US20070125897A1 - Yarn ball retaining and dispensing device - Google Patents
Yarn ball retaining and dispensing device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070125897A1 US20070125897A1 US11/295,399 US29539905A US2007125897A1 US 20070125897 A1 US20070125897 A1 US 20070125897A1 US 29539905 A US29539905 A US 29539905A US 2007125897 A1 US2007125897 A1 US 2007125897A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ball
- yarn
- panels
- filament
- flaps
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/67—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for web or tape-like material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/4295—Ventilating arrangements, e.g. openings, space elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H49/00—Unwinding or paying-out filamentary material; Supporting, storing or transporting packages from which filamentary material is to be withdrawn or paid-out
- B65H49/18—Methods or apparatus in which packages rotate
- B65H49/20—Package-supporting devices
- B65H49/32—Stands or frameworks
- B65H49/322—Enclosing boxes with supporting means for the package or reel during unwinding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
- B65H2701/30—Handled filamentary material
- B65H2701/31—Textiles threads or artificial strands of filaments
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a retaining and dispensing device which retains and dispenses a ball of filament, in particular, a ball of yarn.
- Yarn is typically sold in skeins and for use, is unwound from the skein by pulling a free outer end from a periphery of the skein.
- One common problem with unwinding yarn skeins in this manner is that they are likely to knot or tangle. Therefore, a knitter will often unwind the entire skein and rewind the yarn into a ball before beginning to knit with the yarn. The knitter can thus knit continuously from the yarn ball without having to stop to untangle knots. Continuous, uninterrupted knitting is advantageous since the knitter is better able to maintain substantially constant tension in the stitches throughout the knitted product.
- Knitting from the yarn ball has several disadvantages. For example, when dropped, the yarn ball has a tendency to roll and the knitter often must then chase the yarn ball and rewind the length of yarn unwound during the ball's travel. Knitting from a yarn ball can also be inconvenient since the process of unwinding the yarn may cause the ball to roll away from the knitter.
- yarn ball is an attractive play thing for pets. Since yarn is typically a relatively loosely-woven multi-ply material prone to snagging, pets playing with the yarn ball can easily damage exposed yarn causing snags. Snags in the yarn result in a flaw in the knitted product, and therefore are undesirable.
- a yarn ball retaining and dispensing device in accordance with the invention includes a substantially spherical ball comprising a length of yarn and a display box for rotatably retaining the ball.
- a free end of the yarn extends through an aperture defined by a yarn guide member arranged on the box and when pulled by the knitter, the yarn ball rotates in the box. The yarn ball is securely retained in the box during its rotation to thereby prevent it from rolling away from the knitter.
- the display box may be formed from a plurality of connected panels including a front panel, a rear panel, a top panel and a bottom panel.
- the yarn aperture is preferably formed in the front panel, which may also include a larger aperture which enables viewing of the yarn ball, which would be desirable to ascertain the color and/or pattern of the yarn upon purchase or use.
- a support system is connected to side edges of the panels for supporting the ball during its rotation.
- the support system includes male flaps extending from side edges of two opposed panels and female flaps extending from side edges of two other opposed panels.
- Each female flap includes slots while each male flap includes tabs, each tab extending through a respective slot of a female flap.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a retaining and dispensing device in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-section taken along the line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along the line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken along the line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the display box of the retaining and dispensing device shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a view of the housing of the display box shown in FIG. 5 in an unfolded state.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a retaining and dispensing device in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-section taken along the line 8 - 8 of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the display box of the retaining and dispensing device shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 10 is a view of the housing of the display box shown in FIG. 9 in an unfolded state.
- FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a retaining and dispensing device 10 in accordance with the invention which includes a display box 12 and a ball of yarn 14 retained by the display box 12 .
- Display box 12 is constructed to allow the yarn ball 14 to rotate as the yarn unwinds from the yarn ball 14 (as discussed more fully below).
- Display box 12 comprises a housing 16 , a handle 18 and a guide panel 20 for positioning the handle 18 (see FIG. 5 ).
- Housing 16 is formed from a substantially planar sheet 22 which is provided with fold lines 24 about which the sheet 22 is folded to provide the housing 16 with a three-dimensional form including a front panel 26 , a rear panel 28 , a top panel 30 and a bottom panel 32 (see FIG. 6 ).
- Front panel 26 includes a substantially circular aperture 34 through which the yarn ball 14 is visible.
- Display box 12 also includes a yarn guide member 36 positioned in a circular aperture in the front panel 26 .
- Yarn guide member 36 guides the passage of yarn from the yarn ball 14 out of the device 10 , i.e., to the knitter (see FIG. 2 ).
- Yarn guide member 36 may be a plastic or metal grommet defining a circular aperture and having a shape approximately corresponding to the shape of the slot in the front panel 26 .
- Yarn guide member 36 also has smooth inner surfaces to prevent snagging and fraying of the yarn as it passes therethrough.
- Top panel 30 includes an elongate slot 38 with a centrally located bulge.
- a tab 40 extends from the rear panel 28 , with a fold line 24 being formed therebetween, and an adhesive strip 42 is applied to the tab 40 so that when the sheet 22 is folded about fold lines 24 , the tab 40 can be positioned against an inner surface of the bottom panel 32 and is then adhered thereto via the adhesive strip 42 to enable the housing 16 to obtain and maintain its three-dimensional form.
- a removable cover is placed on the adhesive strip 42 prior to manipulation of the sheet 22 into its three-dimensional form.
- Housing 16 includes a support system 44 formed from the sheet 22 which rotatably supports the yarn ball 14 , i.e., it allows the yarn ball 14 to rotate during dispensing of yarn therefrom, and is constructed to securely retain the yarn ball 14 in the interior of the housing 16 . As such, the yarn ball 14 cannot roll away from the knitter as yarn is being dispensed upon rotation of the yarn ball 14 .
- Support system 44 includes male flaps 46 extending from side edges of the top and bottom panels 30 , 32 and cooperating female flaps 48 extending from side edges of the front and rear panels 26 , 28 .
- Fold lines 50 are formed between the flaps 46 , 48 and the respective panel 26 , 28 , 30 , 32 to allow the flaps 46 , 48 to be folded inward into the interior of the housing 16 .
- Male flaps 46 each include a base section 52 contiguous with the respective side edge of the top or bottom panel 30 , 32 , an arcuate support edge 54 and side edges 56 between the base 52 and the arcuate support edge 54 .
- Side edges 56 taper inward in a direction from the base 52 to the arcuate support edge 54 , and each includes a projection or tab 58 .
- Female flaps 48 each include a base section 60 contiguous with the respective side edge of the front or rear panel 26 , 28 , a support edge 62 and side edges 64 between the base 60 and the support edge 62 .
- Support edge 62 has an arcuate support portion 66 .
- Side edges 64 are stepped outward in a direction from the base 60 to the support edge 62 and define a small triangular space with adjoining side edges 56 .
- Fold lines 68 are formed in sheet 22 as a continuation of the fold lines 24 between the panels 26 , 28 , 30 , 32 to thereby enable the formation of positioning flaps 70 .
- Slots 72 are formed in the female flaps 50 and dimensioned to receive the tabs 58 of the male flaps 46 .
- Handle 18 includes retaining sections 74 at its ends separated from a hand-grip section 76 by narrow intermediate sections 78 .
- Guide panel 20 includes a pair of slots 80 through which the handle 18 passes with the retaining sections 74 being situated under the guide panel 20 to thereby hinder removal of the handle 18 from engagement with the housing 16 (see FIG. 3 ).
- Yarn ball 14 is preferably made of a spherical core 82 onto which a length of yarn 84 is wound.
- Core 82 may be made of Styrofoam or a similar material, and may be solid or hollow depending on the material from which it is made.
- the diameter of the core 82 and length of yarn 84 wound thereon can be selected relative to one another to provide the yarn ball 14 with a diameter which fits within the confines of the space defined by the support edges 54 of the male flaps 46 and the arcuate portions 66 of the support edges 62 of the female flaps 48 .
- a small length of yarn 84 is threaded through the yarn guide member 36 to allow for immediate dispensing of the yarn 84 from the ball 14 .
- device 10 is designed to provide an initially small space between the outer surface of the ball 14 and the support edges 54 , 62 of the male and female flaps 46 , 48 to allow the ball 14 to rotate immediately upon use.
- yarn 84 is unwound from the ball 14 and passes through the yarn guide member 36 to the knitter, the size of the ball 14 shrinks thereby increasing the space between the outer surface of the ball 14 and the support edges 54 , 62 .
- the ball 14 can still retained by the support edges 54 , 62 in the interior of the box 12 by, for example, appropriate dimension of the core 82 .
- One way would be to first form display box 12 from the housing 16 , handle 18 and guide panel 20 in an only partially complete form. Formation of the housing 16 requires folding the sheet 22 about fold lines 24 , removal of the removable cover from the adhesive strip 42 on tab 40 and pressing of the adhesive strip 42 on the tab 40 against the inner surface of the bottom panel 32 such that the rear edge of the bottom panel 32 and rear face of the rear panel 28 substantially align with one another (see FIG. 2 ). Guide panel 20 is positioned against the inner surface of the top panel 30 , either before of after the sheet 22 is folded.
- the retaining section 74 at one end of the handle 18 is then twisted to fit through the slot 38 in the top panel 30 and through a respective slot 80 in the guide panel 20 which partially aligns with the slot 38 , and then straightened out to the position shown in FIG. 3 .
- the other retaining section 74 of the handle 18 is similarly passed through the other slot 80 to be engaged with housing 16 .
- Female flaps 48 are folded inward about fold lines 50 while the projecting flaps 70 are folded outward about fold lines 68 .
- One set of male flaps 46 on one side of the housing 16 is then folded inward about fold lines 50 and the tabs 58 on the male flaps 46 are each urged into a respective, aligning slot 72 on the female flaps 48 .
- positioning flaps 70 alongside the bottom panel 32 lie against the inner surfaces of the bottom panel 32 (see FIG. 5 ).
- Positioning flaps 70 alongside the top panel 30 serve to retain the guide panel 20 against the top panel 30 (see FIG. 3 ).
- the other set of male flaps 46 is not engaged with the female flaps 48 at this stage.
- the yarn ball 14 can be placed into the housing 16 to rest against support edges 54 , 62 defined by the inwardly folded male and female flaps 46 , 48 .
- the loose end of the yarn 84 is threaded through the yarn guide member 36 .
- the other set of male flaps 46 is then folded inward with the tabs 58 on the male flaps 46 each being urged into a respective slot 72 on the female flaps 48 .
- the yarn ball 14 is entirely supported by support edges 54 , 62 defined by the male and female flaps 46 , 48 .
- the support edges 54 , 66 above the yarn ball 14 i.e., upper support edges, would not provide support to the yarn ball 14 when the display box 12 is placed with its bottom panel 32 on a horizontal surface, they confine and limit rotational movement of the yarn ball 14 and aid in maintaining the yarn ball 14 in the display box 12 . Moreover, since the orientation of the display box 12 may change during use, all of the support edges 54 , 66 may at some time be situated under the yarn ball 14 and therefore support the yarn ball 14 .
- the free end of the yarn 84 outside of the display box 12 is pulled causing the yarn ball 14 to rotate on some support edges 54 , 62 of the male and female flaps 46 , 48 and yarn 84 to be dispensed from the yarn ball 14 .
- the size of the yarn ball 14 decreases upon use, the yarn ball 14 will continuously be supported by at least some of the support edges 54 , 62 of the male and female flaps 46 , 48 .
- the yarn ball 14 will be prevented from falling out of the interior of the display box 12 in view of the presence of the support edges 54 , 62 entirely around the yarn ball 14 .
- the retaining and dispensing device 10 can be used to retain and dispense balls of other filaments and filament-like materials. Such balls may be similar to yarn ball 14 described herein, i.e., filament wound around a core of a different material, or may be made entirely of filament, i.e., without a core.
- the display box 12 can be used to rotatably retain other types of balls and its described use for retaining a ball of filament does not limit the possible uses thereof.
- a second embodiment of a retaining and dispensing device 86 in accordance with the invention is substantially the same as retaining and dispensing device 10 , and thus the same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements, with the main exception being that a different yarn guide member is used.
- Retaining and dispensing device 86 includes a display box 88 having a yarn guide member 90 positioned in a key-hole shaped slot in the front panel 92 of sheet 94 .
- Yarn guide member 90 may be a plastic grommet having a key-hole shape approximately corresponding to the shape of the slot in the front panel 92 , and has smooth inner surfaces to prevent snagging and fraying of the yarn as it passes therethrough.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a retaining and dispensing device which retains and dispenses a ball of filament, in particular, a ball of yarn.
- Yarn is typically sold in skeins and for use, is unwound from the skein by pulling a free outer end from a periphery of the skein. One common problem with unwinding yarn skeins in this manner is that they are likely to knot or tangle. Therefore, a knitter will often unwind the entire skein and rewind the yarn into a ball before beginning to knit with the yarn. The knitter can thus knit continuously from the yarn ball without having to stop to untangle knots. Continuous, uninterrupted knitting is advantageous since the knitter is better able to maintain substantially constant tension in the stitches throughout the knitted product.
- Knitting from the yarn ball has several disadvantages. For example, when dropped, the yarn ball has a tendency to roll and the knitter often must then chase the yarn ball and rewind the length of yarn unwound during the ball's travel. Knitting from a yarn ball can also be inconvenient since the process of unwinding the yarn may cause the ball to roll away from the knitter.
- Another disadvantage is that a yarn ball is an attractive play thing for pets. Since yarn is typically a relatively loosely-woven multi-ply material prone to snagging, pets playing with the yarn ball can easily damage exposed yarn causing snags. Snags in the yarn result in a flaw in the knitted product, and therefore are undesirable.
- Thus, a device which retains a yarn ball and allows for easy dispensing of the yarn therefrom is desirable.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved retaining and dispensing device for a yarn ball.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved retaining device for a yarn ball which rotatably supports the yarn ball and allows for easy dispensing of the yarn from the yarn ball.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved display box capable of rotatably supporting a yarn ball.
- In order to achieve these objects and others, a yarn ball retaining and dispensing device in accordance with the invention includes a substantially spherical ball comprising a length of yarn and a display box for rotatably retaining the ball. To dispense the yarn, a free end of the yarn extends through an aperture defined by a yarn guide member arranged on the box and when pulled by the knitter, the yarn ball rotates in the box. The yarn ball is securely retained in the box during its rotation to thereby prevent it from rolling away from the knitter.
- The display box may be formed from a plurality of connected panels including a front panel, a rear panel, a top panel and a bottom panel. The yarn aperture is preferably formed in the front panel, which may also include a larger aperture which enables viewing of the yarn ball, which would be desirable to ascertain the color and/or pattern of the yarn upon purchase or use.
- A support system is connected to side edges of the panels for supporting the ball during its rotation. The support system includes male flaps extending from side edges of two opposed panels and female flaps extending from side edges of two other opposed panels. Each female flap includes slots while each male flap includes tabs, each tab extending through a respective slot of a female flap. When engaged with one another, the male and female flaps combine to define support edges on which the yarn ball is rotatably supported.
- The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a retaining and dispensing device in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-section taken along the line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along the line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken along the line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the display box of the retaining and dispensing device shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a view of the housing of the display box shown inFIG. 5 in an unfolded state. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a retaining and dispensing device in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 8 is a cross-section taken along the line 8-8 ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the display box of the retaining and dispensing device shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 10 is a view of the housing of the display box shown inFIG. 9 in an unfolded state. - Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same or similar objects,
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a retaining and dispensingdevice 10 in accordance with the invention which includes adisplay box 12 and a ball ofyarn 14 retained by thedisplay box 12.Display box 12 is constructed to allow theyarn ball 14 to rotate as the yarn unwinds from the yarn ball 14 (as discussed more fully below). -
Display box 12 comprises ahousing 16, ahandle 18 and aguide panel 20 for positioning the handle 18 (seeFIG. 5 ).Housing 16 is formed from a substantiallyplanar sheet 22 which is provided withfold lines 24 about which thesheet 22 is folded to provide thehousing 16 with a three-dimensional form including afront panel 26, arear panel 28, atop panel 30 and a bottom panel 32 (seeFIG. 6 ).Front panel 26 includes a substantiallycircular aperture 34 through which theyarn ball 14 is visible. -
Display box 12 also includes ayarn guide member 36 positioned in a circular aperture in thefront panel 26. Yarnguide member 36 guides the passage of yarn from theyarn ball 14 out of thedevice 10, i.e., to the knitter (seeFIG. 2 ).Yarn guide member 36 may be a plastic or metal grommet defining a circular aperture and having a shape approximately corresponding to the shape of the slot in thefront panel 26.Yarn guide member 36 also has smooth inner surfaces to prevent snagging and fraying of the yarn as it passes therethrough. - Rear and
bottom panels Top panel 30 includes anelongate slot 38 with a centrally located bulge. - A
tab 40 extends from therear panel 28, with afold line 24 being formed therebetween, and anadhesive strip 42 is applied to thetab 40 so that when thesheet 22 is folded aboutfold lines 24, thetab 40 can be positioned against an inner surface of thebottom panel 32 and is then adhered thereto via theadhesive strip 42 to enable thehousing 16 to obtain and maintain its three-dimensional form. Prior to manipulation of thesheet 22 into its three-dimensional form, a removable cover is placed on theadhesive strip 42. -
Housing 16 includes asupport system 44 formed from thesheet 22 which rotatably supports theyarn ball 14, i.e., it allows theyarn ball 14 to rotate during dispensing of yarn therefrom, and is constructed to securely retain theyarn ball 14 in the interior of thehousing 16. As such, theyarn ball 14 cannot roll away from the knitter as yarn is being dispensed upon rotation of theyarn ball 14. -
Support system 44 includesmale flaps 46 extending from side edges of the top andbottom panels female flaps 48 extending from side edges of the front andrear panels Fold lines 50 are formed between theflaps respective panel flaps housing 16. -
Male flaps 46 each include abase section 52 contiguous with the respective side edge of the top orbottom panel arcuate support edge 54 andside edges 56 between thebase 52 and thearcuate support edge 54.Side edges 56 taper inward in a direction from thebase 52 to thearcuate support edge 54, and each includes a projection ortab 58. -
Female flaps 48 each include abase section 60 contiguous with the respective side edge of the front orrear panel support edge 62 andside edges 64 between thebase 60 and thesupport edge 62.Support edge 62 has anarcuate support portion 66.Side edges 64 are stepped outward in a direction from thebase 60 to thesupport edge 62 and define a small triangular space with adjoiningside edges 56.Fold lines 68 are formed insheet 22 as a continuation of thefold lines 24 between thepanels positioning flaps 70.Slots 72 are formed in thefemale flaps 50 and dimensioned to receive thetabs 58 of themale flaps 46. -
Handle 18 includes retainingsections 74 at its ends separated from a hand-grip section 76 by narrowintermediate sections 78. -
Guide panel 20 includes a pair ofslots 80 through which thehandle 18 passes with the retainingsections 74 being situated under theguide panel 20 to thereby hinder removal of thehandle 18 from engagement with the housing 16 (seeFIG. 3 ). -
Yarn ball 14 is preferably made of aspherical core 82 onto which a length ofyarn 84 is wound.Core 82 may be made of Styrofoam or a similar material, and may be solid or hollow depending on the material from which it is made. The diameter of thecore 82 and length ofyarn 84 wound thereon can be selected relative to one another to provide theyarn ball 14 with a diameter which fits within the confines of the space defined by the support edges 54 of the male flaps 46 and thearcuate portions 66 of the support edges 62 of the female flaps 48. - A small length of
yarn 84, e.g., 2-3 inches, is threaded through theyarn guide member 36 to allow for immediate dispensing of theyarn 84 from theball 14. - Preferably,
device 10 is designed to provide an initially small space between the outer surface of theball 14 and the support edges 54, 62 of the male andfemale flaps ball 14 to rotate immediately upon use. Asyarn 84 is unwound from theball 14 and passes through theyarn guide member 36 to the knitter, the size of theball 14 shrinks thereby increasing the space between the outer surface of theball 14 and the support edges 54, 62. Nevertheless, theball 14 can still retained by the support edges 54, 62 in the interior of thebox 12 by, for example, appropriate dimension of thecore 82. - There are several different ways to assemble
device 10. One way would be to firstform display box 12 from thehousing 16, handle 18 and guidepanel 20 in an only partially complete form. Formation of thehousing 16 requires folding thesheet 22 aboutfold lines 24, removal of the removable cover from theadhesive strip 42 ontab 40 and pressing of theadhesive strip 42 on thetab 40 against the inner surface of thebottom panel 32 such that the rear edge of thebottom panel 32 and rear face of therear panel 28 substantially align with one another (seeFIG. 2 ).Guide panel 20 is positioned against the inner surface of thetop panel 30, either before of after thesheet 22 is folded. The retainingsection 74 at one end of thehandle 18 is then twisted to fit through theslot 38 in thetop panel 30 and through arespective slot 80 in theguide panel 20 which partially aligns with theslot 38, and then straightened out to the position shown inFIG. 3 . Theother retaining section 74 of thehandle 18 is similarly passed through theother slot 80 to be engaged withhousing 16. - Female flaps 48 are folded inward about
fold lines 50 while the projectingflaps 70 are folded outward about fold lines 68. One set ofmale flaps 46 on one side of thehousing 16 is then folded inward aboutfold lines 50 and thetabs 58 on the male flaps 46 are each urged into a respective, aligningslot 72 on the female flaps 48. With one set ofmale flaps 46 engaged with thefemale flaps 48, positioning flaps 70 alongside thebottom panel 32 lie against the inner surfaces of the bottom panel 32 (seeFIG. 5 ). Positioning flaps 70 alongside thetop panel 30 serve to retain theguide panel 20 against the top panel 30 (seeFIG. 3 ). The other set ofmale flaps 46 is not engaged with thefemale flaps 48 at this stage. - Once formation of the
housing 16 has reached this stage, theyarn ball 14 can be placed into thehousing 16 to rest against support edges 54, 62 defined by the inwardly folded male andfemale flaps yarn 84 is threaded through theyarn guide member 36. The other set ofmale flaps 46 is then folded inward with thetabs 58 on the male flaps 46 each being urged into arespective slot 72 on the female flaps 48. Thereafter, theyarn ball 14 is entirely supported bysupport edges female flaps - It is pointed out that although the support edges 54, 66 above the
yarn ball 14, i.e., upper support edges, would not provide support to theyarn ball 14 when thedisplay box 12 is placed with itsbottom panel 32 on a horizontal surface, they confine and limit rotational movement of theyarn ball 14 and aid in maintaining theyarn ball 14 in thedisplay box 12. Moreover, since the orientation of thedisplay box 12 may change during use, all of the support edges 54, 66 may at some time be situated under theyarn ball 14 and therefore support theyarn ball 14. - In use, the free end of the
yarn 84 outside of thedisplay box 12 is pulled causing theyarn ball 14 to rotate on some support edges 54, 62 of the male andfemale flaps yarn 84 to be dispensed from theyarn ball 14. Although the size of theyarn ball 14 decreases upon use, theyarn ball 14 will continuously be supported by at least some of the support edges 54, 62 of the male andfemale flaps yarn ball 14 will be prevented from falling out of the interior of thedisplay box 12 in view of the presence of the support edges 54, 62 entirely around theyarn ball 14. - Although the above description mentions use of the retaining and dispensing
device 10 for retaining and dispensing ayarn ball 14, it is contemplated that the retaining and dispensingdevice 10 can be used to retain and dispense balls of other filaments and filament-like materials. Such balls may be similar toyarn ball 14 described herein, i.e., filament wound around a core of a different material, or may be made entirely of filament, i.e., without a core. Furthermore, it should be understood that thedisplay box 12 can be used to rotatably retain other types of balls and its described use for retaining a ball of filament does not limit the possible uses thereof. - Referring now to
FIGS. 7-10 , a second embodiment of a retaining and dispensingdevice 86 in accordance with the invention is substantially the same as retaining and dispensingdevice 10, and thus the same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements, with the main exception being that a different yarn guide member is used. Retaining and dispensingdevice 86 includes adisplay box 88 having ayarn guide member 90 positioned in a key-hole shaped slot in thefront panel 92 ofsheet 94.Yarn guide member 90 may be a plastic grommet having a key-hole shape approximately corresponding to the shape of the slot in thefront panel 92, and has smooth inner surfaces to prevent snagging and fraying of the yarn as it passes therethrough. - While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/295,399 US20070125897A1 (en) | 2005-12-06 | 2005-12-06 | Yarn ball retaining and dispensing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/295,399 US20070125897A1 (en) | 2005-12-06 | 2005-12-06 | Yarn ball retaining and dispensing device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070125897A1 true US20070125897A1 (en) | 2007-06-07 |
Family
ID=38117760
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/295,399 Abandoned US20070125897A1 (en) | 2005-12-06 | 2005-12-06 | Yarn ball retaining and dispensing device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070125897A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110089063A1 (en) * | 2009-10-21 | 2011-04-21 | Kathleen Sullivan | Yarn-carrying and dispensing apparatus |
US20130082132A1 (en) * | 2011-10-04 | 2013-04-04 | Ryan William Gaul | Work storage containers |
US20150368065A1 (en) * | 2014-06-19 | 2015-12-24 | Byver Daniell | Filament Storage and Dispensing Assembly |
USD750972S1 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2016-03-08 | Nike, Inc. | Packaging box with ball |
USD751418S1 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2016-03-15 | Nike, Inc. | Packaging box with ball |
USD751417S1 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2016-03-15 | Nike, Inc. | Packaging box with ball |
USD752994S1 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2016-04-05 | Nike, Inc. | Packaging box with ball |
USD806531S1 (en) * | 2016-04-28 | 2018-01-02 | Nike, Inc. | Packaging box with ball |
US10239725B2 (en) * | 2011-10-07 | 2019-03-26 | Perfectvision Manufacturing, Inc. | Cable reel and reel carrying caddy |
WO2019195243A1 (en) * | 2018-04-03 | 2019-10-10 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carton |
CN113512807A (en) * | 2021-08-20 | 2021-10-19 | 于都福迪服装有限公司 | Knitting production is with knitting ball parcel conductor device |
USD970354S1 (en) * | 2022-02-02 | 2022-11-22 | General Printing & Design, Inc. | Packaged inflatable ball |
Citations (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US490167A (en) * | 1893-01-17 | Theodore f | ||
US529308A (en) * | 1894-11-13 | Paper box | ||
US1063646A (en) * | 1912-08-07 | 1913-06-03 | Antoine Bournonville | Unreeling device for electric conductors. |
US1353528A (en) * | 1916-06-17 | 1920-09-21 | Anna E Gaeng | Yarn-holder |
US1640368A (en) * | 1926-12-13 | 1927-08-30 | Us Asbestos Company | Asbestos rope or wick package |
US1707619A (en) * | 1927-03-04 | 1929-04-02 | Samson Cordage Works | Twine package |
US1981388A (en) * | 1933-07-14 | 1934-11-20 | Benjamin S Perry | Twine-dispensing device |
US2796979A (en) * | 1955-09-22 | 1957-06-25 | Sutherland Paper Co | Dish package and carton therefor |
US3123204A (en) * | 1964-03-03 | Container | ||
US3815735A (en) * | 1972-06-28 | 1974-06-11 | Pioneer Packaging Inc | Carton |
US3987893A (en) * | 1976-01-22 | 1976-10-26 | Champion International Corporation | Display carton and blank therefor |
US4066219A (en) * | 1976-08-30 | 1978-01-03 | Wellington Puritan Mills, Inc. | Twine winding assembly |
US4452355A (en) * | 1982-09-16 | 1984-06-05 | Champion International Corporation | Display carton |
US4603545A (en) * | 1984-08-16 | 1986-08-05 | Artec Design Gmbh | Yarn twisting and winding apparatus |
US4749083A (en) * | 1981-08-04 | 1988-06-07 | Federal Paper Board Co., Inc. | Bulb carton and blank therefor |
US4817796A (en) * | 1988-03-04 | 1989-04-04 | Essex Group, Inc. | Packing box |
US4909457A (en) * | 1988-06-30 | 1990-03-20 | Johnson Bruce W | Yarn containing and dispensing device and method of use of the same |
US5173311A (en) * | 1986-06-25 | 1992-12-22 | Machinefabriek De Boer B.V. | Apparatus for manufacturing bricks with smooth side surfaces |
USD356680S (en) * | 1993-10-12 | 1995-03-28 | Basf Corporation | Combined product shipping and display box |
US5893458A (en) * | 1996-02-07 | 1999-04-13 | Sisk; John | One-piece cushioning container for cylindrical objects |
US6016911A (en) * | 1999-02-19 | 2000-01-25 | Chen; Hua-Mei | Package for a reel of wire |
US6036010A (en) * | 1998-06-10 | 2000-03-14 | Sports Licensing, Inc. | Game ball display box and method for assembling same |
USD440488S1 (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2001-04-17 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Display box |
-
2005
- 2005-12-06 US US11/295,399 patent/US20070125897A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US490167A (en) * | 1893-01-17 | Theodore f | ||
US529308A (en) * | 1894-11-13 | Paper box | ||
US3123204A (en) * | 1964-03-03 | Container | ||
US1063646A (en) * | 1912-08-07 | 1913-06-03 | Antoine Bournonville | Unreeling device for electric conductors. |
US1353528A (en) * | 1916-06-17 | 1920-09-21 | Anna E Gaeng | Yarn-holder |
US1640368A (en) * | 1926-12-13 | 1927-08-30 | Us Asbestos Company | Asbestos rope or wick package |
US1707619A (en) * | 1927-03-04 | 1929-04-02 | Samson Cordage Works | Twine package |
US1981388A (en) * | 1933-07-14 | 1934-11-20 | Benjamin S Perry | Twine-dispensing device |
US2796979A (en) * | 1955-09-22 | 1957-06-25 | Sutherland Paper Co | Dish package and carton therefor |
US3815735A (en) * | 1972-06-28 | 1974-06-11 | Pioneer Packaging Inc | Carton |
US3987893A (en) * | 1976-01-22 | 1976-10-26 | Champion International Corporation | Display carton and blank therefor |
US4066219A (en) * | 1976-08-30 | 1978-01-03 | Wellington Puritan Mills, Inc. | Twine winding assembly |
US4749083A (en) * | 1981-08-04 | 1988-06-07 | Federal Paper Board Co., Inc. | Bulb carton and blank therefor |
US4452355A (en) * | 1982-09-16 | 1984-06-05 | Champion International Corporation | Display carton |
US4603545A (en) * | 1984-08-16 | 1986-08-05 | Artec Design Gmbh | Yarn twisting and winding apparatus |
US5173311A (en) * | 1986-06-25 | 1992-12-22 | Machinefabriek De Boer B.V. | Apparatus for manufacturing bricks with smooth side surfaces |
US4817796A (en) * | 1988-03-04 | 1989-04-04 | Essex Group, Inc. | Packing box |
US4909457A (en) * | 1988-06-30 | 1990-03-20 | Johnson Bruce W | Yarn containing and dispensing device and method of use of the same |
USD356680S (en) * | 1993-10-12 | 1995-03-28 | Basf Corporation | Combined product shipping and display box |
US5893458A (en) * | 1996-02-07 | 1999-04-13 | Sisk; John | One-piece cushioning container for cylindrical objects |
US6036010A (en) * | 1998-06-10 | 2000-03-14 | Sports Licensing, Inc. | Game ball display box and method for assembling same |
US6016911A (en) * | 1999-02-19 | 2000-01-25 | Chen; Hua-Mei | Package for a reel of wire |
USD440488S1 (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2001-04-17 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Display box |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8602342B2 (en) * | 2009-10-21 | 2013-12-10 | Kathleen Sullivan | Yarn-carrying and dispensing apparatus |
US20110089063A1 (en) * | 2009-10-21 | 2011-04-21 | Kathleen Sullivan | Yarn-carrying and dispensing apparatus |
US20130082132A1 (en) * | 2011-10-04 | 2013-04-04 | Ryan William Gaul | Work storage containers |
US10689223B2 (en) * | 2011-10-07 | 2020-06-23 | Perfectvision Manufacturing, Inc | Cable reel and reel carrying caddy |
US20190218054A1 (en) * | 2011-10-07 | 2019-07-18 | Perfectvision Manufacturing, Inc. | Cable reel and reel carrying caddy |
US10239725B2 (en) * | 2011-10-07 | 2019-03-26 | Perfectvision Manufacturing, Inc. | Cable reel and reel carrying caddy |
US9630800B2 (en) * | 2014-06-19 | 2017-04-25 | Byver Daniell | Filament storage and dispensing assembly |
US20150368065A1 (en) * | 2014-06-19 | 2015-12-24 | Byver Daniell | Filament Storage and Dispensing Assembly |
USD750972S1 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2016-03-08 | Nike, Inc. | Packaging box with ball |
USD752994S1 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2016-04-05 | Nike, Inc. | Packaging box with ball |
USD751417S1 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2016-03-15 | Nike, Inc. | Packaging box with ball |
USD751418S1 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2016-03-15 | Nike, Inc. | Packaging box with ball |
USD806531S1 (en) * | 2016-04-28 | 2018-01-02 | Nike, Inc. | Packaging box with ball |
WO2019195243A1 (en) * | 2018-04-03 | 2019-10-10 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carton |
US11325739B2 (en) | 2018-04-03 | 2022-05-10 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carton |
CN113512807A (en) * | 2021-08-20 | 2021-10-19 | 于都福迪服装有限公司 | Knitting production is with knitting ball parcel conductor device |
USD970354S1 (en) * | 2022-02-02 | 2022-11-22 | General Printing & Design, Inc. | Packaged inflatable ball |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20070125897A1 (en) | Yarn ball retaining and dispensing device | |
US5992787A (en) | Cord reel and storage device | |
CA2367803C (en) | Fly tying method and apparatus | |
BRPI0622011A2 (en) | spool unit, spool unit, and spool unit production method | |
US7975951B2 (en) | Systems and methods for managing yarn | |
TW472159B (en) | System and methods for providing under-wrap access to optical fiber wound onto spools | |
US2841343A (en) | Dispensing display stand | |
JP6691261B1 (en) | Long object drawer | |
US10336566B2 (en) | Feed tape dispenser | |
US6513742B2 (en) | Thread cassette | |
US3180487A (en) | Threaded needle package | |
US3402501A (en) | Fishing line display and dispenser | |
ES2316477T3 (en) | DISTRIBUTING DEVICE. | |
US2930479A (en) | Ribbon package | |
US7303162B2 (en) | Cord holder apparatus | |
US4034930A (en) | Spool holding device | |
US5722613A (en) | Easy reel device | |
US4909457A (en) | Yarn containing and dispensing device and method of use of the same | |
US3259335A (en) | Thread dispenser with rewind means | |
US4081154A (en) | Yarn dispenser | |
US20090020569A1 (en) | Ribbon And Yarn Dispensing Carrying Case | |
JP2741840B2 (en) | Fishing line rewinding tool and wound line body of fishing line attached with the same | |
US1234051A (en) | Holder for surgical sutures. | |
JP3010163B1 (en) | Thread set for sewing machine | |
JP2015124024A (en) | Hose reel |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HORIZON GROUP-USA, INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WIJERAMA, ROSHAN;REEL/FRAME:017324/0601 Effective date: 20051201 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HORIZON GROUP USA, INC.;HORIZON FABRICS, INC.;HIRSCHBERG SCHUTZ & CO., INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:018650/0955 Effective date: 20060925 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:HORIZON GROUP USA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021658/0681 Effective date: 20080929 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HORIZON GROUP USA, INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION;REEL/FRAME:034095/0494 Effective date: 20141028 Owner name: HORIZON FABRICS, INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION;REEL/FRAME:034095/0494 Effective date: 20141028 Owner name: HIRSCHBERG SCHUTZ & CO., INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION;REEL/FRAME:034095/0494 Effective date: 20141028 Owner name: DEVRIAN GLOBAL INDUSTRIES, LLC, NEW JERSEY Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION;REEL/FRAME:034095/0494 Effective date: 20141028 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SANTANDER BANK, N.A., NEW JERSEY Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HORIZON GROUP USA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:034476/0703 Effective date: 20141121 Owner name: HORIZON GROUP USA, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION;REEL/FRAME:034481/0278 Effective date: 20141121 |