CA2108619A1

CA2108619A1 - Dispenser box for product in tube or wire form

Info

Publication number: CA2108619A1
Application number: CA 2108619
Authority: CA
Inventors: Rudigor Kramer
Original assignee: Thomas and Betts Corp
Current assignee: ABB Installation Products Inc
Priority date: 1992-10-17
Filing date: 1993-10-18
Publication date: 1994-04-18
Also published as: DE9214043U1; DE4335026C2; DE4335026A1

Abstract

DISPENSER BOX FOR PRODUCT IN TUBE OR WIRE FORM

Abstract of the Disclosure A dispenser box for use with products in tube or wire form comprises a container box, a reel guide range therein for a reel having a cylindrical core and two flanges for accommodating the product. An opening is provided in a narrow side of the container box for passing the product there out. The box comprises a plate which is inserted into the container box, the plate having a stamped portion which is stamped into the plate and which is pressed out in such a manner that together with the plate it forms the reel guide.

Description

~10~ 9 DISPENSER BOX FOR PRODUCT IN TUBE OR WIRE FORM
1 Field of the Invention The invention relates to a dispenser box for product in tube or wire form, comprising a container box, a reel guide arranged therein for a reel comprising a cylindrical core and two flanges for accommodating the product in tube or wire form, and an opening in a narrow side of the container box for passing the product in tube ore wire form out of same.

Back~round of the Invention Heat-shrink tubes, insulating tubes, wire and similar products are offered in various arrangements, such as, on small reels in container boxes. For the purpo~es of simplification of the following description, reference is made therein exclusively to tubes. That term then also includes other similar products. The container box presents itsel~ in the form of a dispenser box. The tube is not only held in stock in the dispenser box, but can also be pulled out of the dispenser box, cut off and then put on to use.
Dispenser boxes are known in the state of the art. There are dispenser boxes in which the reels are not guided, and dispenser boxes in which they are guided. Unguided reels tend to tilt when the tube is pulled out of the box. They jam in the container box to such a degree that the tube can only be pulled out of the container box by the application of force, or indeed cannot ~e pulled out of the container ~ox at all. In container boxes with guided reels, the reels rotate as the tube i~ pulled out. The tube can be pulled out of the container box in a uniform manner by applying a small amount o~ force. Generally components which are deep-drawn from plàstic material are used for guiding the reel.
Such components are fitted in the form of an insert into the container box or are fixedly joined thereto. The container box typically comprises cardboard. As stated, the known reel guide arrangements consist of plastic material.
Sometimes two different plastic materials are also used.
That makes disposal, which is nowadays important, more 2~6~ 9 1 difficult. the cardboard has to be separated form the plastic material, and the different plastic materials possibly also have to be separated form each other. In addition to this disad~antage which is linked to the material involved, the known dispenser boxes frequently also suffer form a further shortcoming. In the case of may container boxes, a narrow side has two transverse slits which are disposed on above the other. The tube is pulled out through one of the transverse slits, while the free end of the tube is inserted into the other transverse slit, after the desired length has been cut off. The end of the tube is fixed in that way. However, the stiffness of the material constituting the tube can be pulled out of the container box again, only with some difficulty. It frequently also happens that the limb portion remaining between the transverse slits tears.

ary of the Invention Taking that state of the art as its basic starting point, the object of the invention is to so design a dispenser box with guide means for the reel, that it can be produced form a single material. It can then also be disposed of without difficulty and in keeping with the times. The invention further seeks to provide that the dispenser box is of such configuration that the tube is reliably guided through the opening and does not tend to slip back into the container box.
In the dispenser box of the ~eneral kind set forth in the opening part of this specification, that object is attained in accordance with the invention by a plate which can be inserted into the container box, the plate having a stamped portion which is stamped into the plate and which can be pressed out in such a way that together with the plate it forms the reel quide. The reel guide is thus formed by a plate which can be fitted into the container box. The plate is pretreated, impressed, stamped or perforated, in such a way that the stamped portion can be ~ 08~ ~

1 pressed out of the plate. By means of a small number of simple manual operations, the stamped portion can be so folded or bent and inserted that in conjunction with the plate it fox~s a guide for the reel.
An advantageous embodiment provides that the stamped portion comprised a circular section and two limbs which extend therefrom, the diameter of the circular section corresponds to the inside diameter of the core, and, after the stamped portion has been pressed out of the plate, the limbs jointly form a mounting means or projection which is carried by the plate. The reed can be fitted on to the mounting means, with its cylindrical core. As the reel bears on both sides thereof against the insides of the container box, by way of the flanges of the reel, the reel is se~urely guidedO The diameter of the flanges corresponds ; to the height or width of the container box. That configuration provides large surfaces with which the reel cannot tilt, either when the tube is pulled out of the opening or when it is pulled inclinedly out of the opening.
It has been stated that the circular section together with the two limbs forms a projection. With that configuration, the two limbs extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the projection. More specifically in that respect the invention provides that one limb is connected to the plate along a bend line and the other limb goes into a push-in anchor which also belongs to the stamped portion, and, after the stamped portion has been pressed out of the plate, the push-in anchor can be so anchored in the plate that the limbs depart therefrom at an angle of 90.
The one limb is thus permanently joined to the plate and is turned through 90 along the bend line when the mounting means or projected is formed. The other limb is joined to the so~-called push-in anchor. The latter is inserted into slots in such a way that the limb which is joined thereto can also be anglad through 90 and then extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the projection which is formed in that way.

--"` 21~86~ 9 1 Desirably the functions are distributed to the two limbs in such a manner that the lower limb remains connected to the plate along the bend line while the upper limb goes into th~ push-in anchor.
In regard to the shape of the push-in anchor, it is desirable for the anchor to have a connecting limb connected to the upper limb and at the ends thereof a respective anchor tip, while slots are provided in the plate at such locations that the anchor tips can be inserted into same when the stamped portion is pressed out. After the push-in anchor, the two limb5 and the circular section have been press out of the plate, the limbs are bent or folded through 90 along the specified bend lines and the push-in anchor is inserted with the anchor tips into the two slots. In other words, forming the mounting means, the stamped portion is pressed out of the plate, the limbs are bent along the bend lines and the anchor tips are inserted into the slots.
Desirably the anchor tips have widened ends. That means that the anchor tips have to be inserted inclinedly into the slots and/or that their widened ends have to be compressed somewhat upon being inserted. After that, however, they prevent the anchor tips from being pulled out of the slots.
An advantageous configuration provides that the plate is divided by a bend line into a main portion and a flap, the ben line passes through the slots and the lower limb is connected to the main portion. The dimensions of the plate ccrrespond in substanc~ to the inside dimensions of the wide side of the container ~ox. Accordingly it can be easily inserted into same. In addition it is held therein practically without play. The bend line permits the flap to be folded down relative to the main portion of the plate.
When the flap is folded down in that way, the slots which are disposed on the bend line are more readily accessible.
The anchor tips of the push-in anchor can be more easily inserted into the slots. The flap is then folded up again and is again disposed in one plan with the main portion.

--- 2~86 l9 1 In another advantageous configuration, it is provided that the container box has a lower and an upper cover flap and provided in the lower cover flap is a tab which can be pressed out of same, the tab after being pressed out S provides an openiny and the tube passes through the opening and is then guided out of the container box between the lower and the upper cover flaps~ The tube is reliably guided between the lower and the upper cover flaps. At the same time it is held by frictional between the lower and the upper cover flaps. Thus, after the tube has been pulled out of the container box, it does not run back on to the reel as a result of its ~lasticity, and can thereby no longer be gripped for the outside.
Tubes and the like are required and marketed in different sizes, colors and materials. It can happen that a user requires and stocks a plurality of different kinds of tubes. For that purpose he purchases plurality o~ dispenser boxes with the various kinds of tubes. It would be desirable i~ they would stand close together at one location at the user's location. That would reduce the amount of space required while further keep:ing things tidy. It then also simplifies use. The user can see at a glance the variaus dispenser boxes with the various kinds of tubes. He can pull the various kinds of tubes out of the various dispenser boxes without trouble, searching around or other difficulties. To achieve those advantages, in a further desirable configuration the invention provides that push-in anchors are provided at one narrow side of the container box and slots are provided at the other narrow side thereof, for receiving the anchors. That means that two dispenser boxes which are disposed in juxtaposed relationship can be connected together by the slots and push-in anchors provided on the container boxes. Desirably the push-in anchors to be pressed out of a wide side of the container box. The user will purchase the number of dispenser boxes that he wants.
He presses t~e push-in anchors out of the dispenser boxes and then he positions them side-by-side, with their wide -- 2~Q~ 9 1 sides against each other. He fits the push-in anchors of a container box into the slots of the adjacent container box.
In that way he forms a store of the different kinds of tubes.
It was noted hereinabove that the dispenser box is to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly and simple fashion. It is to be possible to produce it from one material. The described structure according to the invention allows that. In terms of being environmentally friendly and in particular viable regarding costs, both the plate and also the reel and the container box are made from cardboard, in particular recycled cardboard. That reduces the material costs involved in manufacture, and also provides a commercial advantage.

Brie~ Description of the Drawinas The invention will now be further described by way of example by means of the embodiment illustrated in the drawing in which:
Fig. l is a perspective view of the plate with the stamped portion not yet pressed out of same, - Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the plate with the flap folded downwardly and thus with the stamped portion partially pressed out, Fig. 3 further perspective view of the plate a~ter formation of the reel guide and insertion of the push-in anchor into its slots, Fig. 4 is a view in section taken along line IV - IV in Fig. 3 to show the reel guide with reel fitted thereon, Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the reel guide with the reel upon being inserted into the container box, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the container box after insertion of the reel guide with the reel, after partial closure, and with ~ diagrammatic view of the way in which two container boxes fit together.

-- 21~81~ ~

1 Detailed Descri~tion of the Preferred Embodiments Figures 1 through 3 show the plate 12 comprising the main portion 14 and the flap 16. The main portion 14 and the flap 16 are connected together along the bend line 18. A stamped portion 20 is provided in the plate 12. It is formed by stamping the plate 12 along the solid lines enclosing the stamped portion 20. The stamped portion 20 comprises a circular section 22, the lower limb 24, the upper li~b 26 and the push-in anchor 28. ThP latter comprises the connecting limb 30, the two anchor tips 32 and the widened ends 34 thereof. Along the lower edge of the lower limb 24 the stamped portion 20 remains connected to the plate 12. Here there is a bend line 36. The bend line 36 is produced by impressing or embossing of the plate 12.
The same applies in regard to the further bend lines 36 ~etween the upper edge o~ the lower limb 24 and the circular section 22, between its upper edge and the push-in anchor 28. Two slots 38 are disposed on the bend line 18 between the main portion 14 and the flap.
When viewing Figure l or Figure 2, the two slots 38 are disposed precisely under the anchor tips 32. The plate 12 ser~es to provide the reel guide 40. For that purpose the flap 16 is folded rearwardly or downwardly, in the direction of the arrow shown if Figure 1. That gives the configuration shown in Figure 2. As a result of that, the upper limb 26 and the push-in anchor 28 are now free. The circular section 22 and therewith also the two limbs 24 and 26 are now pivoted out of the plane of the plate 12. The two limbs 24 and 26 are then each bent over through 90 along the bend lines 36 enclosing them. During that movement the two push-in anchors 3~ are pushed downwardly in the direction of the two arrows shown in Figure 2, and inserted into the slots 38. They are somewhat tilted for that purpose, which then permits the widened ends 34 to be inserted into the slots 38. Those operations result in the reel guide 40 which is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The flap 16 is than folded forwardly or upwardly in the dir~ction of the arrow shown in I Figure 3. It again assumes its initial position shown in dash-dotted lines in Figure 3~ The reel guide 40 is thus finished and the reel 42 can be pushed thereon. Ths reel 42 comprises the cylindrical core 44 and the two flanges 46.
A tube 48 is wound onto it.
Figure 5 again shows the reel 42 on its reel guide 40.
The bend line 18 is not shown, to simplify the drawing here.
Figure 5 again shows the container box 50 which only one is visible, the two narrow sides 54 of which also only one is visible, the bottom 56 and the two tabs 58. Only one of the tabs 58 is also visible. The container box 50 further comprises the lower cover flap 60 with the tab 62, ~s Figure 6 shows, an opening 64 is produced when the tab 62 is pressed out. The container box 50 further includes the upper cover flap 62 with a wide push-in anchor 68 and two narrow push-in anchors 70. All the push-in anchors have widened ends 72. Slots 74 are disposed on the bend line 76, in opposite relationship to the push-in anchors 78 which can be pressed out of wide side 52. Slots 80 at the other narrow side of the container box 50 are disposed in opposite relationship to the push-in anchors 78.
The form a dispenser box, the reel guide 40 with the reel 42 is pushed into the open container box 50 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 5. The lower cover : 25 flap 60 if folded away rearwardly or downwardly along the bend lina 62. Its tab (not specifically shown) is pushed into the container box. The tab 62 is forded upwardly or remains in its position shown in Figure 5. It then assumes the position shown in Figure 6. The tube 48 is pulled out of the opsning 64. The upper cover flap 66 is folded downwardly in the direction of the arrow indicated in Figure 6. Its push-in anchors 68 and 70 are inserted int the 510ts 74 so that the container box 50 is closed and the dispenser box is finished.
As can be seen from Figure 6, the tube 48 is guided between the lower cover flap 60 and ths upper cover flap 66.
The dispenser box can be suspended on the loop of a sales 21 ~86~9 shelf arrangement by means of the tab 62 with its opening.
If a user has purchased a number of dispens~r boxes, he can press the push-in anchors 78 out of a wide side 52 and insert them into the slots in an adjacent dispenser box.
The gripping tab 82 makes it easier to grip and manipulate the push-in anchors 78.
Having described the preferred embodiments herein, it should be appreciated that variations may be made thereto without departing from the contemplated scope of the invention. The true scope of the invention is set forth in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A dispenser box for product in tube or wire form, comprising a container box, a reel guide arranged therein for a reel comprising a cylindrical core and two flanges for accommodating the product in tube or wire from, and an opening in a narrow side of the container box for passing the product in tube or wire form thereout comprising a plate (12) which can be inserted into the container box (50), the plate having a stamped portion (20) which is stamped into the plate and which can be pressed out in such a way that together with the plate (12) it forms the reel guide (40).

2. A dispenser box according to claim 1, wherein the stamped portion (20) comprises a circular section (22) and two limbs (24, 26) which extend therefrom, the diameter of the circular section (22) corresponding to the inside diameter of the core (44), and, after the stamped portion (20) has been pressed out of the plate (12), the limbs (24, 26) remaining connected to the plate (12), by their free ends.

3. A dispenser box according to claim 1, wherein said one limb (24) is connected to the plate (12) along a bend line (36) and the other limb (26) extends into a push-in anchor (28) which is a portion of the stamped portion (20), and, after the stamped portion (20) has been pressed out of the plate (12), the push-in anchor can be so anchored in the plate that the limbs (24, 26) depart therefrom at an angle of 90°.

4. A dispenser box according to claim 3, wherein the lower limb (24) is connected to the plate (12) along the bend line (36).

5. A dispenser box according to claim 4, wherein the upper limb (26) extends into the push-in anchor (28).

6. A dispenser box according to claim 3, wherein the push-in anchor (28) has c connecting limb (30) connected to the upper limb (26) and at the ends thereof a respective anchor tip (32) and slots (38) are provided in the plate (12) at such locations that the anchor tips (32) can be inserted into same when the stamped portion (20) is pressed out.

7. A dispenser box according to claim 6, wherein the anchor tips (32) have winded ends (34).

8. A dispenser box according to claim 7, wherein the plate (12) is divided by a bend line (18) into a main portion (14) and a flap (16), the bend line (18) passes through the slots (38) and the lower limb (24) is connected to the main portion (14).

9. A dispenser box according to claim 8, wherein the container box (50) has a lower and an upper cover flap (60, 66) and provided in the lower cover flap (60) is a tab (62) which can be pressed out of same, the tab (62) after begin pressed out provides an opening (64), and the product (48) in tube or wire form can be passed from the reel (42) through the opening (64).

10. A dispenser box according to claim 9, wherein push-in anchors (78) are provided at one narrow side (54) of the container box (50) and slots (80) are provided at the other narrow side (54) thereof, for receiving the anchors.

11. A dispenser box according to claim 10, wherein push-in anchors (78) and the slots (80) are arranged at the edges between the wide and narrow sides (52, 54).

12. A dispenser box according to claim 11, wherein the push-in anchors (78) can be pressed out of a wide side (52) of the container box (50).

13. A dispenser box according to claim 12, the plate (12), the reel (42) and the container box (50) comprise cardboard.