WO1996015973A1 - Apparatus for winding and storing a cord - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for winding and storing electrical cords (12) and other elongated flexible items has a flexible tubular body (10) with a longitudinal opening (14) along its entire length. This opening allows the cord to enter and to exit the tubular body. The device may also include transverse openings (16) intersecting the longitudinal opening for holding the ends of the cord in place. The device may be looped into a toroidal configuration, left in an elongated configuration or folded upon itself.

Description

APPARATUS FOR WINDING AND STORING A CORD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 08/344,388 filed November 23, 1994.

1 . Field of Invention

This invention relates to a device for winding and protectively storing a cord, cable or other flexible items, and more particularly to a device for winding and storing electrical cables.

2. State of the Art

Various types of devices have been designed for winding and storing cords. Examples of devices for winding cord, as well as other items, are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,687,154, 5,348,240, 3,460,779, 2,472,300, 2,553,097, 2,533,341 , and 4,193,563.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,154 to Deweese (issued August 18, 1987) describes a device for handling and storage of extension cords having a telescoping frame and two arcuate end pieces. This device winds the cords into a figure 8 configuration. However, this telescoping device for winding cords fails to enclose the cord and protect the cord from the environment.

As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,240 to Carmo (issued September 20, 1994) describes a storage device for electrical extension cords having a "substantially elongated hollow tubular member having end caps from which extend winding arms." One winds the cord along the elongated body member between the arms forming a coil. However, such a device does not enclose the cord and protect the cord from the environment. Furthermore, this device has numerous parts making manufacture of such device more cumbersome, complex, and expensive.

Thus, a need exists for a winding device for winding cords which is of lightweight construction, inexpensive to manufacture and convenient to use. Moreover, the device should protect the cord from the environment when the cord is wound.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of this invention is the provision of a device having a simple and elegant design, upon which electrical cables may be conveniently wound for storage purposes, in such a manner as to prevent knotting or tangling of the cord. Although the specific application of this invention is for electrical cords and cables, the device can also be adapted to wind and store virtually any elongated flexible material, including, for example, rope, twine, string or hose.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a device of the foregoing character having means whereby the end or ends of the cord may be readily secured after the length of the cord has been wound thereon.

A further object of the invention is the provision of such a device which is so shaped as to provide maximum speed and efficiency in winding a cord as well as unwinding the cord when desired.

A further object of the invention is the provision of such a device which is sturdy and durable in construction, reliable and efficient in operation and relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. For example, the various embodiments can be manufactured by using a simple, inexpensive extrusion and/or molding processes.

A further object of the invention is the provision of such a device that conveniently attaches to the unwound cord (i.e., houses a portion of the cord), so that it will not be lost or misplaced.

A further object of the invention is the provision of such a device that can be easily configured to wind and store the cord when desired. A further object of the invention is the provision of such a device that protects the wound cord from the environment.

These and other objects are achieved with a device comprising a flexible tubular body for winding and storing a cable, cord or other elongated flexible item. In various embodiments, the tubular body may be left in an elongated configuration, looped into a toroidal configuration or folded upon itself. In each case, the tubular body has a lengthwise (longitudinal) opening through which the cable is inserted into the interior of the tubular body. One or more transverse slots may be provided through which the ends of the cable exit the interior.

Since any desired amount of the cable may be drawn out of the device for use, the device provides a convenient means for organizing and storing excess lengths of cable. Thus, if a connection requires only a relatively short length of cable, a longer cable may be used with the excess length of cable stored neatly in the device of the present invention. The device may even be used as the retail packaging for the cable itself with suitable provisions on the device for applying labels or other product identification information. As thus marketed, the combination of the cable with its own winding and storage device will be recognized by the consumer as having greater intrinsic value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1A is a perspective illustration of a winding device according to the present invention.

Figure 1B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the winding device in Figure 1A.

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a winding device according to the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates the device of Figure 1A collapsed into a figure 8 configuration.

Figure 5 illustrates the device of Figure 1A collapsed into an alternative figure 8 configuration.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention in the form of an elongated tubular body.

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the device of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a connector body for coupling the device of Figure 6 into a toroidal configuration.

Figure 9 is an end view of the connector body of Figure 8.

Figure 10 illustrates the connection of the device of Figure 6 using the connector body of Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of yet another alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 is a side elevation view of the device of Figure 12.

Figures 14 - 16 are cross-sectional views of further alternative embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well known methods, and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail. The present device for winding cords may be embodied in one of two general configurations. In the first configuration, the device is fabricated as a hollow, toroidal body. In the second configuration, the device is fabricated as a hollow tubular body that may be closed upon itself to form a toroidal body.

Figure 1A illustrates a cord winding and storage apparatus 10 according to the present invention. As shown here, apparatus 10 is used to wind and store an electrical cord 12 such as, for example, an extension cord. The same or similar apparatus may be used for other types of cords, such as audio and/or video cables, or for virtually any elongated flexible object, including string, twine, rope, hose, etc. The overall size of apparatus 10 is preferably matched to the dimensions of the cord or other object to be wound and stored therein. If apparatus 10 is intended to wind and store an extension cord, a diameter on the order of 12-18 inches would be appropriate. However, as shown in Figure 1B, a smaller apparatus 10' may have a diameter of about four inches (i.e., approximately the size of a person's hand), which is useful for winding and storing audio or video cable 12'. Apparatus 10 is configured to take advantage of the natural inclination to wind a cord by grasping it in one hand and wrapping it around the other. Apparatus 10 comprises a hollow toroidal body that may be comfortably grasped in one hand, leaving the other hand free to wind cord 12. A narrow opening or slot 14 runs around the entire outer periphery of apparatus 10 allowing communication with the interior of the toroidal body. A number of radial slots 16 are provided at intervals around the circumference of apparatus 10. These slots allow the end of cord 12 having plug 18 or another type of connector to exit from the interior of the toroidal body. Apparatus 10 is preferably made of a somewhat flexible material such as nylon or other suitable plastic.

Referring now also to Figure 2, it will be seen that the interior dimensions of apparatus 10 will accommodate numerous windings of cord 12. As with the overall diameter of the device, the interior diameter of the toroidal body is preferably sized for the particular application. Thus, a device suitable for winding and storing a 100 ft. extension cord will preferably have a substantially larger cross-section than a device intended for use with a five foot audio cable.

To utilize apparatus 10 for winding and storing cord 12, the end of the cord with plug 18 attached thereto is first inserted through one of radial slots 16. Cord 12 is then wound around the body of apparatus 10 as indicated by the arrow in Figure 1A, with cord 12 being guided into the interior of the toroidal body through peripheral slot 14. Owing to the flexibility of the material with which apparatus 10 is made, peripheral slot 14 may be narrower than the diameter of cord 12. Indeed, slot 14 may be completely closed when the side walls of apparatus 10 are in a normal, relaxed condition. Such closure of slot 14 provides greater protection from the elements for cord 12 and also provides a more sightly appearance. Peripheral slot 14 may have generally straight edges as indicated in Figure 1A or may have textured, serrated or scalloped edges as indicated in Figure 1 B. The latter feature aids in gripping the cord where it exits from the toroidal body, in which case the radial slots may be omitted if desired.

Apparatus 10 illustrated in Figures 1A and 2 has a generally circular cross-section. With reference now to Figure 3, an alternative embodiment of the invention in the form of apparatus 20 is illustrated. Apparatus 20 is identical to the previously described apparatus 10, except for the cross-section of the toroidal body. Apparatus 20 has a generally heart-shaped cross-section in which the side walls curve inwardly to define peripheral slot 22. The trough 24 thus formed above peripheral opening 22 guides the cord 12 into the interior of apparatus 20 as it is wound. This shape also tends to act as a one-way valve to retain cord 12 inside the toroidal body. The sloping side walls assist in guiding the cord as it is wound so that the windings are neatly packed with a minimum of crossovers or tangles.

Once cord 12 has been wound within the toroidal body, it may be conveniently stored therein. With reference to Figure 5, the toroidal body can be collapsed into a figure 8 shape to reduce the storage volume. Interlocking hooks 31 , 32 with other suitable coupling means are provided on the inner periphery of the toroidal body to retain it in a figure 8 configuration. In lieu of the interlocking hooks 31 , 32, a variety of other coupling means could be utilized, such as cooperating snap fasteners or a hook and loop material such as Velcro. Additionally, a tab 34 or other suitable structure may be provided on the outer periphery of the toroidal body so that it may be conveniently hung on a wall or other supporting structure. The side wall of the toroidal body may include a surface area specially prepared for attaching a label or for writing directly thereon to identify the cord or other item stored in the device.

As shown in Figure 4, the toroidal body has been simply squeezed together to form it into a figure 8 configuration. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the toroidal body may be given a half twist before coupling together cooperating members 31 , 32.

Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 40 comprises an elongated tubular body that may be conveniently manufactured as an extrusion. It is sufficiently flexible so that it can be wrapped into a toroidal configuration generally resembling apparatus 10. Apparatus 40 may thus be conveniently left in its extended configuration along cord 12 while cord 12 is in use. Apparatus 40 may be retained on cord 12 as will be described below.

Figure 7 is a cross-section of apparatus 40, which is generally similar to the cross-section of apparatus 20 shown in Figure 3. However, apparatus 40 is molded with a channel 42 on the outer surface of the structure opposite longitudinal opening 44. The utility of channel 42 will be apparent from the discussion that follows.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a connector body 46 with which the ends of apparatus 40 can be attached to one another. Connector body 46 has a pair of opposing tabs 48 which are of a size to slide within channel 42. Tabs 48 are embossed with ridges 50 to ensure that the tabs are tightly retained within channel 42. The ridges on one of the tabs may be made smaller than on the other tab or may be omitted altogether so that connector body 46 is more tightly retained in one end of apparatus 40 than the other. This allows apparatus 40 to be uncoupled into its extended configuration while tightly retaining the connector body at one end. Indeed, apparatus 40 may be fabricated with an integral connector at one end or with cooperating connecting members at each of its ends. Such alternative connectors may comprise interlocking tabs or snaps or mating pieces of a hook and loop material such as Velcro.

Tab 52 extends from connector body 46 perpendicular to tabs 48. Tab 52 has hole 54 and notch 56 therethrough. Hole 54 is sized somewhat smaller than the outer diameter of cable 12 so that cable 12 can be pressed through notch 56 and retained securely in hole 54. This ensures that apparatus 40 (once connector body 46 has been securely inserted in one end thereof) will not slide off of cable 12 while in its extended configuration.

Shoulders 58 serve as stops to rest against respective ends of apparatus 40 as shown in Figure 10. This ensures that there is a gap 60 between the ends of apparatus 40 through which cable 12 can enter and/or exit. A button 62 extends from connector body 46 on the side opposite tab 52. Button 62 is sized to fit snugly within channel 42. When apparatus 40 is formed into a toroidal body, button 62 can be snapped into channel 42 at a diametrically opposite location, thereby retaining apparatus 40 in a figure 8 configuration similar to that shown in Figures 4 and 5. Connector body 46 may be conveniently made by an injection molding process with a styrene or other suitable plastic material.

Figure 11 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 70 comprises an elongated tubular body generally similar to apparatus 40 shown in Figure 6. However, unlike apparatus 40, apparatus 70 has a rigid spine 72 such that apparatus 70 remains in an elongated configuration. Spine 72 extends beyond each of the ends of the tubular body to provide support for upstanding pegs 74. To utilize apparatus 70 for winding and storing a cord or other elongated flexible item, the cord is first guided through longitudinal opening 76 and wrapped around one of pegs 74. The cord is then guided back through the tubular body to be wrapped around peg 74 at the opposite end. This process continues until the desired amount of the cord has been wrapped back and forth through the tubular body. As in the previously described embodiments, any desired amount of the cord may be left unwrapped for use, or the entire length of the cord may be wrapped on apparatus 70 for storage.

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 100 comprises an elongated tubular body 102 similar to that of previously described embodiments. In cross-section, tubular body 102 has opposing side walls 104, 106 that are separated by longitudinal opening 108. The thickness of side walls 104, 106 is generally constant, except immediately adjacent to longitudinal opening 108, where the walls terminate at beads 110, 112. A wall thickness of approximately 0.050 inches is preferred since this gives the tubular body strength and avoids the "flimsy" feel of a thinner wall. A longitudinal channel 114 is formed between side walls 104, 106 at the bottom of tubular body 102. At the bottom of channel 114, opposing flanges 116, 118 extend outwardly and define a generally flat bottom surface 120.

Referring to Figure 13, tubular body 102 has a central transverse notch 122 through substantially the entire cross-section and defining body halves 124, 126. The two body halves are connected at the floor of channel 114 and side flanges 116, 118, which are not cut by central notch 122. Partial scoring of the flanges may be necessary for the body to properly fold as described below. The dimensions of channel 114 are selected to accommodate the particular cord or other flexible object to be wound and stored in tubular body 102. For example, in a device to accommodate a popular size of "zip" cord, channel 114 is preferably approximately 0.27 inches in width and 0.16 inches in height. The cord is inserted through longitudinal opening 108 and is retained within channel 114 by ears 115a, 115b. The device thereby remains on the cord while the cord is in use.

To wind the cord, one of body halves 124, 126 is placed in the palm of the hand while the opposing hand begins wrapping the cord, thereby pulling the other body half to the back of the hand as it folds at notch 122. For most small cords, the overall length of tubular body 102 is approximately 8 - 10 inches so that it comfortably wraps around the hand. Large cords and other large flexible objects may require larger devices. As winding proceeds, each wrap of the cord is simply urged through longitudinal opening 108 into the interior of tubular body 102. When the desired amount of cord has been wound, body halves 124, 126 will be naturally held together in a folded configuration and, owing to the flexibility of tubular body 102, the hand holding the apparatus can be easily removed.

Unwinding of the cord may be accomplished by reversing the winding action. Alternatively, a desired length of cord may be payed out from the tubular body by grasping opposing portions of the cord external to the body and pulling. This will cause the walls of the tubular body to distort slightly, thereby allowing the cord to unspool. This action may be assisted by making the walls of the tubular body slightly asymmetrical, such as by making one of the side walls thinner than the other. As with the previously described embodiments, tubular body 102 can be readily manufactured by an extrusion process using a suitable plastic material, such as low or medium density polyethylene. Other plastic materials, including materials with a rubber additive, may also be suitable. The extruded material is then simply cut to the desired length and notched.

Tubular body 102 may have a variety of cross-sections apart from that already described. Figures 14 - 16 illustrate three alternative embodiments. Additional alternatives will be apparent to those skilled in the subject art. In a particular alternative embodiment, the tubular body may be configured with a pair of tubular sections joined back-to-back. This would provide a device like tubular body 102 after it has been folded at notch 122, but with a solid central spine.

While the present invention has been particularly described with reference to the various figures and embodiments, it should be understood that these are for illustration only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Many changes and modifications may be made to the invention, by one having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for winding and storing a cord comprising a unitary flexible body portion of generally tubular configuration, said body portion having a cross-section with opposing side walls and a generally flat bottom surface, said side walls being separated by a longitudinal opening, said body portion having a transverse notch through substantially the entire cross-section at an approximately longitudinal midpoint of the body portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said body portion includes means for retaining the cord disposed on an interior surface of the body portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the means for retaining the cord comprises a channel molded within the body portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the generally flat bottom surface comprises a flange extending transversely from at least one of the side walls.

5. A method of winding and storing a cord comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus of generally tubular configuration , said body portion having a cross-section with opposing side walls and a generally flat bottom surface, said side walls being separated by a longitudinal opening, said body portion having a transverse notch through substantially the entire cross-section at an approximately longitudinal midpoint of the body portion; guiding a first portion of the cord through the longitudinal opening into an interior of the body portion; guiding successive second portions of the cord through the longitudinal opening into the interior of the body portion such that at least some of said second portions overlay said first portion.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of folding the body portion at said transverse notch such that respective bottom surfaces of opposing halves of the body portion are juxtaposed.

7. An apparatus for winding and storing a cord comprising a unitary flexible body portion of generally tubular configuration, said body portion having a cross-section with opposing side walls separated by a longitudinal opening, said body portion including means for retaining the cord disposed on an interior surface of the body portion.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the body portion comprises a pair of generally tubular sections joined together.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the pair of generally tubular sections are disposed side-by-side in a longitudinal relationship.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the pair of generally tubular sections are disposed back-to-back in a transverse relationship.