Device for winding and securing a cable and method therefor

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to cable winding devices, and more specifically, to a portable, motorized device for winding and securing a cable and a method therefor.

2. Description of Related Art

Cable winding devices have long been used in the art, and during such use numerous and varied winders have been developed. Some cable winding devices include portable, recoilable systems, retrievable electric cord reel devices, extension cord/tool carriers, storage reels, cable coiler devices, and retractable cable winders.

Typically, these and other known cable winding devices include a spool having a flange at both ends of the spool, about which a cable or wire may be wound and subsequently stored wound around the spool and between the flanges. Unfortunately, however, a separate spool is necessary for each cable or wire so wound, which is costly, and storage of the cables on the spools is inefficient due to the large size of the spools.

Thus, the above mentioned devices fail to allow for the wound cable or wire to be quickly and easily removed from the spool for reuse of the spool and/or for convenient and efficient storage of the wound cable or wire. Therefore, it is clear that what is needed is a cable winding device that 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.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a cable winding device having a generally cylindrical spool and means for rotating the spool, wherein a cable wound around the spool is removable therefrom by sliding the cable over an end of the spool.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a device for winding a cable that allows for easy removal of the wound cable.

According to one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cord winding device includes a spool having a constant radius such that the wound cable may be removed therefrom by sliding the cable off an end of the spool.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the spool comprises a plurality of resilient tines circumferentially disposed about a longitudinal axis.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the plurality of resilient tines are deformable in a radial direction to reduce the circumference of the spool, at least temporarily, in order to facilitate removal of the wound cable.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, a generally planar collapsible elongated member is retained by ends thereof on pillars operably connected to the cable winder.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the pillars are disposed radially inward of the circumference of the spool.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the wound cable, when removed from the spool, can be secured in the wrapped configuration with the collapsible elongated member.

According to another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a method by providing a method for securing a cable in a wound configuration comprising the step of contacting at least a portion of the cable in the wound configuration with a generally planar cable tie, wherein the contacting step causes the cable tie to collapse around and at least partially encircle at least a portion of the cable to secure the cable in the wound configuration.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of winding the cable around a spool to place the cable in the wound configuration, the spool having at least one open end, and removing the cable in the wound configuration by sliding the cable over the open end.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the cable tie is removably secured at opposing ends thereof to a cable winding device, and the contacting step includes contacting at least a portion of the wound cable with a medial portion of the cable tie between the secured ends.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the spool includes a plurality of tines arranged about a longitudinal axis and the tines are flexibly disposed allowing for inward radial movement, such that the circumference of the spool may be decreased.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to facilitate easy removal of a wound cable from the spool of a cable winder such that the wound cable may be conveniently stored apart from the spool.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow the wound cable to be secured using a collapsible member for quick and easy securing of the cable in a wound configuration.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reading the following Detailed Description and Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Accordingly, the present invention will be understood best through consideration of, and reference to, the following Figures, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various Figures designate like structure, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a flange of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the flange of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a spool according to the preferred embedment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a front cover of the housing of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a back cover of the housing of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a cable tie according to the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the cable tie of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the cable winder of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the cable winder with a wound cable removed therefrom and positioned to be secured; and

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the cable wider with the wound cable secured by a cable tie.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the invention to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as such details may be deemed essential to the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In describing preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

In that form of the preferred embodiment of the present invention chosen for purposes of illustration, FIG. 1 generally shows an exploded perspective view of various components comprising cable winding device 100 preferably comprises rotationally mounted spool 110 including a plurality of tines 111. Each of tines 111 preferably projects generally perpendicularly from a circumferential portion of circular disc member 113. Flange 130 is preferably slidably engaged with spool 110 such that each of tines 111 protrudes through a respective one of openings 131 disposed through flange 130. Flange 130 is preferably formed as a generally planar circular disc and is preferably configured and arranged to easily mate with spool 110 and to conform to a shape of housing 120. Flange 130 preferably combines with spool 110 to form open-ended spool unit 135 having only a single flange, such as flange 130 on first side 112 as is shown in FIG. 4.

Circular disc member 113 preferably includes opening 115 disposed centrally therethrough for operable engagement with shaft 155 of motor 150. Motor 150 is preferably an electric motor adapted to rotate shaft 155, thereby rotating spool 110 and flange 130 connected thereto, but may alternatively be any suitable means for rotating spool 110, such as a hand crank, or other suitable motor. In addition, motor 150 is preferably mechanically coupled to shaft 155 although other connection methods may be used, such as magnetic, inductive, fluid, or other suitable coupling means.

Shaft 155 preferably passes through front cover 121 of housing 120 with motor 150 disposed proximate interior surface 121a, and with spool 110 disposed proximate opposing outer surface 121b. Rear cover 123 is preferably removably connected to front cover 121 defining a substantially completely enclosed interior space. Motor 150 is preferably mounted within the interior space and is preferably securely connected to rear cover 123 by bracket 160. Power supply means 170 is preferably mounted to back cover 123 proximate opening 124 such that batteries or other power supply may be provided therethrough. Opening 124 is preferably adapted to removably receive lid 125 to prevent undesired infiltration of dust, dirt, liquids, or other harmful substances into housing 120. Power supply means 170 is preferably operably connected to motor 150 for providing suitable electric power thereto for operation thereof. Switch 180 is preferably operably connected to power supply 170 to selectively electrically connect power supply 170 to motor 150 to selectively engage motor 150 for winding a cable around tines 111 of spool 110. cable guide 190 is preferably operably connected to housing 120 (such as in front cover opening 121c and disposed in groove 123a in back cover 123.

Preferably, flange 130, spool 110, housing 120, bracket 160, and other components of cable winder 100 are preferably formed of a material selected from the group including, but not limited to 0.06″ ABS, High Density Polystyrene, or other suitable natural or synthetic material. Other materials from which some or all of the components of cable winder 100 may be formed optionally include lightweight, sturdy materials having high durability, resistance to scratching, denting, discoloration, and/or other forms of wear and/or damage, illustratively such as plastic, wood, cardboard, paper material, metal, rubber, epoxy, glass, resin and/or combinations thereof. Preferably, flange 130, spool 110, housing 120, bracket 160, and other components of cable winder 100 further preferably have additional beneficial characteristics, such as water-resistance, low cost, ease of workability, and other characteristics as will be understood by one or ordinary skill in the art.

As best shown in FIGS. 2-3, flange 130 preferably has a thickness that is substantially less than a length or width thereof, thereby defining a substantially planar member. Preferably openings 131 are disposed circumferentially about central opening 133. Central opening 133 is preferably adapted to receive shaft 155 or a mechanical fastening means for removably attaching flange to spool 110 and shaft 155. Furthermore, flange 130 may, optionally, include a surface, integral therewith or permanently or removably attached thereto, having beneficial characteristics, such as high friction, low friction, soft feel, high durability, water resistance, matte finish, or glossy finish, among others. Front cover 121 preferably comprises the same or similar material as flange 130 and may likewise optionally include a surface covering. The material selected for back cover 123 may optionally include high density plastic, such as 0.080″-0.100″ ABS or High Density Polystyrene, back cover 123 may also optionally include a surface covering.

The material selected for tines 111 and/or circular disc 113 may optionally include Polyethylene (PE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), Polyamide (PA), Polyester, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and/or Polylactic acid (PLA), among others.

Now referring to FIG. 4, cable tie retaining structure 220 is shown preferably including pillars 221a and 221b. Pillars 221a and 221b preferably extend longitudinally from flange 130 and are preferably adapted to removably retain cable tie 222 by retaining means, such as magnets 223, hook and loop fastener, e.g. VELCRO, adhesive, or other suitable means. Magnets 223 preferably retain cable tie 222 in a ready and convenient position, such as proximate ends 111a of tines 111, for use in wrapping around at least a portion of wound cable 224. Preferably, cable 224 is an insulated wire cable, such as an electrical cord, stereo cord, or similar cable. Alternatively, however, cable 224 may be a optical cable, a chain, a rope or any other similar elongated wire or tube member.

Now referring to FIG. 5, spool 110 preferably includes tines 111 integrally formed therewith and disposed angularly displaced about the circumference of circular disc 113. Ends 111a of tines 111 are preferably rounded to reduce snagging on nearby objects or cable 224, but may optionally be square or other suitable shape and configuration. Preferably tines 111 are resilient and deformable at least to some extent in the direction of arrows 501 which point from the circumference of circular disc 113 to central opening 115. When some or all of tines 111 are so deformed, the circumference of spool 110 is thereby decreased, allowing wound cable 224 to be more easily removed from spool 110 for storage. Preferably, when cable 224 is removed from spool 110, tines 111 return to their original positions generally perpendicular to circular disc 113. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, many modifications may be made to spool 110 without deviating from the spirit of the present invention, including modifications to the number, shape, material, arrangement, and/or configuration of tines 111 and/or circular disc 113. Optionally, tines 111 are not substantially deformable, and preferably include a low friction surface to facilitate removal of cable 224.

FIG. 6 shows a front cover 121 having a relatively small thickness with respect to a length and/or width thereof, thereby generally defining a planar member. Preferably, the size and shape of front cover 121 is similar to and slightly larger than the size and shape of flange 130 such that a peripheral portion of flange 130 does not extend past a peripheral portion of front cover 121. Such an arrangement protects against inadvertent or undesired contact between flange 130 and a user or nearby objects to protect motor 150 against encountering unnecessary drag and against damage to flange, the user, or other nearby objects as flange 130 is rotated by motor 150. Specifically, front cover 121 preferably includes peripheral wall 128 projecting out from surface 121b whereby peripheral wall 128 at least partially encloses flange 130.

FIG. 7 shows back cover 123 preferably including molded grip portion 129 integrally formed therein whereby a user may conveniently grasp and hold cable winder 100. Back cover 123 preferably further includes opening 127 disposed therethrough in a region proximate grip portion 129 such that switch 180 may preferably be mounted through opening 127 and preferably be readily accessible to a user holding cable winder 100 by grip portion 129.

FIG. 8 shows cable tie 222 preferably formed as a strap having length L in a direction from first end 222a to second end 222b. Length L is preferably greater than width W in a direction from first side 222c to second side 222d. Cable tie 222 is preferably formed of metal and preferably has a coating of plastic over substantially all of its exterior surface. Alternatively, however, any suitable materials may be used to form cable tie 222, such as a resilient plastic, so long as cable tie 222 maintains the ability to perform the cable tie function, as described in more detail below. As shown most clearly in FIG. 9, in a first configuration, cable tie 222 preferably has a modest curvature in the direction of width W, and is preferably substantially straight in the direction of length L.

As shown in FIGS. 10-12, cable tie 222 is preferably removably attached to pillars 221a and 221b proximate ends 222a and 222b such that medial portion 222e is suspended between pillars 221a and 221b. Cable tie 222 is preferably removably attached to pillars 221a and 222b by magnets 223, which are preferably operably connected to pillars 221 a and 221b. Once cable 224 is placed in the wound configuration, such as by securing first end 225 between two adjacent tines 111 with cable 224 slidably secured in cable guide 190 and operating switch 180 to wind cable 224 onto spool unit 135, cable 224 in the wound configuration may preferably be slid axially over tines 111 away from flange 130 until cable 224 is substantially separated from cable winder 100. At least a portion of cable 224 may then preferably be pushed into medial portion 222e, thereby causing cable tie 222 to deform out of the plane of the direction of length L. Such deflection preferably causes at least a portion of cable tie 222 to become straight in the direction of width W, thereby causing cable tie 222 to curl in the direction of length L. Thus, cable tie 222 is converted from the first configuration described above to a second configuration, in which cable tie 222 is curled around at least a portion of cable 224, thereby securing cable 224 in the wound configuration, and substantially preventing uncoiling of cable 224.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only to show principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will occur quite often to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all equivalents and relevant modifications may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cable winding device comprising:

a rotationally mounted, removable-ended winding spool, said winding spool having; (a) a first retaining end; (b) an open-ended spool core to define a generally cylindrical space for winding an elongated cable thereon; and (c) a second retaining end disposed for removable connection to said spool core, and for disposition thereon during retention of the wound cable upon said spool, and for removal thereof to remove the wound cable from said open end of said spool;

a strap retainer, carried by said first retaining end and extending generally longitudinally therefrom for supporting a cable tie;

a rotational means for rotating said winding spool; and power means operatively connected to said rotational means for rotating same.

2. A cable winder comprising:

a generally cylindrical spool; and

means for rotating said spool;

wherein a cable wound around said spool is removable therefrom by sliding the cable over an end of said spool.

3. The cable winding device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a means for retaining a wound cable securing device, wherein said retaining means comprises at least one pillar.

4. The cable winder of claim 2, further comprising a housing, where in said means for rotating is at least partially disposed within said housing.

5. The cable winder of claim 4, wherein said housing comprises a flange extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said spool.

6. The cable winding device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the said housing comprises a back cover, a front cover and a tine cover.

7. The cable winding device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means for rotating comprises a shaft, wherein said shaft is operably coupled to a first end said spool.

8. The cable winding device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said spool has a constant radius.

9. The cable winder of claim 2, wherein said spool comprises a plurality of resilient tines arranged about a longitudinal axis of said spool.

10. The cable winder of claim 9, wherein at least one of said plurality of resilient tines is capable of being moved in a direction towards said longitudinal axis to decrease a circumference of said spool.

11. The cable winder of claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of tines is disposed generally perpendicular to and carried by a disc member, wherein said disc member is operably connected to said means for rotating.

12. The cable winder of claim 2, further comprising means for securing a cable in a wound configuration operably connected to said cable winder.

13. The cable winder of claim 12, wherein said means for securing is carried by at least one pillar, wherein said pillar is disposed radially within the circumference of said spool.

14. The cable winder of claim 12, wherein said means for securing comprises a collapsible elongated member, said collapsible elongated member collapsible about a length thereof to substantially form a ring.

15. The cable winder of claim 14, wherein said collapsible elongated member is removably connected at a first end thereof to an exposed portion of said at least one pillar.

16. The cable winding device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said elongated collapsible member magnetically connected to said at least one pillar.

17. A method for securing a cable in a wound configuration comprising the step of:

contacting at least a portion of said cable in the wound configuration with a generally planar cable tie,

wherein said contacting step causes said cable tie to collapse around and at least partially encircle at least a portion of said cable to secure said cable in the wound configuration.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

winding the cable around a spool to place said cable in the wound configuration, said spool having at least one open end; and

removing said cable in the wound configuration by sliding said cable over said open end.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said cable tie is removably secured at opposing ends thereof to a cable winding device, and wherein said contacting step comprises contacting at least a portion of said cable with a portion of said cable tie between said ends.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said spool comprises a plurality of tines arranged about a longitudinal axis, said tines flexibly disposed for inward radial movement, such that the circumference of said spool may be decreased.