Abstract: A cable winding device and method for winding a cable which provides for quick and easy removal of a cable from the cable winder such that the winder may readily be used to wind additional cables without additional parts, and such that the wound cable may be efficiently stored.

Abstract: A rotatable spool includes a frame with a central rod and a hollow cylinder that is rotatable about the central rod. The cylinder includes an inscribed helical thread that is formed along the length of the cylinder and a central axis parallel with the central rod. The operator is disposed around a portion of the cylinder and includes a projection engaged with the helical thread such that linear movement of the operator causes the cylinder to rotate about its central axis. A reel is rotatably mounted on the frame and a clutch selectively couples the cylinder and the reel when the operator is depressed toward the frame.

Abstract: A reinforcement ring is insert-molded as an insert body on a reel hub of a reel around which recording tape is wound. The reinforcement ring includes a metal ring at least whose inner peripheral surface is covered by a resin layer. The clearance between the reinforcement ring and a mold during reel molding can be reduced, and the amount of eccentricity of the insert body with respect to the reel hub can be reduced.

Abstract: A reinforcement binding machine (1), comprising a wire reel storage part (3) having a rotation detection lever (8) and a photo sensor (7). When a wire reel is rotated in starting binding, the rotation detection lever is turned on and off by a projected part formed on the side face of the wire reel to detect the rotation, and the photo sensor detects a reflection mark on the wire reel to discriminate the type of the wire by a mark number so as to control torsional torque, etc. Since wire information is detected in binding operation when the wire reel is rotated at a high speed not in initialization operation (in setting the wire) when the wire reel is rotated at a low speed, the swing amount of the rotation detection lever is large and, accordingly, the wire information can be securely detected.

Abstract: A wire winder includes a body configured to anchor a wire and such that the wire extends from the body. The body is at least partially surrounded by a rotatable bobbin journalled on the body. The wire is windable onto the body within the rotatable bobbin from a direction substantially aligned with a bobbin axis. The bobbin rotation is indexed by coaction between at least one projection or depression on the body and at least one depression or projection on the bobbin.

Abstract: When a spool rotates in a retraction direction, a guide pin of a lock member presses against an inner wall of a groove portion with a pressing force in the same direction as a centrifugal force. As a result, friction between an outer circumferential portion of the guide pin and the inner wall of the groove portion increases, a V-gear is held by the guide pin, and rotation of the V-gear in the retraction direction relative to the spool is suppressed. Further, the V-gear, which is pressed by a pressing force at the inner wall of the groove portion, presses against a shaft portion of a torsion shaft with a pressing force in the same direction as the above-described pressing force when the V-gear attempts to move in the direction of action of the above-described pressing force.

Abstract: A modular reel assembly for winding, dispensing, transporting, or storing hose, cord, or cable, is provided. Such a reel comprises of a pair of substantially similar polymeric support endplates and a pair of substantially similar polymeric spool endplates. The substantially similar support endplates are connected by at least one support endplate connecting member defining a predetermined support assembly width. The substantially similar spool endplates are connected by at least one spool endplate connecting member defining a predetermined spool assembly width. The modular reel assembly can thus be adjusted to particular discrete spool assembly and support assembly widths through appropriately selected interchangeable spool endplate and support endplate connecting members.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for decorative and holiday lights. The storage apparatus has a central rod with two disc-shaped ends, with the rod having a plurality of nodules. Each of the ends has a groove for insertion of an end of a string of decorative and holiday lights. The entire string of decorative and holiday lights can be wound around the rod, taking care to separate successive wrappings around the central rod by using the spacing of the nodules.

Abstract: A coil tubing system including a reel having a core rotatable about a horizontal axis, the core having a surface defining an interior cavity about the horizontal axis and a tubing having an inlet end positioned proximate the horizontal axis. A bend is formed in the tubing between the inlet end and a core point of the tubing positioned proximate the core surface, the permanent bend positioned substantially within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A cable shortener apparatus for permitting the length adjustment of a cable having a certain incompressable diameter. The cable is arranged for supporting a sign carrier from an overhead support. The cable shortener apparatus may be comprised of a duplicate pair of generally rigid annular rings lockably engagable with one another. Each ring may have an inner arcuate hub flange which defines a fixed hub surface for receiving at least one wrap of a support cable. An annular edge on each of the rings is spaced apart from one another when the rings are mated together. The spaced apart annular edges defining a gap no wider than the diameter of the cable being wrapped about the hub of the shortener.

Abstract: A garden soaker hose and reel assembly includes a ground anchor on one end of the soaker hose which is rigidly fixed to the soaker hose. The reel has a special configuration to make the soaker hose easier to unwind from the reel and to wind back onto the reel. The soaker hose can be provided with a stripe on the upper wall of the soaker hose to make it easily apparent if the hose is twisted.

Abstract: A membrane packing dispenser includes a rotary shaft sleeve and a holding sleeve. The cylindrical portion of the rotary shaft sleeve is step-shaped and formed with a lower portion to be fitted with a membrane reel and an upper portion for receiving the cylindrical portion of the holding sleeve. The lower portion of the rotary shaft sleeve has its outer wall bored with plural slots respectively disposed therein with a tightening plate having its upper opposite sides respectively fixed with an engage projection. Thus, the lower portion of the rotary shaft sleeve can be firmly engaged with the end of a membrane reel by the engage projections of the tightening plates. The engage projections can be elastically adjusted to shift; therefore, the rotary shaft sleeves are applicable to various membrane reels with a little difference in size.

Abstract: A reel assembly includes a reel having a magnet rim, turntable, magnetic key, and a wire feed tube. The reel is self starting and holds the feed wire upon the completion of winding.

Abstract: A linear material reel design promotes the uniform spooling of a linear material around a reel drum, while also reducing stress acting on the end of the linear material that is connected to the drum. A connector ramp has a connector face generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the drum and is configured to orient the connecting section of a linear material substantially parallel to the outer surface of the drum. A guide groove promotes uniformity of spooling. A retraction limiting band maintains a length of the linear material wrapped around the drum. The retraction limiting band, guide groove, and connector ramp can be employed together or independently. Methods of spooling linear material with the use of such apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A NID includes a base having a network area and a customer area adjacent thereto. The NID may also include a cable reel carried by the base. An access cover may be provided for the cable reel and the base that may include a network cover door for the network area, and a customer cover door for the customer area. The access cover may have a shape defined by at least a portion of an ellipsoid. The shape of the access cover may be defined by half an ellipsoid with major and minor axes adjacent the base, and the base may have an elliptical shape. The cable reel may be rotatable with the base or rotatable independent thereof.

Abstract: The hose reel apparatus includes a tube motor having a housing that at one end is bolted to a mounting bracket leg to extend within the reel drum and a motor shaft extending within and connected to one end portion of a sheath tube which is also extends within the drum. The opposite end portion of the tube is connected to the reel side plate which is adjacent to the above mentioned leg to rotates the reel. Swivel mechanism is mounted to the other mounting bracket leg, and extends into the drum and is adapted to be non-rotatably connected to a conduit and to a hose that is to be wound onto and unwound from the reel drum.

Abstract: Described is a reel that comprises a single side element that, when attached to a second identical side element, forms a complete reel structure. The side element comprises a ring. The preferably form of the ring comprises an inner ring attached to an outer ring by at least two, preferably eight spanning supports. There is an inner perimeter of the ring that has at least two, preferably four attachment apertures located nearby. There is a handle attached to the ring by two legs to an inner perimeter of the ring. The handle has a top side and a bottom side. Located in the center of the handle is an aperture that, when a rigid objected is inserted into the aperture, allows easy and convenient rotation of the reel thereby facilitating easy wrapping and unwrapping of the linear object.

Abstract: Units for storing flexible elongated objects are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage unit includes a left end portion and a right end portion. An upper left recess and a lower left recess are disposed in the left end portion. The upper left recess is located between a left upper post and a left center post, and the lower left recess is located between the left center post and a left lower post. An upper right recess and a lower right recess are disposed in the right end portion. The upper right recess is located between a right upper post and a right center post, and the lower right recess is located between the right center post and a right lower post. The upper left recess is substantially aligned with the upper right recess, and the lower left recess is substantially aligned with the lower right recess.

Abstract: An automatic sliding door cable mechanism with a take up guide member (46) mounted in a drum (14) for taking up slack of a cable during installation of the cable. A second drum (16) has an elliptical profile drum helix (96) for increasing durability of the operating cable for the automatic door.

Abstract: A fluid handling system is disclosed having a swivel for connecting a stationary fluid source line to a fluid service line that is wound upon a reel. A rotor cap secures the fluid source line and a rotor within the swivel in position, allowing a housing within the swivel to freely rotate with the fluid service line and reel. The swivel is coupled to the fluid source line using a crimping ferrule to eliminate the necessity of predisposing mating components on the fluid source line. The swivel is further provided with seals that reduce the incidence of bunching and tear due to the reduction in drag imposed on the seals.

Abstract: An applicator stores a boxer's hand wrap substantially without folds, creases, or wrinkles, all of which are especially severe if the hand wrap is relatively stiff with dried perspiration. By storing the hand wrap in a smooth, rolled configuration, it can be readily reapplied in a similarly smooth, non-wrinkled manner, as is optimal for boxing purposes. The applicator has a spool and outwardly extending spindles. The spool is non-rotatable relative to the spindle, permitting the wrap to be appropriately tensioned while it is being applied to the boxer's hand. The applicator has deodorant which permeates the wrap when it is stored on a receiving surface of the spool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for storing and handling holiday light strings such as icicle lights. The device in accordance with the invention includes a vertically disposed rotatable spindle. The icicle light string can be conveniently wound on the spindle by rotating the spindle in the direction of winding. The device allows for ease of storage and handling of such light strings without any substantial tangling of the strings. When it is desired to mount the lights after a period of storage, the light strings can be readily unwound from the rotatable spindle and directly mounted at desired locations.

Abstract: An automatic sliding door cable mechanism with a take up guide member (46) mounted in a drum (14) for taking up slack of a cable during installation of the cable. A second drum (16) has an elliptical profile drum helix (96) for increasing durability of the operating cable for the automatic door.

Abstract: In a winding mechanism for a sun screen comprising a winding tube which is rotatable about a central axis for winding and unwinding the sun screen and driving means for said winding tube, the central axis is curved and the winding tube is flexible. A possible use of such a winding mechanism is in an open roof construction of a vehicle.

Abstract: An optical fiber winding apparatus includes a base, a plurality of fiber containment devices connected to the base, and a fiber guider connected to and movable in a repeatable path with respect to the base, wherein the guider winds the fiber around the fiber containment devices. The apparatus is hand-held, and the path of the guider overlaps itself in a single cycle of the path, such as a figure-eight.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing excess lengths of installed fiber optic cable. The apparatus is a specially designed routing spool that allows for optic fiber cables to be wrapped in individual slots of suitable radius to provide separation of cables and prevent kinking and microbends, and to allow easy access to the fiber cables if it is necessary to perform maintenance or to replace cables.

Abstract: A device for the dispensing of drip system tubing for commercial installers of such irrigation systems. The device has a lower base upon which is centrally disposed a spaced bearing housing with a bearing therein for rotation of an upper base. The upper base has a reel optionally removably mounted thereto, for receipt of a coil of drip system line. The device may include grab handles for carrying it from location to location. It may also include a handle for aiding in the rotation of the upper base relative to the lower base for the dispensing of the drip line tubing. An optional counter for measuring the amount of drip line dispensed may also be included.

Abstract: A storage device for storing strings Christmas, holiday or other strings of lights when the strings of lights are not in use. The device has an end having slots therethrough through which one or more of the ends of the string of lights are placed. A cap is then utilized to hold the light string end in position while the string itself is wound around the exterior surface of the storage device.

Abstract: A string control system for conveniently dispensing for use and retracting for storage an elongate flexible member. The string control system includes a reeling device for dispensing an elongate flexible member during use of the flexible member and retracting the flexible member for storage of the flexible member. The device comprises a frame having laterally spaced side portions and longitudinally spaced end portions defining an opening. The end portions extend between the side portions. A spool is provided for winding a length of an elongate flexible member thereon. The spool is positioned in the opening of the frame and is rotatably mounted on the frame. The spool has a pair of flange portions and a central portion mounted between the flange portions. A crank is provided for rotating the spool. Preferably, each of the flange portions of the spool has a hub and at least two guide spokes extending radially outward from the hub.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for storing and handling holiday light strings such as icicle lights. The device in accordance with the invention includes a vertically disposed rotatable spindle. The icicle light string can be conveniently wound on the spindle by rotating the spindle in the direction of winding. The device allows for ease of storage and handling of such light strings without any substantial tangling of the strings. When it is desired to mount the lights after a period of storage, the light strings can be readily unwound from the rotatable spindle and directly mounted at desired locations.

Abstract: A storage device for a long vacuum hose such as used for cleaning a pool has a frustoconcial member mounted on a reel rotatably supported on a frame. The frustoconical member frictionally fits and secures the end of the vacuum hose to enable the winding of the hose on the reel.

Abstract: An assembly includes an enclosure and a device for storing fiber slack. The device has a pair of spool portions on opposite sides of the device. Each spool portion is shaped so that fiber slack can be wound back and forth between the two spool portions. The device is pivotally mounted within the enclosure, so that the pair of spool portions can be accessed by pivoting the device. Each spool portion may have a semicircular shape. Each spool portion has a radius at least as large as a minimum bend radius for a fiber to be stored on the device. A length of a fiber portion extending between the pair of spool portions is substantially greater than a perimeter of one of the spool portions. The device has top and bottom U-shaped channels connecting the tops and bottoms of the spool portions, respectively. The pair of spool portions and the top and bottom U-shaped channels form an elongated spool for storing fiber, the elongated spool extending around three sides of the device.

Abstract: The fiber slack storage device of the present invention for storing a slack length of a fiber optic strand comprises a spool comprising a pair of diametrically-opposed cylindrical barrels, and a cylindrical housing for at least partially enclosing the spool. The spool is disposed in the housing and is rotatable with respect thereto and the minimum radius of curvature of each of the cylindrical barrels is equal to or greater than the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic strand.

Abstract: A spooler is used for storing and distributing an elongate, flexible member. The spooler has a base and a rotary support rotatably and detachably mounted to the base. A plurality of load-bearing arms are detachably connected to and extend radially from the rotary support. At least one spool guide is included, each spool guide being slidably located and selectively mounted along one of the load-bearing arms. Each spool guide extends substantially vertically from one of the load-bearing arms.

Abstract: A holder for storing and dispensing an elongated flexible member, such as a rope, hose or electrical extension cord. A planar elongated handle member has a pair of planar parallel cross members, around which the flexible member is stored, extending perpendicularly therefrom and intermediate the ends thereof. Each cross member has a spring loaded end piece selectively pivotally movable between a closed position in which the flexible member is retained on the holder and an open position, perpendicular to the closed position, in which the flexible member can be rapidly removed from the holder.

Abstract: A device for winding a power cord of an up-right vacuum is disclosed to wind the power cord on a fixed cord hanger and a rotary cord hanger by the rotation of the winding device for an easy winding. The device for winding the power cord includes a rotary member 100 inserted from the front side of the main body 200 into the rear side thereof. A power cord holder 400 is coupled from the rear side of the main body 200 into the front side for winding with guiding the power cord 300 toward a circumference direction by a rotation of the rotary member 100. A rotary hanger 500 is engaged on an upper part within a radius of the power cord holder 400 for pivoting together to smoothly wind the power cord 300 in a case of passing the power cord holder 400 and for repatriating not to come out the wound power cord 300 after passing the cord holder. And a fixed cord hanger 600 is positioned on a lower part inside the radius of the power cord holder 400 for winding the power cord 300 while passing the power cord holder 400.

Abstract: In a drum winding unit 10, a cylindrical drum 18 with a wire 20 wound is supported by paired supports 14 and 16 fixed to a base structure 12 such that the drum 18 freely rotates about a central axis of the drum 18. A drive unit 32 for rotating the drum 18 is disposed inside the drum 18. The unit 10 is designed so as to insert the drive unit 32 into and extract it from the drum 18 while keeping the drum 18 and the supports 14 and 16 as they are at their operating positions.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An applicator stores a boxer's hand wrap substantially without folds, creases, or wrinkles, all of which are especially severe if the hand wrap is relatively stiff with dried perspiration. By storing the hand wrap in a smooth, rolled configuration, it can be readily reapplied in a similarly smooth, non-wrinkled manner, as is optimal for boxing purposes. The applicator has a spool and outwardly extending spindles. The spool is non-rotatable relative to the spindle, permitting the wrap to be appropriately tensioned while it is being applied to the boxer's hand. The applicator has deodorant which permeates the wrap when it is stored on a receiving surface of the spool.

Abstract: A storage system is provided for organizing, handling, and storing small electrical appliances with powercords and adapters, in an orderly and efficient manner for ease of access, and especially for handling and storing loose powercords. The system comprises a powercord storage tool, and an appliance storage container. The powercord storage tool provides efficient device for gripping, winding, and retaining a powercord. It also provides a device for attaching the tool, with powercord on it, to an electrical appliance, and alternately for attaching the tool, with powercord on it, to the outside of the appliance storage container. The appliance storage container provides a device for storing the appliance inside, and a rack on the outside for attaching and holding the tool, with powercord wound thereon, onto the outside of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing electrical or nonelectrical cables, such as television coaxial cables, and a spool to be used together therewith. The apparatus includes a container having a cover for introducing and extracting a spool holding a cable coil and wheels for supporting, centering, and freely rotating the spool inside the container. The spool includes male and female mutually mating flanges. Each of the flanges include an inwardly projecting central part having a frusto conical shape for blocking the innermost turns of the cable coil. At least one of the flanges includes a circular race in which an elastic ring is inserted for assuring cable dragging during rewinding or unwinding of the spool.

Abstract: A weight for a lighter-than-air balloon is disclosed. The weight includes a spool, adapted to receive a ribbon for attachment to the balloon, and a hook, including a ribbon catch and adapted to facilitate display of the balloon.

Abstract: An arrangement for leading flexible elements, such as hoses, around a hose reel to a rock drill moving along a feed beam, in which the flexible elements are coupled immovably to the feed beam and to the rock drill, characterized in that the flexible elements are mounted on the hose reel in at least two successive layers in the radial direction of the hose reel and each radial layer is pivoted so as to revolve around a shaft of the hose reel independently of the other layers.

Abstract: A storage system for organizing, handling and storing small electrical appliances with powercords and adapters, in an orderly and efficient manner for ease of access, and especially for handling and storing loose powercords. The system comprises a powercord storage tool, and an appliance storage container. The powercord storage tool provides efficient means for gripping, winding and retaining a powercord. It also provides means for attaching the tool, with powercord on it, to an electrical appliance, and alternately for attaching the tool, with powercord on it, to the outside of the appliance storage container. The appliance storage container provides storage of the appliance inside, and a rack on the outside for attaching and holding the tool, with powercord wound thereon, onto the outside of the container. The tool also provides manual guiding and direct sensory feedback to the operator of the tension on the powercord while it is being wound onto the powercord storage tool.

Abstract: A cable-spooling casing is suitable for completely or partially spooling transmission cables of earphone for easy carriage. The cable-spooling casing includes a first spooling guide having a first protuberance on its interior surface and a plurality of slots around its perimeter. There is also a second spooling guide having a second protuberance on its interior surface, such that when the first protuberance of the first spooling guide is joined to the second protuberance of the second spooling guide, a groove for spooling cable is formed in the middle. There is at least one clip on the exterior surface of the first cable-spooling guide for fixing the earphone transmission cable in place and at least one back clamp on the exterior surface of the second cable-spooling guide for clamping the cable-spooling casing onto any item worn by a user.

Abstract: A hand held strap winder has an oval, planar base with a hand grip, a hub on which the strap is wound and a strap guide aligned on the major axis of the oval base.

Abstract: An winch drum for a winch used to secure cargo straps which restrain cargo transported on a flatbed vehicle. The winch drum has two D-shaped sections arranged with the flat surfaces spaced apart and facing each other to form a slot for receiving the end of a cargo strap. The arcuate surfaces of the drum sections form a generally cylindrical surface on which the strap can be wound. The flat surfaces of each drum section are formed by inturned sides which are butted together edge to edge. Each drum section has notches at the ends of the flat surfaces. Reinforcing plates are secured in the winch drum by welding them to the drum sections adjacent to the notches. This construction exhibits strength because the reinforcing plates resist any tendency for the tubular drum to collapse.

Abstract: A hand reel storage device (10) for a holiday light string (12), having an elongate cord (14), a plurality of light sockets (16) with light bulbs (18), a plug (20) on a first end (22) and an outlet (24) on a second end (26). The hand reel storage device (10) comprises a spool (28) to hold the holiday light string (12) when the elongate cord (14) is wound thereabout. A facility (30) on a first end of the spool (28) is for retaining the first end (22) of the elongate cord (14) with the plug (20) of the holiday light string (12) in place. A facility (32) on a second end of the spool (28) is for retaining the second end (26) of the elongate cord (14) with the outlet (24) of the holiday light string (12) in place.

Abstract: An apparatus (11) for storing a cord includes a pair of side panels (12, 13) each having a plurality of retainer cavities (29, 30, 31), a bearing aperture (26) and a pair of mounting bosses (64) formed thereon, a plurality of spacer bars (14, 15, 16) having opposite ends (33, 35, 37) inserted into corresponding ones of the retainer cavities for maintaining the side panels in spaced apart relationship and threaded fasteners (50) attaching the side panels to the spacer bars. A spool (17) for storing a cord has opposite ends (41, 44) rotatably retained in the bearing apertures (26) and slots (68, 69, 70) with cut outs (68a, 69a, 70a) for retaining an end of the cord. A winding handle (18) is attached to the spool (17) by legs (55) engaging retainers (52) on the spool ends (41, 44). Mounting brackets (19) are provided for receiving the mounting bosses (64) and releasably retaining the side panels (12, 13) on a mounting surface.

Abstract: A cable drum assembly comprises a cable drum for a cable-driven apparatus such as a cable window lifter, in particular of a motor vehicle, which automatically compensates for cable slackness without deforming the window lift system. The cable drum has the advantage that it only removes the so-called genuine cable slackness present when the window lifter is in the relaxed state. The cable drum has a part for compensating the cable slackness which can be moved in relation to the outer cable drum wall and is disposed in a guide inside the cable drum. The part may be connected with one cable end of the cable loop, and that when a load is placed on the cable drum by the cable, the part is arrested on the cable drum. When the cable drum is unloaded, a spring urges the part so as to take up cable slackness.