With Particular Frame Or Frame Carrier Patents (Class 242/398)
  • Patent number: 11614316
    Abstract: A tape measuring device includes a housing having an aperture, a reel assembly disposed in the housing, a tape having a first end operably coupled to an end hook and configured to extend from the housing through the aperture and having a second end configured to be wound on the reel assembly, and a retraction assembly configured to interface with the reel assembly to enable the tape, after extension from the housing, to be wound onto the reel assembly. The retraction assembly includes a crank operably coupled to the reel assembly to turn the reel assembly responsive to rotation of the crank, and includes a knob operably coupled to the crank via a knob hinge. The knob hinge is rotatable between a closed position for storage or transport and an open position for operation of the retraction assembly, and is configured to be retained in each of the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Apex Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Cecil McKinley Wilson
  • Patent number: 10947081
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for folding and winding a predetermined length of non-woven fabric used for the industrial production of moistened wipes. The apparatus for folding and winding a predetermined length of non-woven fabric from a roll wound on a core is mounted on a countertop, equipped with a housing, provided with a drive unit. Mounted on a hub (1) is a cylinder (2), to which eccentrically attached are rods (3) from which at a certain distance is mounted a linear feed (4). The hub assembly (1) with the cylinder (2) with the rods (3) and the linear feed (4) can be mounted vertically or horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: AUTOMATEC SP. Z O.O.
    Inventors: Wojciech Siwek, Artur Malejki
  • Patent number: 10486948
    Abstract: A rope hoist includes a rope drum mechanism easy to attach to a frame structure and clarified positioning reference. The rope drum is rotatably supported by a first support part on one end side and a second support part on another end side of the rope drum. A pair of supporting ribs having clearances with respect to a first drum support frame is provided with the first support part. A first connection member penetrates the supporting ribs and the first drum support frame in a state of both-end support. A second connection member penetrates a frame attachment portion and a second drum support frame in a state of cantilever. A support shaft couples the first support part and the second support part and is arranged on an axis passing through a position different from positions of the first connection member and the second connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KITO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kosuke Kosuga, Fujito Yudate
  • Patent number: 9617114
    Abstract: A hose reel structure includes an hose spool for coiling hose, a frame which rotatably supports the hose spool, and a guide arm which restricts the angle of approach of hose to the hose spool. The hose spool and guide arm are connected to the frame. At least one of the frame and guide arm are substantially U-shaped structures formed from an L-shaped piece and an I-shaped piece. The L-shaped piece has a first long side at approximately a right angle with a shorter base or front. The I-shaped piece has a second long side and fastener holes for connecting to the shorter base or front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Shakal, John C. Holman
  • Patent number: 9151267
    Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a) a first component which is a float that travels on or near the water surface; b) a second component which is wave actuated and travels below the first component; and c) a means whereby the first component engages the second component and/or the second component engages the first component; wherein the engagement means provides lateral support of one component for the other, and thereby minimizes lateral movement of one against the other when the components are fitted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Publication number: 20150108265
    Abstract: The cord reel device comprises a first reel body and a second reel body which are linked so that their rotational axes coincide; a pullout cord that is wound around the first reel body so that it can be pulled out; an internal cord that is wound around the second reel body in the same direction as the winding direction of the pullout cord; and a reel case that rotatably covers the first reel body and the second reel body and forms a winding space that allows free play of the internal cord. A convex portion that protrudes toward the rotational axis is provided to the reel case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Hirotaka Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20150090828
    Abstract: A casing structure of a cable reel includes a hollow main body, which has two ends communicating with the outside and an interior space rotatably receiving therein a reciprocal rotary disk that receives therein a cable having first and second end sections in such a way that the first and second end sections of the cable extend out of the main body through the two ends of the main body. The main body has at least one first through opening in communication with the interior space of the main body. The first and second end sections of the cable are provided with predetermined colors so that when the first and second end sections of the cable are selectively pulled, a visual effect caused by reciprocal rotation of the first and second end sections of the cable is observable through the first through opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: SUNG-CHIANG WU
  • Publication number: 20150028147
    Abstract: A cable support system includes a frame having a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom; an axle disposed through the frame extending from the first side to the second side; a drum having a rim for receiving the axle such that the drum is supported by and rotates on the axle, wherein the drum is in rollable contact with the cable for supporting the cable and configured for cable to move across surface of the drum while the drum is rotating to facilitate paying out or taking up the cable as the drum rotates; and a stand having a top portion in contact with the bottom of the frame and a plurality of legs which extend downwardly from the top portion, wherein the legs and top portion elevate the frame to facilitate the pay out or taking up of the cable over objects below the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Roy Rich
  • Patent number: 8925851
    Abstract: A reel mounting assembly can include a base and a reel support. The base can be configured to mount to a surface. The reel support can be configured to support a reel hanging from the reel support. The base and reel support each have engagement elements configured to pivotably engage one another, such that the base and the reel support can pivot with respect to each other about at least two approximately orthogonal axes extending through the engagement elements. The reel mounting assembly can be provided in combination with a reel. The reel mounting assembly can provide self-leveling features for a reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Great Stuff, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. A. Tracey, Richard Ceraldi
  • Patent number: 8863921
    Abstract: A 360-degree freedom electric cord device system contains and manages automatic extension and retraction of an electric cord/cable supplying power to a push/pull-type electric machine, either self-propelled or not, for intended displacement or steering on a surface by a user. The 360-degree freedom electric cord device system, partly mounted on the electric machine, allows the power cord to clear obstacles on the surface and includes a self-retracting spool to automatically extend and rewind the power cord and continuously keeps physical tension therein, in a straight line and a natural position, during the displacement in any direction of the electric machine. With a ratchet mechanism, the device can also suitably be used independently of the machine as an electric retractable extension cord reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: Abraham Cohen, Aharon Kot
  • Publication number: 20140299133
    Abstract: A hose management system (30) for use with a system adapted to provide respiratory therapy. The system includes an elongated, flexible second hose (22). The hose management system (30) includes a housing assembly (32), a rotatable spool assembly (34), and a rotatable coupling (36). The housing assembly has a sidewall assembly (40) defining a substantially enclosed space. The rotatable spool assembly has a spool body (50). The spool body (50) is disposed in the housing assembly (32) enclosed space and rotatably coupled to the housing assembly (32). The rotatable coupling (36) defines a passage (90), the rotatable coupling (36) being a rotatable conduit extending through the housing assembly sidewall and spool body. Wherein the second hose (22) may be substantially wrapped about the spool body (50) and substantially concealed within the housing assembly (32) enclosed space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Amanda Marie Neely, Richard Thomas Haibach, John Theodore Gobble, III, Robert William Baiko
  • Patent number: 8839814
    Abstract: An improved wall mount hose reel of a shape and design allowing preassembly and stacking in a nesting fashion of multiple units. The wall mount hose reel employs a frame for support of a garden hose to be wound into a coil by use of a hose reel spool. A crank handle is provided on the frame and attached to the hose reel spool for winding. An inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit is provided in the A-frame. The inlet fluid conduit is adapted for attachment to a water source, located on the outer surface of the A-frame, and adapted for coupling with the outlet conduit. The frame further supports a storage shelf and a rotatable levelwind assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Phillips, Michael R. Vogler, Torrence Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140131503
    Abstract: A winder assembly for controlling the extension or retraction of a window covering, for example a roller blind. The winder assembly includes a spindle having a head, a shaft extending from the head, and a location lug also extending from the head, in the direction of the shaft. The winder assembly further includes a drive mechanism operable to control the extension and retraction of the window covering by rotation of the drive mechanism about the spindle, and a spindle cover. The spindle cover itself includes an opening through which the shaft of the spindle passes, the cover releasably engaging the head of the spindle, and at least one location aperture receiving the location lug to define at least one position of the spindle relative to the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Carmelo Joseph Licciardi Di Stefano
  • Publication number: 20140077021
    Abstract: Retractor safety device for identifying and controlling hazardous areas associated with unmarked, unbarricaded or unprotected areas of Construction and General Industry work sites, as well as any application requiring pedestrian movement-control, designed to meet all required safety standards in terms of color and signage, and will incorporate a variety of elements to promote visibility and ease of use. Retractor safety device is an industrial-grade, reusable caution/danger/hazard tape retractor that attaches by means of a universal mounting bracket, includes a manually- or automatically-operated tape-locking mechanism, as well as a quick-connect, universal tape attachment with Lock-Out, Tag-Out (LOTO) capabilities, and field cleanable/maintainable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Beau Steven Beemsterboer, Ross Antone Beemsterboer, Simon John Beemsterboer
  • Publication number: 20140034771
    Abstract: A tarp deploying apparatus includes a frame assembly that is adapted for being attached to a lifting device, such as a forklift. A roller assembly extends laterally from the frame assembly. A tarp may be loaded onto the roller assembly by rolling the tarp onto a roller body. The tarp may be deployed in a desired position on a load of cargo on a flatbed trailer. The tarp is deployed on the cargo by driving the forklift alongside of the flatbed trailer and allowing the tarp to unroll off the roller body being pulled off the roller body by the weight and friction of the tarp on the load. The roller body may include hooks that help in loading the tarp onto the roller body, and allow the tarp to automatically fall off of the roller body during deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERTS & DYBDAHL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Dean Hecker, Mark Anthony Corso, Scott Leroy Messamaker
  • Publication number: 20130320126
    Abstract: A belt retractor (5) for a vehicle seat belt includes a frame (10) made of plastic material and two side legs (16) between which a belt reel (22) equally made of plastic material is arranged. The belt reel (22) is provided with a flange (26) at each of its end faces and a retaining pin (32) to which the seat belt (7) is fastened is accommodated in the belt reel (22). The retaining pin (32) extends into the flanges (26) of the belt reel (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Frederic Michel
  • Publication number: 20130277486
    Abstract: A hose reel spool has an annular ring defining an axial hub, and two concave side walls. The side walls extend radially outward from the ends of the annular ring, and slant axially inward to converge towards each other as they extent radially outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Shakal
  • Publication number: 20130220872
    Abstract: A case can simultaneously enclose an object and restrain an associated cable, which can be attached to the object. The case has a base having an interior recess for storing the object and one or more peripheral recesses along the perimeter of the case that form winding areas for wrapping the associated cable. One or more doors are pivotably attached to the base so as to removably cover at least a portion of the winding areas to restrain the cable therein. One or more doors can be hinged on either side, bottom, or in the middle of the base. The one or more doors can also cover at least a portion of the interior recess to secure the object in the interior recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. STIEHL, Jack J. WANDERMAN
  • Publication number: 20130140393
    Abstract: A stiffener structured to support a unitary housing component comprised of substantially flat sidewalls is provided. A unitary housing comprised of substantially flat sidewalls, e.g. a housing for a hose reel, is a housing component that is substantially free of support ribs and other contoured surfaces. The stiffener is molded separately from the unitary housing component and coupled thereto. Preferably, the stiffener is a band extending under, or about, the perimeter of the lower side of the unitary housing component. Use of the stiffener allows the unitary housing component to remain free of substantial support ribs and other contoured surfaces thereby allowing for less expensive molds and a reduced failure rate of produced elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: AMES TRUE TEMPER, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory J. BLASZCZAK, Peter ARCATI
  • Publication number: 20130126108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cord winding device (1) for a screen, comprising a winding roller (10) arranged for mounting on a rotational shaft of the screen, and a sleeve (20), wherein the winding roller can be received, which sleeve is arranged for mounting on a housing for the rotational shaft. The winding roller is provided with external thread for receiving the cords and the sleeve is provided with internal thread for axial displacement of the winding roller with respect to the sleeve upon rotation of the shaft. The sleeve is provided with a cord passage part with a hole for the cords. The external thread comprises spiral grooves shaped such that the grooves can receive the cords clampingly and in the sleeve at least one pressing element is arranged for pressing a cord into the groove of the external thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Coulisse B.V.
    Inventor: Coulisse B.V.
  • Patent number: 8375524
    Abstract: A security device includes a housing containing a ratchet mechanism and a rotatable spool for storing a plurality of cable loops which extend outwardly from a plurality of openings formed in the housing and wrapped around the sides of a box-like object. A collar is mounted on the bottom of the housing and has openings adjacent each of the housing opening requiring the cable loops to abruptly change direction after exiting the housing and passing either beneath or above the collar before extending along the secured object. This abrupt change of direction reduces the amount of force which are exerted on the cable loops from being transmitted onto the ratchet mechanism. In alternate embodiments, adjacent cable loops pass through one or a pair of rings which cause a change of direction in the cable loops to reduce the transmission of forces onto the ratchet mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Goldstein, Andrew W. Moock, Christopher J. Fawcett
  • Publication number: 20120325952
    Abstract: The present invention includes an expandable hose reel, which may include: a housing defined by at least one or more base members; a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the spool is adapted to connect to a flexible hose; a winding mechanism to rotate the spool and to coil the flexible hose around the spool; and an expansion mechanism to modify a length of the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Douglas Evans, Avraham Maltz
  • Patent number: 8317121
    Abstract: A reel includes a substantially spherical housing configured to enclose a rotatable reel drum and an aperture sized to closely surround a linear material extending through the aperture. The linear material is spoolable and unspoolable from the reel drum while the housing encloses the reel drum. The housing includes decoration depicting a ball indicative of a game or type of recreation, a globe, a robot, a gazing ball, at least one flag, camouflage, foliage, diamond plate, or a race car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Great Stuff, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. A. Tracey
  • Publication number: 20120292419
    Abstract: A hose reel structure includes an hose spool for coiling hose, a frame which rotatably supports the hose spool, and a guide arm which restricts the angle of approach of hose to the hose spool. The hose spool and guide arm are connected to the frame. At least one of the frame and guide arm are substantially U-shaped structures formed from an L-shaped piece and an I-shaped piece. The L-shaped piece has a first long side at approximately a right angle with a shorter base or front. The I-shaped piece has a second long side and fastener holes for connecting to the shorter base or front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Shakal, John C. Holman
  • Publication number: 20120292420
    Abstract: A reel assembly comprises a spool member configured to rotate about a spooling axis to wind or unwind a linear material. The spool member is also configured to rotate about a reciprocation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the spooling axis. A housing substantially encloses the spool member and comprises first and second housing portions that are rotatable with respect to one another about the reciprocation axis. The first housing portion defines an aperture configured to receive the linear material therethrough. A rotating member is configured to rotate when the spool member rotates about the spooling axis. The rotating member is mechanically linked with respect to the first housing portion via one or more intervening components, such that each revolution of the rotating member produces one cycle of relative reciprocating rotation between the spool member and the first housing portion about the reciprocation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GREAT STUFF, INC.
    Inventors: Ray Caamano, Christian Okonsky Gerard, Daniel Francis Caputo
  • Publication number: 20120255627
    Abstract: A hose reel that may be assembled substantially without coupling hardware is provided. That is, the hose reel uses other types of coupling devices, notably snap-fit couplings for substantially all connections. This concept requires new components, such as a rotational coupling disposed between the hose reel frame assembly and the rotating basket assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: AMES TRUE TEMPER, INC.
    Inventor: PETER ARCATI
  • Publication number: 20120256033
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a hose reel is provided. The frame assembly includes closed extrusion members. Closed extrusion members are structured to hide visually displeasing elements such as, but not limited to, support ribs. The closed extrusion members face downwards and backwards so that the visually pleasing outer side of the closed extrusion members are typically visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: AMES TRUE TEMPER, INC.
    Inventor: Greg Blaszczak
  • Publication number: 20120228420
    Abstract: A hybrid car is a vehicle capable of being externally charged through a charging cable. The hybrid car includes a front door opened and closed when an occupant gets into and out of a vehicle cabin, and a cable reel mounted within the front door for taking up the charging cable. The front door has a resin portion located above the cable reel. A pull-out opening directed to the resin portion for pulling out the charging cable is formed in the cable reel. A take-out opening for taking out the charging cable pulled out from the pull-out opening from the front door to outside of the vehicle is formed in the resin portion. This configuration can improve workability during charging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 8240592
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a base, a restricting piece, a coiling piece, and a cable. The base defines a containing space. The restricting piece is secured in the containing space. The restricting piece includes a pivot and a cable outlet. The coiling piece includes a coiling post. A side of the coiling post defines a pivot hole which receives the pivot of the restricting piece inserted therein to pivotally mount the coiling piece in the containing space. The cable is wrapped on the coiling post, and a part of the cable is inserted through the cable cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Choon-Tyng Lau
  • Publication number: 20120168551
    Abstract: A hose reel 10 is supported by a mounting bracket 12 which can be attached on a vertical or horizontal surface and allow for 180 degrees of motion to allow the hose reel 10 to automatically swivel in the direction the hose 14 is being pulled. The bracket mechanism 16 consists of integral mounting bosses 18 on the hose reel enclosures 20, a mounting bracket 12, a tube 22 and a constraint device 24 on the tube 22. The mounting bosses 18 on the hose reel enclosures 20 are designed to orient and constrain the mounting tube 22 to allow for the tube to be installed from either end of the hose reel. The constraining device 24 on the tube 22 locks into an integral opening 26 in the mounting bosses 18 to prevent tube 22 displacement in either direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Mark L. Bauck, Zaixing You, Lihui Gao, Xueshui Wu, Jin Tian
  • Publication number: 20120111986
    Abstract: A seatbelt retractor and method of incorporating a spindle into a retractor frame, even when an additional component having a larger diameter than a spindle, such as a load limiter mechanism, is attached to the spindle. The seatbelt retractor includes a spindle having a recessed portion in a cylindrical surface for retracting a webbing, and a retractor frame including two flat plate-shaped side walls that are provided in parallel via an interval A in order to support the spindle, each of the two side walls being provided with a circular through hole having a diameter C. An element on a first end of the spindle is contained within a range of a distance D from a deepest portion of the recessed portion, and an element on a second end of the spindle is contained within a range of a distance B from the deepest portion of the recessed portion. The distance D is smaller than the height C, and the distance B is smaller than the interval A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Yoshio Fukuhara, Junichi Nagatomo
  • Patent number: 8146853
    Abstract: A universal laser fiber reel for use with an optical laser fiber, having a base with a base plate, the base plate having a base hub and base wall with the base wall having a base wall width not less than a minimum laser fiber wind length. A fiber cage proximate the base wall radially stores the laser fiber in the reel, the fiber cage having a fiber cage radius equal to a minimum laser fiber bend radius and a fiber cage width not less than the minimum laser fiber wind length of the laser fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: Jeanne Godett, Aric Sven
  • Publication number: 20120025002
    Abstract: A system for storing, rotating and feeding a high pressure hose. A first portion of the hose is disposable about the drum and a guide arm engages a second portion of the hose. An actuator assembly rotates a cage and the guide arm so that the guide arm rotates relative to the cage such that the hose is rotated. Relative rotation in one direction causes the first portion of the hose to uncoil from the drum and displace along the guide arm and causes a third portion of the high pressure hose in an output port to displace out of the output port away from the guide arm. Relative rotation in an opposite direction causes the second portion of the high pressure hose to coil about the drum and causes the third portion of the high pressure hose to displace into the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: STONEAGE, INC.
    Inventor: Gerald P. Zink
  • Publication number: 20110297779
    Abstract: A reel assembly is provided to support lengths of fluid delivery line. A support arm is secured at one end with the reel assembly and shaped at the opposite end to engage a support structure. The support arm includes separate arm sections; each having mating end portions that are shaped to be releasably, coaxially securable with one another to resist rotation with respect to one another. The arm sections may be provided in various shapes, including straight and angled, to provide a variable geometry. A pivot joint may be formed within the support arm to allow a portion of the support arm and the reel assembly to pivot with respect to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: ELEY Corporation
    Inventors: Craig D. Eley, Darin Schollmeyer
  • Patent number: 7992259
    Abstract: A security device includes a housing containing a ratchet mechanism and a rotatable spool for storing a plurality of cable loops which extend outwardly from a plurality of openings formed in the housing and wrapped around the sides of a box-like object. A collar is mounted on the bottom of the housing and has openings adjacent each of the housing opening requiring the cable loops to abruptly change direction after exiting the housing and passing either beneath or above the collar before extending along the secured object. This abrupt change of direction reduces the amount of force which are exerted on the cable loops from being transmitted onto the ratchet mechanism. In alternate embodiments, adjacent cable loops pass through one or a pair of rings which cause a change of direction in the cable loops to reduce the transmission of forces onto the ratchet mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Goldstein, Andrew W. Moock, Christopher J. Fawcett
  • Publication number: 20110139919
    Abstract: A cart having retractable power cords. The medical cart including a housing, a reel device connected to the housing, and at least one power cord. The power cord spools and unspools on the reel device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Merrick Shively
  • Publication number: 20110108653
    Abstract: A cable alignment device for longitudinally centering the cable or line extending two ways from a cable shortener device, comprising: an oblong base having a central portion for rotative receipt of the cable shortener device; a first leg and a second leg on the oblong base; and a cable alignment channel in the first leg and the second leg of the oblong base, the alignment channel arranged for receipt of the cable therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Rose Displays, Ltd
    Inventors: David E. Pitcher, Rebecca C. Suciu, Thomas P. Burrous, Alan Stenfors, Sidney Rose
  • Publication number: 20110108654
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a cable reel includes a lower support frame for rotatably supporting a drum and an upper support member attached to the lower support frame. The upper support member is disposed above the drum and defines a planar top surface when the upper support member is in the working position. The upper support member may be configured to form a folding seat for a user, a drawer for storage and/or a platform for placing a device thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Larry Babb, John R. Dunkin
  • Publication number: 20110101144
    Abstract: A rollup device can save users time and energy on the side of the road when rolling up belts or tie down straps which secure a load on a flatbed trailer. The rollup device may be a piece of metal having a fitting centrally located therewithin. The piece of metal may fit into a roll-up on the side of the flatbed trailer. A drill, such as a 12V cordless drill, may be used to turn the rollup device by fitting a drill bit into the centrally located fitting. Powering the drill may turn the roll-up device and, therefore, roll up the belts or straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: EDDIE C. DENNING
  • Publication number: 20110095119
    Abstract: A cable coiling apparatus includes a main body and a resilient cover. The main body has a base and a top cap with a central post extending therebetween. The cover has a top surface and an opposing bottom surface with an outer lip formed along a perimeter outer edge and an inner lip projecting from an inner edge, the inner lip being received within a channel of the top cap so as to secure the cover to the top cap. The cover is movable between a first position in which the cover has a substantially concave shape so that the outer lip presses against the base, and a second position in which the cover has a substantially convex shape so that the central post is freely exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: John P. Thorn
  • Publication number: 20110089281
    Abstract: An apparatus (1, 51, 101) for deploying and retracting a flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702), the apparatus (1, 51, 101) comprising a flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702) having an arrangement (203, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703) for carrying threads (4, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) along the flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702). The threads (4, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) extend along the flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702) via the thread carrying arrangement (203, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703), The apparatus (1, 51, 101) has a container (6, 56, 106) for storing the flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702), the container (6, 56, 106) having an arrangement (7, 111) for facilitating movement of the threads (4, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) so that the flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702) is incrementally loaded into the container (6, 56, 106).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Boyd, Andrew Woods
  • Publication number: 20110073700
    Abstract: A universal laser fiber reel for use with an optical laser fiber, having a base with a base plate, the base plate having a base hub and base wall with the base wall having a base wall width not less than a minimum laser fiber wind length. A fiber cage proximate the base wall radially stores the laser fiber in the reel, the fiber cage having a fiber cage radius equal to a minimum laser fiber bend radius and a fiber cage width not less than the minimum laser fiber wind length of the laser fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Jeanne Godett, Aric Sven
  • Publication number: 20110061981
    Abstract: The cable dispensing system includes multiple parallel coils of flexible non-insulated cables separated by multiple parallel insulating discs. The insulating discs have hubs to which the inner portions of the coils are fixedly coupled. The insulating discs and coils are disposed within a housing, which is rotatably coupled to the multiple parallel insulating discs and fixedly coupled to each outer portion of the multiple coils. The cables comprising the coils are routed from the inner portions through tunnels, which extend through the insulating discs in paths parallel to the axis of the parallel insulating discs. When cords attached to the housing are extended, the coils become wound, creating an electrical short between adjacent loops of the spiral coil. The shorter conductive path reduces the amount of energy that is lost as heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Jacobi Ori, Sadot Avner, Hanuna Shaul
  • Publication number: 20100301137
    Abstract: A reel device for winding/unwinding a continuous dripper irrigation line thereby customizably deploying the dripper irrigation line over an irrigated area and providing irrigation to the area is disclosed. The device includes: a structural frame-work, a rotational pivot suspended by the structural framework, at least one reel sub-unit revolving around the pivot, and a swivel conduit connector having at least one outlet, whereto the dripper irrigation line is connected. The reel device as well as irrigation systems in which such devices can be implemented are equivalently applicable for gardening, farming, industrial agriculture cultivation and crop growing, and for growth of any vegetation type or plant for any purpose whatsoever that reacquire an irrigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Sharona KEREN
  • Patent number: 7665685
    Abstract: A modular rotating carousel assembly for storage and unspooling of pipe or cable is provided that comprises a plurality of triangular subassemblies; each triangular subassembly comprises a base member and at least one pair of connecting members; the connecting members are connected together at one end to form an apex and are connected at the other end to the base member; the base members of the plurality of triangular subassemblies are rotatably connected together to form a first circle; wherein the apexes of the connecting members extend outwardly from said first circle; and a plurality of rotating caster members is positioned beneath the rotatable connection of a plurality of said base members. Additional sets of triangular subassemblies are built up on concentric circles until the desired size of carousel is formed. A drive mechanism is provided that includes a motor that rotates a perimeter drive chain that engages sprocket pads spaced about the circumference of the carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: DeepFlex, Inc.
    Inventors: Marbert G. Moore, III, Thomas E. Gaffney
  • Publication number: 20100001114
    Abstract: A transportable insulated blanket roller has a support, and a riser coupled to and extending vertically from the support. A bearing support is coupled to the riser, and has an insulated blanket retaining rod passing through the bearing support. The rod has a bifurcation defining first and second insulated blanket holding rods that are operative to receive an insulated blanket therebetween. A crank produces a rotary motion in the retaining rod, in turn winding the blanket onto the blanket holding rods. The transportable insulated blanket roller is combined with a land vehicle having a trailer hitch receiver or comparable coupling or support, and an insulated blanket. A method of efficiently using the transportable insulated blanket roller at a construction site is also presented, including using the bifurcated roller to roll an unrolled insulated blanket, and then sliding the insulated blanket off of the bifurcated roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas D. Piepgras
  • Publication number: 20090127369
    Abstract: A system is provided to adjust the orientation of the axis of a roll which carries a fabric storm curtain used to protect an opening in a structure. The system includes a bracket positioned at each end of the roll and a plate which is received in a recess in each bracket. The plate includes a hub which carries the roll and which has an axis aligned with the axis of rotation of the roll. The hub is positioned off center of the plate so that dependent on the orientation of plate relative to the recess, different orientations of the axis of the roll are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Richard S. Hand, Darrin W. Brunk
  • Publication number: 20090121068
    Abstract: A wire rack assembly includes: a casing defining an accommodating space therein and provided with a plurality of first conductive members that are disposed in the accommodating space; a first wire connected to the first conductive members and provided with a plug that is disposed outwardly of the accommodating space; a reel mounted rotatably on the casing, defining a winding space, and provided with a plurality of second conductive members that are respectively in sliding contact with the first conductive members; and a second wire wound on the reel, connected to the second conductive members, and provided with a receptacle that is disposed outwardly of the winding space and the accommodating space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Chi-Wen Chen
  • Publication number: 20090057472
    Abstract: A reel includes a substantially spherical housing configured to enclose a rotatable reel drum and an aperture sized to closely surround a linear material extending through the aperture. The linear material is spoolable and unspoolable from the reel drum while the housing encloses the reel drum. The housing includes decoration depicting a ball indicative of a game or type of recreation, a globe, a robot, a gazing ball, at least one flag, camouflage, foliage, diamond plate, or a race car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Great Stuff, Inc.
    Inventor: James B.A. Tracey
  • Publication number: 20090014576
    Abstract: A device for unidirectionally reeling and unreeling a power supply line includes: an upper bearing; a lower bearing; an upper cover; a lower cover; a rotary disc; a plug; a coil spring installed in the coil spring receiving space, on an outer wall of which a plurality of reeling-unreeling control grooves arranged uniformly; a clip body being installed on the rotary disc and used for clipping the power supply line; a conductive unit located in the clip body; and a reeling-unreeling control assembly installed on the lower cover for controlling a reeling-unreeling length of the power supply line. The device for reeling and unreeling a power supply line can be unreeled unidirectionally, can adapt to different voltages and apply to two-core or three-core power supply line, as well as has high safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Huibo Jiang