Cable storage

Abstract

Storage device for a cable. Two spaced flange parts are connected by an intermediate connection part. The connection part functions as reel for the cable to be stored while the flange parts enclose the cable in storage position. The flange parts and the intermediate parts are integrally mould from an elastomeric plastic material by injection moulding.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a storage device for cables more particular a storage device for domestic application

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Storage devices for cables are known. A particular commercially successful storage device comprises two opposite flange parts connected by a separate intermediate connection part. The intermediate connection part functions as reel for winding the cable while the flange part, having a relatively large dimension, function to fully enclose the cable. The flange parts are made from a deformable material and biassed to a comb shape. The dimensions of the comb and the length of the intermediate connection part are such that the extremities of the flange parts attach each other if no cable is present.

[0003] Although commercially successful, it is difficult to obtain such cable storage devices. Assembly is complicated. For assembly it would be advantageous if the separate intermediate connection part could be easily brought into engagement with both flange parts. However, this would also mean that it would be relatively easy for the user to separate the flange part from the intermediate connecting part. This is not desirable and because of that there is a very tight fit between the intermediate part and the flange part. In contrast to the flange part, the intermediate part is made from a rigid polymer material.

[0004] At the connection between the connection part and the flange part, the flange part should be thickened to obtain sufficient strength to be clamped around the connection part. This means that additional plastic material is used and the thickness at the centre of the storage is “double” i.e. comprises the intermediate part overlayed by the thickened flange part.

[0005] The invention aims to provide a storage device which can easily be produced and preferably be produced in one step by injection moulding.

[0006] It is a further aim of the invention to provide a storage device which has a larger storage capacity at the same outer dimensions.

[0007] It is a yet further aim of the invention to provide a storage device comprising less plastic material.

[0008] It is another aim of the subject invention to provide a storage device made from plastic materials which are usual in the art.

[0009] A further aim of the invention is to provide a storage device wherein the connection between the connection part and the flange part is ensured under all circumstances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a storage device for a cable is provided comprising two spaced flange parts connected by an intermediate connecting part, wherein said connecting part and said flange part are integrally moulded.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention the flange parts are comb shaped and have two stable positions, the first position in which the cavity of the comb is directed to the opposed flange part and a second position in which the cavity of the comb is directed away from the opposed flange part.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, the flange parts and the connection part comprise an elastomeric plastic material.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention one of said flange parts is provided with a recess at its circumference.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention one of said flange parts comprises a circumferential bead.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention the storage device is realized in a one step by injection moulding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in a first position and having a cut out for elucidation purposes;

[0017] FIG. 2 is the storage device according to FIG. 1 in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In FIGS. 1 and 2 a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The storage is generally referred to by 1 and comprises two flange parts 2 and 3. These flange parts are integrally moulded to a connection part 4. As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 2 the flange parts have a comb shape. Two stable positions can be obtained, the first position shown in FIG. 1 which is the position of use wherein the circumferential edges having a bead 5 are directed towards each other. A recess 6 is provided as outlet/inlet for cable 7.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows the second stable position in which the flanges are moved away from each other i.e. the combs defined by the flanges are in opposite directions. This is the position of moulding. I.e. if the storage according to the invention, is produced by injection moulding, which is presently preferred, it will leave the mould in the condition as shown in FIG. 2. By simply bringing the circumferential edges of the flange parts 2, 3 together, the storage device will flip into the second stable position thereof and the device according to FIG. 1 will be obtained.

[0020] According to the invention the connection part 4 is integrally moulded with flange parts 2 and 3. This obviates later assembly of the flange parts 2 and 3 with the connection part 4. Furthermore a very secure connection between connection part 4 and flange part 2 and 3 can be obtained whilst a relatively limited amount of plastic material is used. Because of integrally moulding flange parts 2 and 3 to connection part 4, these flange parts do not have to be thickened adjacent to the connection part as in the prior art meaning that the storage capacity increases.

[0021] In this prior art storage each of the flange parts are provided with a sleeve to be arranged around an intermediate connection part. The sleeve ends of both flange parts abut each other in the assembled condition. This means that in the assembled condition the core is realized by an outer sleeve comprising to sleeve halves of the flange parts and an inner sleeve comprising the connection part. Both sleeves should be relatively thick to obtain sufficient strength a stability of the structure. This means that at the same outward dimensions of the inventive storage device more cable volume can be received.

[0022] By adjusting tie thickness of the connection part the stiffness of the storage device can be easily controlled. It is not longer necessary to take other design features in considerations such as the requirement of a secure connection between the connection part and the flanges 2 and 3.

[0023] The storage 1 is preferably injection moulded from an elastomeric plastic material.

[0024] Because of integrally moulding connection part 4 and flanges 2 and 3 the design adjacent to the transition between connection part 4 and flanges 2 and 3 can be changed with regard to the prior art designs. More particular the curvature of the flanges can increase allowing for a further increase in the volume.

[0025] In a further embodiment (not shown) connection part 4 can be solid i.e. the ends of both flange parts 2 and 3 can be closed. This means that no longer there is a central opening extending from flange part 2 to flange part 3 but each of the flanges is a smoothly curved item.

[0026] Although the invention has been disclosed referring to a preferred embodiment, it will be immediately clear for the person skilled in the art that alternatives are possible within the range of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Storage device for a cable comprising two spaced flange parts connected by an intermediate connecting part, wherein said connecting part and said flange part are integrally moulded.

2. Storage device according to claim 1, wherein said flange parts are comb shaped and have two stable positions, the first position in which the cavity of the comb is directed to the opposed flange part and a second position in which the cavity of the comb is directed away from the opposed flange part.

3. Storage device according to claim 1, wherein said flange part and said connection part comprise an elastomeric plastic material

4. Storage device according to claim 1, wherein one of said flange parts is provided with a recess at its circumference.

5. Storage device according to claim 1, wherein one of said flange parts comprises a circumferential bead.

6. Storage device according to claim 1, wherein the centre of a flange part is closed.

7. Storage device according to claim 1, realized by injection moulding.