I'm not sure about the dimensions of other ball spinners, but for those with Vertex spinners, I've just found the perfect container for both using the spinner in and for quick and easy transport.

It's a "Storage Trunk 80", model number WT-80, made by Iris U.S.A. Inc., 11111 80th Ave., Pleasant Prairie WI 53158.  It's a plastic storage container with a hinged lid that opens to lean back just past vertical--held there by stoppers that you click into place when you attach the lid, which just snaps on.  The dimensions advertised on the label are deceiving--they are the OUTSIDE measurements of the box with the lid on and closed, not the more relevant INSIDE measurements. (The box can be used lidless if you prefer.)

Here are the relevant, INSIDE measurements of the box.  At the bottom, it is 17.25" side to side.  The Vertex fits in it EXACTLY at the bottom.  At the top, it flares a bit to 19" side to side.  At the bottom, it is 15" front to back and it flares to 17" front to back at the top.  

Here's where it gets interesting.  At the back, it is 15.5" tall.  At the front, it is 11.375" tall.  Coming forward from the back, at the 11" point, the side walls turn about 45 degrees down till just before the front of the box, where it levels out so the lid can close properly.  What this means is that when used with the spinner inside, since the spinner has the motor to the left and the bowl to the right and the bowl rotates counter-clockwise (as seen from above), the vast majority of the slop gets thrown onto the side walls and the back of the box.  By the time the ball has rotated around to where it might throw off any slop to the front, most of the loose stuff has already come off.  The lower front wall of the box makes it easy to put your hands in and work on the ball.  The only disadvantage is the the ball spins so close to the side wall of the box that it is a bit difficult to keep your hand there, making it better if you can work on the ball with your hand either a bit around the back of the ball, or do what I do, which is stand off to the left front of the box and keep my hand just a little bit around toward the front of the ball instead of completely off to the side.  A lab coat or smock will protect your clothes from any slop that makes it around and gets thrown off to the front.  When you're done, unplug the spinner and close the box lid and your spinner is instantly ready for transport.

This box looks almost like it was made for a ball spinner.  If it's a little too small for your tastes, the same company makes a model WT-120 that is the same front to back and top to bottom, but about 10" wider side to side.

Here in the Detroit area, these boxes are available at Damman Hardware Stores.  I don't know if Damman is a nationwide chain or not.  The box label does not list a web address.

The boxes are even made in the U.S.A.!

Shiv

(Added on edit):  I forgot to mention...the box costs $20.
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Listening to the monotonous staccato of rain on my desk top

Edited on 10/19/2003 3:08 PM

Not that it would really matter to those of us who are adults, but I fould this (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml99/99032.html):

quote:

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CPSC, IRIS U.S.A. Announce Recall of Plastic Toy Storage Chests
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), IRIS U.S.A. Inc., of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., is recalling about 100,000 plastic chests. These chests, that were originally marketed for the storage of toys, lack a lid-support device, do not have adequate ventilation when the lid is closed and have latches that secure the lids. Children could be entrapped and suffocate inside the chests.

CPSC and IRIS U.S.A. are not aware of any injuries involving these chests. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

These clear, plastic chests have either red or blue lids, and were sold under three model numbers: Model #WT-80 is 19.75 inches long, 21.875 inches wide and 18.75 inches high. Model #WT-120 is 19.25 inches long, 30.75 inches wide and 18.75 inches high. Model #WT-175 is 19.25 inches long, 30.75 inches wide and 28.25 inches high. The model numbers are listed on the instruction sheet and on the label. The labels also show the chest being used for the storage of toys, and contain the warning, "CAUTION: Do Not Sit On Lid. Do Not Climb In Trunk."

Retail and department stores, such as Target, sold these chests nationwide since January 1996 for about $25.

Consumers should immediately prevent children from having access to these chests, and stop using them for toy storage. Consumers in households with young children can return the chests to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers should call IRIS U.S.A. toll-free at (800) 320-4747 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.

These chests now being sold have labels showing the chests being used for the storage of items other than toys, and the statement "WARNING: SUFFOCATION HAZARD. NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN."

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Regards, ClutchClay