US 8,262,014 B1Granted

Device for storing and dispensing flexible tubing

OwnerWilliam J. Selbyinventor

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

The present invention is a device for storing, displaying, and dispensing flexible tubing upon a store shelf. In one embodiment, the device comprises a one-piece housing having inner and outer bottom walls, a rear wall extending upward from the outer bottom wall, and first and second sidewalls. The first sidewall extends upward from the inner bottom wall and is substantially perpendicular to the rear wall. The first sidewall comprises a smooth leading wall, a curved edge, and a trailing straight edge. The second sidewall extends upward from the outer bottom wall and is substantially perpendicular to the rear wall and parallel to the first sidewall. The second sidewall comprises a smooth leading wall, a curved edge, and a trailing straight edge. The smooth leading walls of the first and second sidewalls may be formed by first and second flaps that are folded upon inside surfaces of the first and second sidewalls, respectively.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A device for dispensing flexible tubing upon a shelf comprising:

(a) a one-piece housing comprising an inner bottom wall comprising a front edge;
an outer bottom wall comprising a front edge;
a rear wall extending upward from said outer bottom wall;
a first sidewall extending upward from said inner bottom wall;
said first sidewall is substantially perpendicular to said rear wall;
said first sidewall comprises a smooth leading wall, a trailing straight edge, and a curved edge disposed between said smooth leading wall and said trailing straight edge;
and a second sidewall extending upward from said outer bottom wall;
said second sidewall is substantially perpendicular to said rear wall and parallel to said first sidewall;
said second sidewall comprises a smooth leading wall, a trailing straight edge, and a curved edge disposed between said smooth leading wall and said trailing straight edge;
said smooth leading wall of said first sidewall is a first flap folded upon said first sidewall;
(b) a spool assembly engaged with said first and second sidewalls;
and
(c) flexible tubing wrapped about said spool member.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 12/964,809Filed 10 Dec 2010 · continuation in part
Priority: 25 May 2010
Granted: 11 Sep 2012
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

B65H 49/00
Unwinding or paying-out filamentary material
B65H 49/321
Stands or frameworks: characterised by features enabling their folding or dismantling
B65H 49/322
Stands or frameworks: enclosing boxes with supporting means for the package or reel during unwinding
B65H 2701/33
Handled filamentary material: hollow or hose-like material