Winding – tensioning – or guiding – Reeling device – With particular drive
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-03
2001-02-13
Jillions, John M. (Department: 3653)
Winding, tensioning, or guiding
Reeling device
With particular drive
C242S406000, C191S01220A
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186433
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a storage reel for an electrical extension cord. More specifically, the present invention relates to a manually wound cord storage unit configured specifically for use with small appliances and electrically powered tools that supports an extension cord out of water and dirt and permits the cord to be easily rewound and stored after use.
Cord storage reels for storing and transporting electrical extension cords are known. Such reels consist basically of a spool on which the extension cord can be wound. In some cases, the spool is enclosed in a housing. Typically, a crank is connected to the spool so that the spool can be manually rotated to wind the extension cord thereabout. Such reels are particularly useful in industrial or commercial settings such as automobile repair shops, machine shops, carpentry shops and construction sites. They permit workers to readily access electrical power as needed for the operation of portable electric tools, test devices, and trouble lights at various locations remote from an existing power outlet. Such reels are also very convenient around the house and yard, particularly for use with electrically powered outdoor appliances like hedge trimmers, electric lawn mowers, edgers, and blowers that could potentially be used hundreds of feet from an electrical outlet. In addition, the use of extension spools makes it possible to use only pigtails, i.e. short electrical cords, on electrical tools and devices thereby simplifying the movement and storage of such tools and devices.
While exterior designs may vary, the most basic cord storage reels are not much more than a spool about which an extension cord can be wound or a spool mounted in a housing. Such devices having a crank to aid in turning the spool to rewind the extension cord are shown, for example, in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,856,470 and 4,244,536.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns a storage apparatus for an electrical extension cord configured specifically for use with small electrical appliances and tools.
The portable, manually wound cord storage apparatus of the present invention includes a reel frame having a central hub with a carrying handle and at least two feet connected to the central hub forming a cradle. A spool for storing an electrical cord is sized to fit in the cradle and is pivotally attached to the central hub. A winding knob is pivotally connected to the spool for assisting the rotation of the spool around the central hub. The cord storage apparatus permits easy storage and transportation of an extension cord for supplying power to small appliances and electrical tools. The feet permit the apparatus to be used and stored in an upright position out of water and dirt. The open cradle construction permits an easy visual check of how much extension cord remains on the reel.
One object of the invention is an apparatus on which an extension cord can be conveniently stored.
Another object of the invention is an apparatus from which an extension cord can be manually unwound and retracted to provide easy access to a desired amount of an extension cord as needed.
Still another object of the invention is an apparatus that will support an extension cord in a position removed from surface dirt and water.
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Blanch Paul S.
Grzywna Stanley E.
Kovacik James D.
Alert Stamping & Mfg. Co., Inc
Jillions John M.
MacMillan Sobanski & Todd LLC
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