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  Flexible material storage deviceUSPTO Application #: 20070181739Title: Flexible material storage device Abstract: The present invention comprises a flexible material storage device that may be transported disassembled directly to the end user. The end user may quickly and easily assemble the device, that includes a tube portion and flanges. The device is substantially held together by a unique locking system that includes frictional inducing components and a series of aligned tabs and cut-out portions. (end of abstract)
Agent: Lambert & Associates, P.l.l.c. - Boston, MA, US Inventor: Thaddeus J. Derendal USPTO Applicaton #: 20070181739 - Class: 242608500 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Winding, Tensioning, Or Guiding, Coil Holder Or Support (e.g., Spindle, Dispenser, Or Spool), Spool Or Core, Particular Component Connection, Flange To Hub Or Another Flange, Mechanical Joint Or Fastener, Rotatable Joint (e.g., Threaded Or Bayonet Fit) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070181739. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates generally to the field of material storage and particularly to storage devices used for storage and transport of flexible materials. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Reels and similar devices comprise primarily a spool upon which flexible materials may be wound and stored or transported. The stored material is normally flexible enough to allow it to be wound around the spool. The addition of flanges attached to both ends of the spool prevent the material from falling off the edge of the spool, as well as aiding in winding the material in the most efficient manner possible. [0005] The need for spools is quite great, and a variety of materials are stored and transported on spools. Cables, ropes, and wire are just a few examples of the materials that benefit from the use of spools and similar storage devices. Currently, reels and spools are completely manufactured by companies that specialize in the manufacture of these devices. These reel producing companies typically manufacture the flanges, the spool or tube portions, and the fasteners that connect the flanges to the spool portion. The reel company also typically provides the labor for assembly, and then ships the completed reel to the end user for their specific application. [0006] Not surprisingly, reel manufacturing is limited by geographies. Fully constructed reels are extremely bulky, and there is no simple solution for long distance shipping that is cost effective for most businesses. In addition, companies that use reels typically do not assemble their own reels due to the number of variables and components required to manufacture customized reels. [0007] Various solutions have been introduced attempting to simplify the problems associated with flexible material storage. For example, Weisburn, et al., U.S. Design. Pat. No. D370,908 discloses an ornamental design for a tape reel flange. The drawings appear to illustrate levers along with tabs that include holes, ostensibly to lock the flange to a hub. [0008] The utility patent granted to Cohen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,239,159 discloses a tape-collecting reel designed to decrease inertia of the device by providing cut outs in the flange portion. The reel is designed to be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily by the removal of flange discs on either end of the reel. The flanges include keyholes that contain enlarged openings at the end of narrow slots. This arrangement allows a locking pin to be inserted, and then locked in place with rotation of the disc flange. [0009] Posso, U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,089 discloses another tape reel that includes detachable flanges and a means for locking the flanges to the hub. The locking mechanism comprises a series of axially positioned tabs that are placed over locking bars. By rotating the flange, the locking bars engage the tabs thereby locking the flanges in place. [0010] Witwer, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,788 discloses a so-called knockdown reel assembly. The term "knockdown" refers to the ability of the reel to be collapsed for easy storage and transport. The device includes a drum and end flanges that combine to form the reel. Additionally, the drum comprises a pair of separate segments that may be releasably locked. The end flanges include an interior disc portion that is attached to the flange. The drum segments then slide over and lock onto this disc portion of the end flanges to provide a locked assembly. The entire device may be made from any suitable lightweight plastic material. [0011] Vislocky, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,087 discloses a spool with snap fit flanges. The spool is capable of quick and easy assembly by means of locking tabs that will snap into place when properly aligned and inserted within receiving portions on the hub. The alignment of the flanges with the receiving portions is further simplified by means of a guide comprising a notch in the end of the hub that allows the flange to be inserted in only one position. This alignment tool is designed to take out any guesswork that might be involved with attaching the flange to the hub. [0012] Hafner, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,500 discloses a collapsible spool that includes what are termed bayonet couplings. The couplings allow for easy assembly of the flanges to the hubs simply by placing the flange on the hub, and rotating to a locked position. Additional stability can be achieved by inserting locking plugs into holes that will be available only when the flange is properly aligned with the hub in a locked position. [0013] Charlton, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0053625 discloses a demountable cable reel that is also designed to provide quick and easy assembly and disassembly without having to remove the cable from the hub. This feature is particularly useful in the event that one of the flanges becomes damaged and must be replaced. The locking mechanism that this device employs is a fairly straightforward gear tooth style configuration. The portion resembling a gear is attached to the flange and inserted within a mirror-image style cut out of the gear. By rotating the flange, the extensions of the gear shaped element are thereby locked into position relative to the hub. A locking pin may also be employed for additional stability. [0014] Although these prior art inventions may have adequately met their desired applications, none of them include the unique structure of the present invention, or its inherent benefits. [0015] Therefore, what is required is a flexible material storage device that can be assembled quickly and easily by the end user. [0016] What is further required is a flexible material storage device that may be transported in bulk in the most efficient manner. [0017] What is also required is a flexible material storage device that utilizes a unique locking arrangement that allows for quick assembly, and a strong and stable structure. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0018] Accordingly, what is provided is a flexible material storage device of the present invention that can be quickly and easily produced in a cost-effective manner. [0019] What is also provided is a flexible material storage device of the present invention that can be shipped in greater quantities than devices known presently. [0020] What is further provided is a flexible material storage device of the present invention that can be stored in bulk by the end user in the most efficient manner. [0021] What is also provided is a flexible material storage device of the present invention that requires minimal labor to assemble and put the device into use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Continue reading... Full patent description for Flexible material storage device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Flexible material storage device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Flexible material storage device or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Multiple-roll toilet tissue holder and dispenser Next Patent Application: Tape reel and method for manufacturing the same Industry Class: Winding, tensioning, or guiding ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Flexible material storage device patent info. 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