Rapid rope

Abstract

A rope dispensing system for dispensing a continuous rope from a compressed rope cartridge. The device has a canister for storage of the rope cartridge, a resealable lid with a grommet for passing the rope through the lid, and a replaceable cutting mechanism for cutting the rope. Preferably the rope cartridge is shrink-wrapped to fit within case and keep rope from unraveling.

Claims

1. A handheld rope dispenser, comprising: a canister defining a closed bottom end, an open top end, and an interior space; a rope cartridge received in the interior space; a lid releasably engaged with the open top end of the canister, the lid comprising an aperture through which rope is dispensable from the rope cartridge; and a cutting member extending from the lid and configured to cut rope dispensed from the rope cartridge, the cutting member comprising an arm located above the aperture and above the lid, the arm extending in a side direction away from the aperture, the arm comprising a bottom facing the lid, the cutting member further comprising a blade extending from the bottom of the arm and to the lid, wherein the bottom of the arm and the lid define a slot leading to the blade wherein the lid defines an opening extending therethrough and a hook at the opening; and wherein the cutting member includes an edge with which the hook is engaged to retain the cutting member in the opening of the lid.

2. The handheld rope dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cutting member is releasably attached to the lid.

3. The handheld rope dispenser of claim 1 wherein the blade comprises an edge sloping downwardly at an angle from the bottom of the arm toward the lid and the aperture.

4. The handheld rope dispenser of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the arm comprises a forward end located above the lid and forming an open forward end of the slot.

5. The handheld rope dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cutting member further comprises a vertical segment extending upwardly from the lid and connecting the arm to the lid.

6. The handheld rope dispenser of claim 1, wherein: the lid is circular in shape and comprises a diameter; and the aperture, the arm, and the blade are aligned along the lid diameter.

7. The handheld rope dispenser of claim 1, wherein: the rope cartridge is cylindrical in shape and comprises an outer circumference; and the rope cartridge comprises a shrink wrapped plastic cover extending about the outer circumference of the rope.

8. The handheld rope dispenser of claim 7 wherein: the rope cartridge comprises a top comprising a center; and rope is dispensed from the center of the top of the rope cartridge to the aperture.

9. The handheld rope dispenser of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a grommet in the form of a rubber ring located in the aperture.

10. The handheld rope dispenser of claim 9, wherein the rubber ring comprises a collar.

11. The handheld rope dispenser of claim 9, wherein: the rubber grommet comprises a hole dispensing the rope; and the size of the hole is less than the size of the aperture.

12. A handheld rope dispenser, comprising: a canister defining a closed end, an open end, and an interior space; a rope cartridge receivable in the interior space; a lid configured to releasably engage the open end of the canister, the lid defining an opening extending therethrough and an aperture through which rope is dispensable from the rope cartridge when the rope cartridge is received in the interior space, the lid is engaged with the open end of the canister, and the rope extends through the aperture from the interior space; a cutting member receivable in the opening of the lid and releasably engageable with the opening of the lid by a snap-fit engagement mechanism, said cutting member including a blade having a cutting edge and a blade guard configured to prevent a user's finger from contacting the cutting edge when manually cutting rope dispensed through the aperture from the interior space; and a grommet receivable in the aperture, the grommet configured to prevent rope dispensed through the aperture from retracting into the interior space of the canister; wherein the snap-fit engagement mechanism comprises a hook at the opening of the lid and an edge on the cutting member with which the hook is releasably engageable to retain the cutting member in the opening of the lid.

13. The handheld rope dispenser of claim 12, wherein: the hook comprises a downwardly extending stem and a head protruding outwardly from the stem; and the head is configured to engage the edge of the cutting member to retain the cutting member in the opening of the lid.

14. A handheld rope dispenser, comprising: a canister defining a closed bottom end, an open top end, and an interior space; a rope cartridge received in the interior space; a lid releasably engaged with the open top end of the canister, the lid comprising an aperture through which rope is dispensable from the rope cartridge; and a cutting member extending from the lid and configured to cut rope dispensed from the rope cartridge, the cutting member comprising an arm located above the aperture and above the lid, the arm extending in a side direction away from the aperture, the arm comprising a bottom facing the lid, the cutting member further comprising a blade extending from the bottom of the arm and to the lid, wherein the bottom of the arm and the lid define a slot leading to the blade; wherein the lid defines an opening extending therethrough, a stem at the opening extending downwardly, and a head protruding outwardly from the stem; and wherein the cutting member includes an edge with which the head is engaged to retain the cutting member in the opening of the lid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the disclosed Rapid-Rope system.

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the canister for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system.

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lid for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system.

(4) FIG. 4 is a top view of the lid for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system.

(5) FIG. 5 is a side view of the lid for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system.

(6) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system with the cutting insert removed.

(7) FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the lid for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system with the cutting insert removed.

(8) FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the lid for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system with the cutting insert installed.

(9) FIG. 9 is a side view of the cutting insert for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system.

(10) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cutting insert for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system.

(11) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a shrink-wrapped rope cartridge for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system.

(12) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the compressed rope cartridge for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system.

(13) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the grommet for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system.

(14) FIG. 14 is a top view of the grommet of FIG. 13.

(15) FIG. 15 is a side view of the grommet of FIG. 13.

(16) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lid for the disclosed Rapid-Rope system with the cutting insert and grommet removed.

(17) FIG. 17 is a top view of the lid of FIG. 16.

(18) FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 16.

(19) FIG. 19 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 16.

(20) FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the lid taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19.

(21) FIG. 21 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed Rapid-Rope system with the cutting insert and grommet installed in the lid of FIG. 16.

(22) FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the Rapid-Rope system of FIG. 21 taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 20.

(23) FIG. 23 is an enlarged detail view of the Rapid-Rope system of FIG. 21 at location 23 of FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(24) The components listed in this section correlate to the drawings submitted concurrently with this application, and are illustrative of the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein. It is thought that additional features and components can be included or substituted without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(25) Shown in the figures is an embodiment of the disclosed rope dispensing system 2. The lid 4 fastens to the canister 10. The rubber grommet 8 and the cutting insert 6 are located in the lid such that the grommet provides a pass through point for the rope 9. In a preferred embodiment, the lid forms the top of the assembly including the rubber grommet and cutting insert.

(26) In a preferred embodiment, the lid is fastened to the canister with a snap fit system or is attached via threaded engagement to the canister 18. In the snap-fit system lid is snapped onto the canister and it is secured. Alternative mechanisms can be used to attach the lid to the canister.

(27) In a preferred embodiment the cutting insert 6 has a bumper portion 22 and tab portion 26 that provides for protection of a user's fingers or other exterior object from the blade 20. The bumper portion and tab form a leg of the cutting insert provided in a u-shape. The cutting blade 20 is positioned in the valley of the U shape with width depicted by space 34 such that material outside of the u-shape is protected from the blade. In a preferred embodiment the cutting insert fits into an opening 36 in the lid. The cutting insert in a preferred embodiment is removable attached to the lid such that the cutting insert covers or closes the opening 36 while forming a unitary (1 piece) lid when attached. A hook 50 at the opening 36 of the lid engages an edge 52 of the cutting insert 6 to retain the cutting insert 6 in the opening 36 of the lid. The hook 50 includes a stem 54 and a head 56. The stem 54 extends downwardly from the lid. The head 56 protrudes outwardly from the stem 54. The head 56 engages the edge 52 of the cutting insert 6. FIGS. 8, 22, and 23 depict views of the cutting insert 6 attached to the lid.

(28) In a preferred embodiment, the lid is composed of plastic and manufactured by processes including, but not limited, to injection molding or blow molding. The lid can include a hand grip 12 for a user to grasp when removing the lid. The lid can be composed of a variety of materials that do not depart from the spirit of the invention.

(29) In a preferred embodiment, the cut insert is a molded one-piece replaceable part. In the preferred embodiment, the cutting insert comprises a carbon steel blade over-molded inside the cut insert to insure an exact fit in every production. The carbon steel blade is protected by an over-mold, with a small opening, making the blade less accessible and the rope dispensing system safer for use. The length and width of the blade can vary based on the size, shape, and/or UTS of the rope contained in any given Rapid-Rope system product.

(30) The cut insert can be made to be replaceable in a preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, an insert replacement part can be simply snapped into place after the original insert is removed. If the cut insert becomes dull due to use, the Rapid-Rope cut insert replacement can be easily installed.

(31) FIGS. 11 and 12 depict embodiments of the replaceable rope cartridge. In a preferred embodiment the rope 42 is wound into a coreless rope cartridge and then shrink wrapped. FIG. 11 depicts the rope 42 wound into a coreless cartridge and encapsulated by shrink-wrapping 40. FIG. 12 depicts the coreless rope cartridge 44 without shrink wrapping and with an end of the rope protruding from the cartridge and ready to be pulled to be unwound from the cartridge, and thus dispensed.

(32) The following is a description of how the cut insert is removed and how the Rapid-Rope cut insert replacement is installed in a preferred embodiment:

(33) 1. Grasp the canister in hand and unsnap the lid.

(34) 2. Place the lid on flat surface.

(35) 3. Place fingers on the cut insert closest to the grommet.

(36) 4. Release the catch and push down firmly on the cut insert closest to the grommet.

(37) 5. Discard “old” cut insert.

(38) 6. Slide new Rapid-Rope cut insert into place from inside of lid at the same location the “old” cut insert was removed from.

(39) 7. Push the new Rapid-Rope cut insert in an upward direction until it clicks into place.

(40) 8. Place the lid onto the canister and snap in place.

(41) 9. Ready for use.

(42) The grommet is located on the top of the lid and is designed to create resistance (or “hold”) on the rope being pulled and/or dispensed from the canister, so that it can be easily cut with the cut insert. The grommet in the depicted embodiment also aids in the container being water resistant.

(43) The grommet in a preferred embodiment will be made of rubber material and will be manufactured by processes including but not limited to injection molding or blow molding.

(44) The grommet in a preferred embodiment is a rubber ring is inserted into a hole through the lid, and is collared on all sides to keep the grommet in place.

(45) In a preferred embodiment, the grommet is made to be replaceable. When and if the grommet becomes warn or damaged due to use, a grommet replacement can be easily installed.

(46) The following is a description of how the grommet is removed and how the Rapid-Rope rubber grommet replacement is installed:

(47) 1. Unsnap lid from the canister.

(48) 2. Place the lid on flat surface and push the grommet in a downward direction until it is comes out of the collar inside the lid.

(49) 3. Discard the “old” grommet.

(50) 4. Install new Rapid-Rope rubber grommet by pushing into place from inside of the lid and into the molded collar until secure.

(51) 5. Make sure the flat side of Rapid-Rope rubber grommet replacement is facing the cut insert.

(52) 6. Place the lid onto the canister and snap in place.

(53) 7. Ready for use.

(54) The canister securely holds a cartridge of rope and fastens securely to the lid. As shown in FIG. 2, the canister 16 in a preferred embodiment is designed with straight side-walls to accept a pre-assembled cartridge of rope. The canister can be made, for example, such that cartridges of rope are replaced within the canister or such that the entire canister is disposable when the rope supply in the canister is exhausted.

(55) In a preferred embodiment, the top of the canister has a snap fit system. Alternatively the canister could be made, for example, with hinged engagement to the lid or with threaded engagement with the lid. Any variety of attachment mechanism can be used to attach the lid to the canister.

(56) In a preferred embodiment, the rope cartridge is wound (via precision coreless winding process) in a specified size to fit in a pre selected cartridge. The rope cartridge can be made to be replaceable within the canister such that a new rope cartridge can be placed into a canister when the prior rope cartridge is exhausted.

(57) In a preferred embodiment, the rope material contained in the rope cartridge is produced using various types and lengths and Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rope.

(58) The rope cartridge will be packaged in shrink-wrap material to maintain the integrity of the original winding process; the rope cartridge will maintain its original form due to the shrink wrapping while in use so that it will it continue to fit securely in the cartridge until the rope is entirely dispensed.

(59) When and if the rope cartridge is running low or is empty, the canister can be refilled with a new Rapid-Rope rope cartridge. The original and replacement rope cartridges are packaged specifically for the Rapid-Rope rope dispensing system.

(60) The following is a description of how the rope cartridge is removed and how the Rapid-Rope rope cartridge replacement is installed:

(61) 1. Rope cartridge out (empty) or low.

(62) 2. Unsnap lid from canister and set lid aside.

(63) 3. Discard empty shrink wrap.

(64) 4. Insert new rope cartridge into canister with tail of rope standing out of the top or new rope cartridge.

(65) 5. Insert tail of rope through grommet and pull a one-inch length of rope out.

(66) 6. Place lid onto canister and snap in place.

(67) 7. Ready for use.

(68) In a preferred embodiment, the lid assembly includes a hand grip. The hand grip is located around the circumference of the lid and is in place for the aid of easily loosening and tightening of the lid. The hand grip is contoured for easy grip of the lid by the user. The half moon shape of the lid is designed to fit into the hand of the user easily. The hand grip is designed to protect the entire lid assembly. The design of the hand grip also adds an aesthetic attribute to the lid.

(69) While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims of any future filed non-provisional application.