Flexible reach-through cord holder

Abstract

A cord holder for the storage and transport of electrical cords and similar items comprising a concave pouch open at both ends with a girth wider than the end openings. In use, a bundled or coiled cord is pulled into the device by an arm entering the device through one opening, extending through the device and out the second opening. The bundled cord is grasped by the extended hand and pulled into the device through the second opening. The cord is released after entering the device and expands. It is then held inside by expanding and filling the wider midsection.

Description

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to cord holders and more specifically to cord holders that have improvements to secure a cord inside a device for storage and transport.

B. Description of Related Art

The concept of cord holders for electrical cords is generally known in the art. Typically, cord holders comprise an elongated or circular device around which the cord is wound. These devices generally take considerable time for the user to wrap the cord around the device, and then to secure it in some fashion to keep it from unwinding. In addition, such devices do not provide any protection to the stored cord.

Heretofore, there has been a recognized problem in maintaining extension cords or items similar thereto in a secure and compact fashion. Because of the length of the cord, it is difficult to store it quickly, but also neatly to prevent tangling.

There have been many proposals to provide equipment for maintaining such cords or lines in position around a holding means. Typically, these devices have been made of rigid materials, such as metal or plastic. As such, they are not easily storable when not in use and also typically have some substantial weight.

C. Objects and Advantages of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention is designed to address the shortcomings of the typical prior cord holders.

The invention allows the quick and neat storage of a cord without the need for time-consuming winding.

The invention allows for the easy securing of a cord into a holder without additional manipulation of a securing device.

The invention allows for easy storage of the holder when not in use, in that it can be folded to a small size and stored in a small space.

The invention provides a cord holder that is light in weight, making it easily portable.

The invention prevents tangling of the cord.

The invention allows the rapid deployment of the cord for use.

The invention encloses the cord, thereby helping protect it from damage.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a pouch or bag enclosure with two open ends. The pouch is shaped so that it is wider toward the middle, with the openings at the two ends narrower than its mid-girth. In this embodiment, the invention is made of cloth, allowing for easy folding when not in use and being of light weight.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention designed for holding cords.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention designed for holding cords showing the view from a first end of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the view from a second end of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention showing a zipper-enhanced end.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the invention showing an embodiment of the invention including drawstrings for closure of the openings.

FIG. 6 is an embodiment of the invention showing flaps with velcro used for closing end opening in the invention.

FIG. 7 is an embodiment of the invention showing a handle and a hanging hole.

FIG. 8 shows the use of an embodiment of the invention with the power cord of an electrical tool.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. A Basic Embodiment of the Invention

A basic embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a flexible pouch 4 having two ends. The pouch 4 is made from a flexible material, such as cloth, polyurethane, plastic, nylon, or similar material. The pouch has a first opening 1 at one end of the pouch and a second opening 3 at the opposite end of the pouch. The pouch is shaped so as to be wider in girth near its midsection 2 than at the ends where the openings are located. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, one of the open ends 1 is smaller in diameter than the other end's opening 3.

FIG. 2 is another illustration of the basic embodiment of the invention, showing a perspective view. Again, a flexible cloth pouch 4 has a first opening 1 at one end of the pouch and a second opening 3 at the opposite end of the pouch. The pouch is shaped so as to be wider in girth near its midsection 2 than at the ends where the openings are located. In this view, a portion of the inside of the pouch can be seen through one of the openings 3. In the embodiment shown, one of the open ends 1 is smaller in diameter than the other end's opening 3.

FIG. 3 is yet another illustration of the basic embodiment of the invention, showing a perspective view from the narrower end of the invention. Again, a flexible cloth pouch 4 has a first opening 1 at one end of the pouch and a second opening 3 at the opposite end of the pouch. The pouch is shaped so as to be wider in girth near its midsection 2 than at the ends where the openings 1 and 3 are located. In this view, a portion of the inside of the pouch can be seen through one of the openings 1. In the embodiment shown, one of the open ends 1 is smaller in diameter than the other end's opening 3.

B. Additional and Alternative Embodiments of the Invention

Many different embodiments of the invention are possible, all incorporating the basic idea of the invention. For example, some of these embodiments include varying the relative sizes of a first opening 1, a second opening 3, and the girth of the midsection 2 of the pouch 4 in FIG. 1.

Another embodiment of the invention includes having one of the ends closed, providing a shaped pouch with only one end open. For example, in FIG. 1, open end 1 could be closed with open end 3 remaining open. The pouch 4 would still be shaped so as to be wider in its midsection 2 than at the first end 1 and the second end 3.

Other improvements can be added to the basic embodiment of the invention, such as loops or hooks attached to the pouch to allow it to be hung from a hook or nail. Handles can be added to allow easy transport. Closing devices, such as flaps or straps, can be added to the open ends to provide more secure storage of the cord.

FIGS. 4 through 8 show some examples of possible additional embodiments of the invention involving variously differing shapes, openings, closures, handles, and hanging devices. However, the figures are not exhaustive and are presented only by way of example. One skilled in the art will readily understand additional equivalents that can be used for the various features of the cord holder depicted.

FIG. 4 shows the invention with a zipper closure 5 added which allows for the wider opening 6 of one end 1 of the pouch 4. Also shown are the wider middle girth 2 and the larger opening on the other end 3.

FIG. 5 shows the invention with drawstring closures 7 added to both the narrower end 1 and the wider end 3 of the pouch 4. Also depicted is the wider girth 2 of the pouch 4 towards its midsection.

FIG. 6 shows the invention with flap closures 9 added to both end openings 1 and 3. Flaps 9 and pouch 4 have velcro strips 8 to hold the flaps closed. Figure also shows the widening in girth 2.

FIG. 7 shows the invention with a handle 10 and a “hanging” hole 11 added. The hanging hole is designed to allow the invention to be hung on a nail, peg, or similar device. FIG. 7 also shows the openings 1 and 3, and the widening of the girth 2.

FIG. 8 shows the invention in use on a power tool 11. The cord 13 of the power tool 111 is inserted in the narrow end 1 of the pouch. The bunched or coiled cord 13 is pulled into the pouch 4 and secured by the drawstrings 7.

C. Operation of the Invention

The invention is used by first gathering the cord to be stored into a bundle. It may optionally be wound or coiled. The device works with the cord wound, but such winding is not necessary. Referring to FIG. 1, the bundled or coiled cord is pulled into the device by the arm entering the device through one opening 1, extending through the device 4 and out the second opening 3. The bundled cord is grasped by the extended hand and pulled into the device 4 through the second opening 3. The cord is released after entering the device and expands. It is then held inside by expanding and filling the wider midsection 2.

then inserted into the pouch 4 through the larger of the two openings 3. The bundle of cord is pulled into pouch by reaching through the smaller opening from the outside of the pouch 4 and grasping the cord and pulling into the pouch through the larger opening 3. The cord is then released while being held inside the pouch 4. The natural tension in the cord causes it to expand into the shape of the pouch 4 conforming to its larger girth at the midsection 2. This expansion into the midsection makes the bundled cord as relaxed larger than the circumference of either the first opening 1 or the second opening 3, preventing the cord from falling through either opening when transported.

One method for transporting the invention is to carry it with the narrow end 1 down, providing more security against cord slippage due to the smaller diameter of the opening. If an optional handle is attached to the pouch 4 across the larger opening 3, the invention can be conveniently carried by such handle in the best position.

When the invention is empty, it can be folded into a compact package and stored easily.

D. Scope of the Invention

Although the present invention and its use has been described in considerable detail with respect to certain embodiments, many other embodiments are possible. The particular specifications given should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Therefore, the spirit and to the description of the described that equivalent structures can be used for changing the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A cord holder comprising:

a. a pouch;

b. a first opening at one end of the pouch;

c. a second opening at the opposite end of the pouch; and

d. the pouch being shaped so that its width near the middle is wider than its width at either of the end openings.

2. The cord holder of claim 1, wherein the first opening is wider in diameter than the second opening.

3. A cord holder comprising:

a. a pouch;

b. an opening at one end of the pouch; and

c. the pouch being shaped so that its width near the middle is wider than its width at the ends.

4. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein a zipper runs longitudinally along at least one end of the pouch allowing that opening to be widened for easier insertion or removal of the cord.

5. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch is composed of cloth or canvas.

6. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch is made of flexible polyurethane.

7. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch is round in shape.

8. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch is elongated in shape.

9. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has means for closing the open ends.

10. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has flaps at the ends that can be closed and held shut using velcro.

11. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has flaps at the ends that can be closed and held shut using snaps.

12. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has flaps at the ends that can be closed and held shut using zippers.

13. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has flaps at the ends that can be closed and held shut using buttons and buttonholes.

14. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has drawstrings at the ends that can be closed and held shut by pulling the drawstrings taut and securing them.

15. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has straps across the ends that can be secured across the end openings to prevent a cord from falling out.

16. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has snaps at both ends for closing the openings.

17. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has a zipper at the ends for closing the openings.

18. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has buttons and buttonholes for closing the openings.

19. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has a means for grasping for carrying.

20. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has a handle attached for ease in carrying.

21. The cord holder of claim 20, wherein the handle is across at least one opening of the pouch.

22. The cord holder of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pouch has means for hanging it on a nail, peg, or dowel.

23. The cord holder of claim 22, wherein the means for hanging is a hole in the pouch for hanging onto a nail, peg, or dowel.

24. The cord holder of claim 22, wherein the means for hanging is a loop on the pouch for hanging onto a nail, peg, or dowel.

25. The method of storing a cord using the apparatus of claim 1 or 2, comprising the steps of:

a. coiling or bunching the cord;

b. inserting a hand through a first open end of the pouch into the pouch;

c. reaching through to the second open end of the pouch;

d. grasping and pulling the coil or bundle of cord through the second open end of the pouch into the pouch; and

e. releasing the cord to allow it to expand inside the pouch.

26. The method of claim 25, further including the steps of:

securing the cord by a means for closure of at least one of the ends of the pouch.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the means for closure is a drawstring.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the means for closure is a flap.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the means for closure is a button and buttonhole.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein the means for closure is a snap.

31. The method of claim 26, wherein the means for closure is a strap with buckle.

32. The method of claim 26, wherein the means for closure is a zipper.

33. The method of claim 26, wherein the means for closure is velcro.