Winding – tensioning – or guiding – Reeling device – With spring motor
Reexamination Certificate
2002-07-05
2003-11-11
Matecki, Kathy (Department: 3654)
Winding, tensioning, or guiding
Reeling device
With spring motor
C242S375100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06644582
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a communication cable reel with a positioning mechanism. More particularly, this invention relates to a cable reel capable of flexibly winding a communication cable, thereby preventing cable entangling or insufficient length of the cable from occurring. Further, it is convenient for a user to utilize the cable reel structure of this invention since the communication cable can be wound by implementing a “pull-release” action on the communication cable.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Communication cables for connecting a computer with various peripheral devices such as modems, telephones, or fax machines are used extensively. To avoid entangling problem due to excess and loose cable, cable reels are used. Typically, a prior art communication cable reel comprises a reel casing, a winding plate, a drum, a swirling spring, and wound cable therein.
The energy required for rotation of the drum during winding of the cable is provided by the swirling spring. A brake mechanism typically is provided to lock the drum when the desired cable length has been wound off. For this purpose the brake mechanism capitalizing on a swing strip allows the drum to rotate in one direction only, i.e. the winding-off direction. The swing strip typically engages with indentations on peripheral of the winding plate.
However, the above-mentioned prior art cable reel has a complicated structure and, therefore, quite costly to fabricate and inconvenient to assembly and utilize.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore the primary objective of the claimed invention to provide a cable reel structure capitalizing on interaction between a ball bearing and a tracing line groove, which is simplified, and is therefore easy to assembly and fabricate. The mechanism provided by this invention is user-friendly. A user can easily position the communication cable at a proper length.
In accordance with the claimed invention, a cable reel with a positioning mechanism is provided. The cable reel comprises a reel casing having a chamber therein; a cylindrical receptacle having a tracing line groove formed on sidewall of the cylindrical receptacle; a winding plate having a pivot hole thereon and a guiding groove formed on interior wall within the pivot hole, wherein the winding plate is pivotally mounted on the cylindrical receptacle through the pivot hole; a communication cable wound against the winding plate; a swirling spring connecting the reel casing with the winding plate; and a ball bearing movably disposed in the tracing line groove and moving against the guiding groove.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5632453 (1997-05-01), Hioki et al.
patent: 6056591 (2000-05-01), Liao
patent: 6134801 (2000-10-01), Miyasaka
patent: 6135254 (2000-10-01), Liao
patent: 6273354 (2001-08-01), Kovacik et al.
patent: 6315231 (2001-11-01), Liaom
patent: 6349808 (2002-02-01), Bryant
patent: 6439491 (2002-08-01), Liao
patent: 404106078 (1992-04-01), None
Birch & Stewart Kolasch & Birch, LLP
Langdon Evan
Matecki Kathy
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