Armored cable dispenser

Claim 1

An armored cable dispenser for receiving and controlling the dispensing of armored cable coiled into a generally toroidal shape, the dispenser comprising a base having a top and a bottom adapted to rest on a supporting surface; a drag plate mounted on top of said base and positioned to be substantially horizontal when said base rests on a substantially horizontal supporting surface; an axle shaft attached to said base and extending upwardly from the top thereof through said drag plate; a substantially planar tray rotatably resting on said drag plate, said tray having a central opening through which said shaft extends; a railing mounted on said tray for rotation therewith, said railing including an annular horizontal rail member and means for supporting said rail member in spaced relationship above said tray; a generally planar lid having a circular edge and a central opening through which said shaft extends; a guide tube surrounding said shaft and extending between said tray and said lid to define an annular gap between the edge of said lid and said horizontal rail member through which armored cable can pass, said guide tube being dimensioned to pass through and substantially occupy a central opening of the coiled armored cable.