handle 616 to the wire guide 612. For
storage, display and transport, the cart 600 is easily disassembled
and packed in a relatively reduced size package.
[0054] In alternative embodiments, the devices herein are
fabricated from lightweight plastic such as, for example, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) and acrylic, wood, aluminum, like materials now
known and later developed, and combinations thereof. Further,
alternative structures may be employed to form the base and other
components. For example, tripod arrangements, telescoping
components and solid panels would all form acceptable bases and
supports. Although each device was described as having particular
application to hold certain sizes and quantities of spools, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that any number of
spools may be advantageously stored and utilized.
[0055] While the invention has been described with respect to
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to
the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention as defined by the claims.
* * * * *