Tie-down dispenser

Abstract

An apparatus for unrolling a coil of flexible material such as wire, cable, strap, belt, rope and other such tie-down material directionally and accurately. The apparatus includes a cradle being arcuate in shape and a handle. The bed of the cradle is capable of holding and supporting coiled tie-down material typically used in the transport industry to secure cargo. A method for using the same is disclosed.

1 . An apparatus for directing and unrolling a coil of flexible tie-down material having a loose end and an interior end over cargo to be bound thereby, comprising: a cradle having a front end and a rear end, and an arcuate bed disposed between the front end and the rear end thereof capable of receiving the coil of flexible material; means for attaching the loose end of said coil to said cradle in the vicinity of the rear end thereof; a handle; and means for attaching said handle to said cradle. 
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cradle further comprises one or more support pieces connecting the front end and the rear end. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more support pieces extend to the bed of the cradle. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cradle further comprises an inside surface, an outside surface, and a midpoint, the midpoint located between the front end and the rear end. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the handle is attached to the outside surface of the cradle. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the handle is attached to the outside surface of the cradle between the midpoint and the front end of the cradle. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is hingedly attached to the cradle. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is telescopic. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the front end of the cradle further comprises two guides extending from the front end. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the rear end of the cradle further comprises two guides extending from the rear end. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means for attaching the loose end of said coil to said cradle comprises a slot. 
   
   
       12 . A method for directing and unrolling a coil of flexible tie-down material having a loose end, the method comprising: placing the coil of flexible tie-down material in a cradle; attaching the loose end to the cradle; moving the cradle toward the cargo; and stopping the cradle such that the coil of flexible tie-down material is rolled, ejected, flung or thrown from the front end of the cradle while the loose end of the tie-down material remains attached to the cradle.