Abstract: A cord reel wherein the cord is rendered operative only for such time as the cord is substantially unwound from the reel; when the cord is operative the reel is locked to prevent the cord being wound thereon. In the preferred embodiment the cord is rendered inoperative by capturing a cord connector at the hub end of the reel in a hub compartment, the compartment having a shutter interconnected with the reel lock. The captured connector when released may be drawn from the compartment to connect the cord to a convenience receptacle.

Abstract: A cube tap has a cover secured thereto by a flexible tether which permits a user to seal off outlets in different faces of the cube tap. The cube tap, cover and tether may be unipartitely molded.

Abstract: An artificial shrub comprises a central trunk and a plurality of branches connected thereto by a loop at the end of each branch which is receivable directly on the trunk. Shrubs of this construction are easily user assembled and adjusted for aesthetic effect, particularly where the branches are of appreciable axial extent and downwardly, outswept from the loops. A branch rest in the form of a serrated hoop may be provided to give lateral and radial support for the branch ends.

Abstract: An artificial tree or the like having an improved holder for the branches thereof is disclosed. The branch holder comprises a support element such as a hub which can form or be attached to the trunk-forming member from which hub support arms extend radially outwardly for support of branches. Each of the support arms includes a bearing adjacent the juncture of the hub and the support arm for receiving therein a pivot element at the end of each branch to be supported therein. The bearing is accessible by way of a passageway which has a trap located therein, which trap is yieldable to permit entry of the pivot element of the branch and is resistant to withdrawal of the branch from the support arm. The configuration of the holder is particularly adapted for unipartite molding with thermoplastic materials in a simple draw die.

Abstract: Disclosed is a socket for an electric lamp including a receptacle for such lamp and terminals within the receptacle for making contact therewith; said socket being molded onto a power cord by clamping a zone of the power cord within a closed socket mold with the component wires of the cord separated and extending centrally across the socket cavity of the mold and being respectively impaled upon spikes protruding from the respective terminals to make electrical contact therewith; said terminals being disposed to extend across the socket cavity in a direction transverse to that of the power cord; the socket being molded with an integral partition extending between the separated wires and encapsulating them together with the spikes and parts of the terminals; pins being disposed between the separated wires at each side of the socket during the molding thereof, creating drain holes extending through the partition between the receptacle and the exterior.

Abstract: Electrical lamp sockets are moulded on and around elongated mutually insulated conductors to which the socket contacts are connected before moulding; the contacts being firmly embedded in the socket material. A transfer turntable carries a plurality of supports for mounting the socket contacts in spaced relation thereon; each support being successively brought to a moulding station and co-operation with mould elements to form a mould for the socket. The conductors are entrained through the moulding station and impaled on points of the contacts at said station prior to fully closing the mould and injecting the moulding charge.