Abstract: A manually wound cord storage apparatus comprising a reel frame having a central hub, a handle and at least two feet attached to a generally planar body. A spool for storing an electrical cord is rotatably mounted on the central hub. A winding knob is rotatably mounted on 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.

Abstract: A halogen utility light has a hollow body with a lower handle portion and an upper light portion; a lamp head movably connected to the upper light portion; and a halogen bulb operatively mounted in the lamp head. The lower handle portion is curved along the longitudinal axis of the lower handle portion, and the lower handle portion has a recess containing a switch. The lamp head is pivotally connected to the upper light portion for movement along an arc and incorporates a screen for protecting the halogen bulb. A hook can be provided on a bottom surface of the lower handle portion for removably supporting the halogen utility light in an inverted position. Cooling apertures and slots are provided in the handle and the lamp head.

Abstract: A retracting extension cord reel includes a mounting bracket, a housing bracket removably and pivotally attached to the mounting bracket, and a cord reel housing attached to the housing bracket. When the mounting bracket is attached to a mounting surface, the housing can be moved toward and away from the mounting surface. When the housing bracket is detached from the mounting bracket, the housing bracket can be used as a handle for carrying the housing to a remote location. The cord reel is particularly useful for powering small appliances and electrical tools, and can incorporate a resettable circuit breaker.

Abstract: A plug lock for receiving an engaged plug and connector. The plug lock comprises a first side and a second side. Each of the first side and the second side have ribbed interior walls. A first end abutment connects the first side and one end of the second side. The first end abutment has a cord opening. The second end abutment is positioned opposite the first end abutment and connects the first side and the second side. The second end abutment has a clamp opening and a clamp portion extending through the clamp opening. The clamp portion has an outer surface with diametrically opposed ribbed portions configured to engage the ribbed interior walls of the first side and the second side and diametrically opposed smooth portions to slide over these ribbed interior walls. In use, a female plug terminates an electrical cord led through the clamp portion. A male plug terminates an electrical cord led through the cord opening and the male plug is engaged in the female plug.

Abstract: An electrical connection comprised of a pair of cooperating separable plug members having a separable locking yoke having legs the ends of which are pivotally mounted to boss members formed on one of the plug members and a pair of cooperating spaced apart elements for frictionally engaging the electrical conduit leading away from the other of the plug members.

Abstract: An extension cord storage apparatus which includes a housing having a central body portion with spaced apart side walls and spaced apart end walls; spaced apart arcuate extension walls secured to respective ones of the end walls of the central body of the housing, the arcuate extension walls defining hollow compartment with respective ones of the end walls of the central body of the housing and having opposed openings communicating with respective compartments; and a closure for each of the openings of the hollow compartments.

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 fluorescent utility light (10) includes an elongated body (11) having a light portion (11a) with a detented hook (18) at an upper end and a curved handle portion (11b) with an electrical outlet (33) at a lower end adjacent a power cord (32). A magnet (25) on a clip (21) rotatably engages a groove (20) in the body (11) for attaching the light (10) to a metallic surface. A lens (16) is releasably retained on the body (11) for easy access through an opening (11c) to a fluorescent lamp (40) mounted in a socket (38) retained in the body. A plurality of sawtooth ridges (42) formed on an interior of a top wall (16c) of the lens (16) directs light from the lamp through the top wall.

Abstract: A multi-purpose cooking appliance comprising: a self-supporting base, a lid mountable on the base, a cooking chamber defined between the base and the lid, a heat conductive pan within the cooking chamber, a heat source connected to the heat conductive pan, removable, elongated skewers for supporting food within said cooking chamber, the skewers being formed of a heat conductive material and having a length sufficient to span the length of the conductive pan and rest thereon, and at least one tray including a surface engageable with a surface on said pan to locate the tray within the cooking chamber, the tray being dimensioned to be spaced from the pan.

Abstract: A potato baking device comprising a self-supporting base and lid, wherein the base and lid define a cooking chamber for baking potatoes. A heating plate is provided inside the cooking chamber for conducting heat throughout the cooking chamber. A plurality of detachable heat conductive skewers are provided on which potatoes are mounted and placed into the cooking chamber such that the skewers are in contact with the heating plate. To facilitate mounting the potatoes onto the skewers, a mounting block is provided. A temperature sensing unit is also provided to determine the internal temperature of the potato and indicate when cooking is completed.