Organization device for winding a coilable item
An organizing device for supporting a coilable item which includes an elongated rack with a row of notches along the rack for receiving a segment of a loop of a coilable item. An arm may extend transversely from the rack to be engaged by a segment of the lower portion of the loop of the coilable item so that the item is looped between the arm and a notch. A locking arm has one end pivotally attached to the rack and its other end provided with a latching mechanism to secure it to the rack, the arm extending over said notches when secured to the rack. A second embodiment includes two rows of notches meeting each other at their top with the bottom ends spread to form an inverted V or U. A third embodiment includes a plurality of moveable blocks adjustably mounted on an elongated rack, with adjacent blocks defining a notch between them for reception of a segment of a loop of a coilable item.
The present disclosure relates generally to a storage device for coilable items such as cords, hoses, ropes or the like, and more particularly to such a storage device that helps prevent tangling of a coilable item when stored.
BACKGROUNDIt is typical for users to store a coilable item by continuously wrapping it around a single protrusion so that segments of the coilable item overlap other segments. However, winding in this manner often results in the coilable item tangling and makes accessing the item difficult. There is a need for a device whereby a user can wind a coilable item, such as an electrical extension cord or hose, prevent the item from becoming entangled and, when needed, release and access the item easily.
SUMMARYIt is an object to provide an improved storage device with multiple notches for receiving segments of a coilable item. Tangling of the coilable item that is commonly caused by wrapping the item continually around a single protrusion is avoided.
In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure there is provided an organizing device for supporting a coilable item that comprises at least one elongated rack of notches with a top end and a bottom end. Each notch has a top surface and a bottom surface whereby a coilable item can be wrapped in continuous loops with segments of the item inserted into successive notches along the rack.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure there is provided an organizing device for supporting a coilable item that comprises two elongated rows of notches. Each row has a plurality of notches positioned between a top end and a bottom end. The rows form an inverted V or U-shape and meet at a vertex located proximate the top ends of the rows. Each notch is positioned along the rows at substantially the same distance from the vertex as a corresponding notch in the other row. A coilable item can be wrapped in continuous loops with segments of the item inserted into successive notches along the rows.
In accordance with still another aspect of the disclosure there is provided an organizing device for supporting a coilable item that comprises at least one elongated rod with a top end and a bottom end. A plurality of moveable blocks is adjustably mounted on the rod. Adjacent blocks define a notch between them for reception of a segment of a loop of a coilable item.
In the accompanying drawing, like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:
The embodiment depicted in
Each notch 14 in the device comprises a bottom surface 14a, a top surface 14b and a rear surface 14c. The size of each notch 14 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the coilable item, but it is also possible that for some applications the notches 14 could be significantly larger. Also, in the case of certain coilable items, for example a hose, the width of the notch may be slightly less than the diameter of the item so that the item is slightly compressed when inserted into the notch. The bottom surface 14a, top surface 14b and rear surface 14c of the notches 14 form a relatively round inner surface that corresponds generally with the shape of the outer surface of the coilable item. However, the device can ultimately be practiced with inner surfaces of any shape, including bottom surface 14a and top surface 14b being physically separated by a gap.
The embodiment depicted in
A wrapping arm 18 is rigidly attached to extension 13, preferably near bottom end 13b. In this embodiment, the arm 18 is generally linear and extends transversely from the extension 13. The arm 18 may be generally perpendicular to the extension 13. In another embodiment, (not shown), the extension 13 may be slidably engaged with rack 12 so that the distance between the wrapping arm 18 and the notches 14 can be adjusted as the user desires. Alternatively, the wrapping arm 18 can be slidably engaged with the extension 13 to affect the same adjustability. While not depicted in
The embodiment of
It is understood that other arrangements for latching the locking arm 20 in the closed position may be used. Such other arrangements may include, but are not limited to, a locking mechanism on the extension 13 or providing the finger or detent 23 on the locking arm 20 and the lip 26 or the equivalent on the rack 12 or extension 13.
As depicted in
The rack 12, extension 13 and wrapping member 18 can be made from a completely rigid material like plastic or metal. However, a more malleable material like rubber can also be employed, so long as the material is rigid and strong enough so that the device 10 is capable of supporting the mass of the coilable item.
As shown in
It should be noted that while the embodiment depicted in
A user can employ the inverted V embodiment much like the linear embodiment of FIG. 1—by wrapping a coilable item 28 (in
Though not shown in
These additional embodiments can be operated just like the embodiment of
Further, a pivotable locking arm or arms can be employed to “lock” the coilable item 28 in the grooves 14 in a similar manner as in the embodiments of
This particular embodiment includes a housing 36 with walls 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d and 36e (rear wall; not pictured in
The rack 15 is in the form of a rod and the notches 14 are formed between adjacent moveable blocks 37. The moveable blocks 37 are mounted on the rod with a friction fit so that spacing between adjacent blocks can be adjusted and the blocks will maintain their adjusted position until moved.
While various embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto. Accordingly, it is understood that the present embodiments have been described by way of illustration and not of limitation.
Claims
1. An organizing device for supporting a coilable item, comprising at least one row of notches with a top end and a bottom end, each notch having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein a coilable item can be wrapped in continuous loops with segments of the coilable item inserted into successive notches along the row.
2. The organizing device of claim 1 further including an extension extending from the bottom end of said row of notches, said extension having a wrapping arm extending transverse from said extension and adapted to have a segment of the bottom of a loop of the coilable item engaging said arm.
3. The organizing device of claim 2 wherein said wrapping arm extends substantially perpendicular to said extension.
4. The organizing device of claim 2 wherein said at least one row of notches and said extension are an integral one-piece structure.
5. The organizing device of claim 2 wherein said at least one row of notches and said extension are slidable with respect to each other to provide for adjustment of the distance between the wrapping arm and notches.
6. The organizing device of claim 2 wherein said wrapping arm is slidably engaged with said extension to provide for adjustment of the distance between the wrapping arm and notches.
7. The organizing device of claim 1 further including a locking arm having two ends, one end being pivotally attached to said at least one row of notches and the other end provided with a latching mechanism to releasably secure the end to said at least one row in the closed position, said arm extending over said notches when secured to maintain said coilable item within said notches.
8. The organizing device of claim 7 wherein said latching mechanism includes a flexible detent on said at least one row having a notch and a lip on said locking arm, said lip being received in said notch when said locking arm is secured in said closed position.
9. 9, The organizing device of claim 2 further including a locking arm having two ends, one end being pivotally attached to said at least one row of notches and the other end provided with a locking mechanism to releasably secure it to said at least one row, said arm extending over said notches when locked to maintain said coilable item within said notches.
10. The organizing device of claim 1 further including a handle at the top end of said at least one row of notches.
11. An organizing device for supporting a coilable item, comprising two rows of notches, each row having a top end and a bottom end and being relatively equivalent in length, wherein
- the rows form an inverted V or U-shape and meet each other at a vertex located proximate the top ends of said rows;
- each notch is positioned in each row at substantially the same distance from the vertex as a corresponding notch in the other row; and
- a coilable item can be wrapped in continuous loops with segments of the coilable item inserted into successive notches along the rows.
12. The organizing device of claim 11 further including a brace connected between the two rows of notches adjacent the bottom ends thereof.
13. The organizing device of claim 11 further including an extension extending from the bottom end of each row of notches, each said extension having a wrapping arm extending transverse from said extension and adapted to have a segment of the bottom of a loop of the coilable item engaging said arm.
14. The organizing device of claim 11 wherein the width of said notches is less than the diameter of said coilable item so that the coilable item is slightly under compression when inserted into a notch.
15. The organizing device of claim 11 further comprising an extension positioned between said rows of notches and extending below the bottom ends of said rows, the extension having a wrapping arm extending transverse from said extension and adapted to have a segment of the bottom of a loop of the coilable item engaging said arm.
16. An organizing device for supporting a coilable item, comprising:
- at least one elongated rack with a top end and a bottom end;
- a plurality of moveable blocks adjustably mounted on said rack, with adjacent blocks defining a variably dimensionable notch between them for reception of a segment of the coilable item.
17. The organizing device of claim 16 wherein said elongated rack is an elongated rod, said moveable blocks being press fit on said rod so the spacing between adjacent blocks can be adjustable and said blocks maintain their adjusted position until moved.
18. The organizing device of claim 17 further including a housing, said elongated rod being mounted in said housing.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 6, 2008
Publication Date: Dec 10, 2009
Inventor: William Auclair (New Hartford, CT)
Application Number: 12/157,105
International Classification: B65D 85/04 (20060101); A47F 7/00 (20060101);