Winding – tensioning – or guiding – Reeling device – With particular frame or frame carrier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-07
2001-05-22
Nguyen, John Q. (Department: 3653)
Winding, tensioning, or guiding
Reeling device
With particular frame or frame carrier
C242S407000, C242S580000, C242S614000, C191S01220R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234418
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a line storage device. More particularly, the invention relates to a devices which allows effective storage of lines of all types, including extension cords, ropes, and the like on a reel, and allows a selected length thereof to be easily dispensed for use.
Line storage, especially extension cord storage, is a pervasive problem. Any line storage solution attempts to reconcile the dual goals of keeping the line free from tangles, while making the line readily accessible.
In addition, it is desirable that the line have sufficient length to be useable for any foreseeable application, although a considerably shorter length might often be necessary for a specific job. These two goals are also difficult to reconcile—a lengthy cord can be unmanageable in an application where only a short one is required, and a cord too short is clearly unusable in certain situations when greater length is needed.
Other attempts at solutions have resulted in various configurations. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,979 to Koehler discloses a cord reel designed for use with an electrical cord.
While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to produce a line storage device capable of storing a useful quantity of lines of various types, including electrical extension cords and ropes. Accordingly, a hub is provided upon which a considerable quantity of the line may be wound for storage, and unwound for use.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a line storage device which allows a precise length to be unreeled and maintained. Accordingly, spiral clips attach onto the line at a point of departure from the hub, and fasten into slots on the hub which thereby maintain a specific length of cord extending from the hub.
It is another object of the invention to provide a line storage device which prevents the line from being fully pulled from the hub, and in the case of electrical extension cords, prevents the male end thereof from being pulled from an electric outlet. Accordingly, an S-shaped channel is provided from the outer hub toward the inner hub to stop the line from being pulled completely from the hub. In the case of electrical extension cords, tension upon the free end is not transmitted to the male end.
It is a still further object of the invention that the line storage device is fully stackable. Accordingly, all components are contained within the confines of the flange lips extending from the first and second plates.
The invention is a line storage device, for storing a line having two ends and a length, comprising a first plate and a second plate which are joined by a core. The first plate and second plate both have an outer side and an inner side. The plates are joined such that their inner sides face each other yet are separated by a substantially uniform gap. The outer surface of the first plate has several semicircular clips which allow the line to wind once around the circumference, and a pass through opening which then allows the line to pass through the first plate to the inner side thereof. An S-shaped channel in the first plate protrudes from the outer side of the first plate, but is open on the inner side thereof. The S-shaped channel allows the line to enter said channel at the pass-through opening, travel therethrough and exit at the core. Once the line exits the S-shaped channel at the core, it winds around the core numerous times in the gap between the plates to effect storage of the entire length of line. The line is then selectively secured to the second plate with a spiral clip.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 238153 (1881-02-01), Piper
patent: 2082489 (1937-06-01), Goldsmith
patent: 2184363 (1939-12-01), Schultz
patent: 4467979 (1984-08-01), Koehler
Goldstein & Canin
Nguyen John Q.
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