Device and Method for Coiling a Flexible Material

Abstract

A device and method for coiling a long, slender, flexible material (e.g., an electrical cable). One embodiment of the device includes (1) a cylinder defining a substantially cylindrical exterior surface and (2) a reel, around which the flexible material can be coiled. The substantially cylindrical exterior surface defines a groove for receiving at least part of an open tie (e.g., cable tie), and the reel defines an axial through-opening for removably receiving the cylinder therethrough.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to the field of devices and methods used in organizing long, slender, flexible materials (e.g., an electrical cable). More particularly, this invention relates to a device and method for coiling such a flexible material and maintaining it in its coiled form.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is generally accepted that long, slender, flexible materials, including electrical cables, are difficult to organize or maintain in an organized state, especially during transport or storage. Many seek to organize such materials by coiling them and, preferably, securing them such that they remain more or less in their coiled form. This can be very tedious, however, even leading some to disregard the virtue of organization altogether. Commonly, such persons can be seen transporting multiple electrical cables (or other long, slender, flexible materials) in a single tangled, knotted mass. Such practices can increase frustration and decrease efficiency. They can also reduce the lifespan of the electrical cables (or other long, slender, flexible materials). Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a coiling device that is simple and can be used quickly.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the various embodiments of present invention includes (1) a cylinder that defines a cylindrical exterior surface having at least one groove that is straight and runs parallel to the axis of the cylinder and (2) a reel, around which a flexible material can be coiled. Each groove is provided for receiving at least part of an open tie (e.g., an open cable tie). The reel defines an axial through-opening for removably receiving the cylinder therethrough, such that the axis of the cylinder and the axis of the reel coincide. The cylinder is inserted in the reel via the axial through-opening, such that each groove is partially covered by the reel, resulting in a channel that later assists in preventing the open tie(s) from coming out of the groove(s) prematurely, i.e., before open ties are closed around the reel and the coiled flexible material. The flexible material is coiled around the reel and, thereafter, an open tie is introduced into each groove. Each open tie, which now occupies at least some of the space between the cylindrical exterior surface and the reel, is then closed around the reel and the coiled flexible material. The reel and the closed tie(s) cooperate to stabilize the coiled flexible material in its coiled state, even following the removal of the cylinder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device for coiling a flexible material;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stabilized coil of flexible material that results from practicing the invention using the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the device for coiling a flexible material;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the stabilized coil of flexible material that results from practicing the invention using the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a variant of one of the components (i.e., the reel) of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the method for preparing a stabilized coil of flexible material; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the method for preparing a stabilized reel of coiled flexible material

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

DEFINITIONS

“Cylinder” means (1) the surface traced by a straight line moving parallel to a fixed straight line and intersecting a fixed planar closed curve or (2) a solid or surface bounded by a cylinder and two parallel planes cutting all its elements, especially a right circular cylinder.

“Cylindrical” means relating to or having the form or properties of a cylinder.

“Reel” means a cylindrical device on which something flexible is coiled.

“Right circular cylinder” means a cylinder with the bases circular and with the axis joining the two centers of the bases perpendicular to the planes of the two bases.

“Tie” means a line, ribbon, or cord used for fastening, uniting, or drawing something closed.

Device and Method for Coiling a Flexible Material

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment 10 of the device of the present invention, i.e., a device for coiling a flexible material. Therein, a flexible material 20, which in this example is an electrical cable, is shown coiled around embodiment 10, which includes a cylinder 30 that defines a cylindrical exterior surface 40. The cylindrical exterior surface 40 defines grooves 50, each of which is for receiving at least part of a tie 60, when such tie 60 is “open,” as shown in FIG. 1. Each groove 50 assists in stabilizing an (open) tie 60 in proper position relative to the coiled part 70 of the flexible material 20, at least until the (open) tie 60 is “closed” to stabilize the coiled part 70 in its coiled form, even after its removal from the cylinder 30. As shown in embodiment 10, the grooves 50 can be straight to facilitate the introduction of the ties 60. Also, as shown in embodiment 10, the grooves 50 can run parallel to the axis of the cylinder 30. This aids in ensuring that, when drawing, fastening, or uniting a tie 60 to close it around the coiled part 70 of the flexible material 20, the tie 60 runs parallel to the axis of the coiled part 70. Additionally, although the ties 60 shown in FIG. 1 are cable ties, one skilled in the art will recognize that other types of ties can be used in practicing the invention. Similarly, although the cylinder 30 shown in FIG. 1 is a right circular cylinder, one skilled in the art will recognize that other types of cylinders (e.g., an elliptic cylinder) can be used in practicing the invention.

The depth, width, and length of the grooves 50 is at least partly determined by the type of tie contemplated for use in practicing the invention, which can vary depending on the specific application. For example, some applications may require a cable tie that is extra heavy duty (e.g., 250 lb. minimum loop tensile strength). Such cable ties generally are wider (e.g., 0.5 inches) than the average cable tie. Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention that is intended to be compatible with such extra heavy duty cable ties should have grooves 50 wide enough to receive them. Similarly, some applications may require that the device of the present invention be especially suitable for coiling relatively long cables (or other flexible material). Accordingly, the length of the grooves 50 may need to be increased to receive longer ties capable of encircling a long, coiled cable. In some instances, the length of the cylinder 30 may need to be increased to accommodate either a long cable or such longer grooves.

FIG. 2 shows the stabilized coil of flexible material 90 that results from practicing the invention using embodiment 10 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, the stabilized coil of flexible material 90 includes the flexible material 20 (which, in this example, is an electrical cable) and the ties 60. The cylinder (see FIG. 1 at 30) no longer is present, and all of the ties 60 are closed around the coiled part 70 of the flexible material 20. The ties 60 stabilize the coiled part 70 in its coiled form.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment 120 of the device for coiling a flexible material. The flexible material 20′ in this example is an electrical cable. In contrast to embodiment 10 (see FIG. 1), however, the flexible material 20′ is shown coiled around a reel 130. As shown in FIG. 3, the reel 130 defines an axial opening that is at least partially occupied by the cylinder 30′, which has been received therethrough such that the axis 64′ of the cylinder 30′ coincides with the axis 134 of the reel 130. In this configuration, the reel 130, which is removable, partly covers the grooves 50′ defined by the cylinder 30′, thereby creating a channel that can facilitate the introduction of the ties 60′ into the grooves 50′, if the user elects to place the reel 130 over the cylinder 30′ before introducing the ties 60′. Even if the user elects instead to introduce the ties 60′ into the grooves 50′ before placing the reel 130 over the cylinder 30′, the reel 130 can assist in preventing the ties 60′ from coming out of the grooves 50′ prematurely, i.e., before ties 60′ are closed around the reel 130 and the coiled part 70′ of the flexible material 20′.

FIG. 4 shows a stabilized coil of flexible material 160 that results from practicing the invention using embodiment 120 (see FIG. 3). The cylinder (see FIG. 3 at 30′) no longer is present, and all of the ties 60′ are closed around the reel 130 as well as the coiled part 70′ of the flexible material 20′. As shown in FIG. 4, the reel 130 provides support for the coiled part 70′. Accordingly, the reel 130 and the ties 60′ cooperate to stabilize the coiled part 70′ in its coiled form, even after the removal of the cylinder 30′ (see FIG. 3).

FIG. 5 shows a variant 130′ of the reel shown at 130 in FIGS. 3-4. The variant 130′ defines ridges 182 at each end, which can aid further in maintaining the form of the coiled part 70′ of the flexible material 20′ shown previously in FIGS. 3-4. The ridges 182 act as barriers that discourage the coiled part 70′ from slipping off the reel 130′ and can complement the ties 60′ (see FIGS. 34), especially in instances where one or more of the ties 60′, for whatever reason, are not closed tightly enough around the reel 130′ and the coiled part 70′ to prevent such slippage.

FIG. 6 consists of a flowchart showing an embodiment 180 of the method for preparing a stabilized coil of flexible material. As indicated at steps 182 and 184, respectively, a flexible material (e.g., an electrical cable) and an open tie (e.g., a cable tie) are provided. Additionally, as indicated at step 186, an object is provided that defines a substantially cylindrical exterior surface on which the flexible material can be coiled. It is required that the substantially cylindrical exterior surface define a groove for receiving at least part of the open tie. Optionally, the groove (1) is straight, or (2) is at least substantially parallel to the axis of the substantially cylindrical exterior surface, or (3) both (1) and (2). Next, as indicated at steps 188 and 190, respectively, the flexible material is coiled around the substantially cylindrical exterior surface, and at least part of the open tie is introduced into the groove defined by the substantially cylindrical exterior surface. If desired, step 190 can be performed before step 188. As indicated at steps 192 and 194, respectively, the open tie is looped around the coil of flexible material, and the open tie is closed to yield the stabilized coil of flexible material. Optionally, as indicated at step 196, the stabilized coil of flexible material is removed from the object.

FIG. 7 consists of a flowchart showing an embodiment 220 of the method for preparing a stabilized reel of coiled flexible material. As indicated at steps 222 and 224, respectively, a flexible material (e.g., an electrical cable) and an open tie (e.g., a cable tie) are provided. Additionally, as indicated at step 226, a cylinder is provided that defines a substantially cylindrical exterior surface that defines a groove for receiving at least part of the open tie. Optionally, as in embodiment 180, the groove (1) is straight, or (2) is at least substantially parallel to the axis of the substantially cylindrical exterior surface, or (3) is both (1) and (2). As indicated at step 228, a reel is provided, around which the flexible material can be coiled. The reel defines an axial through-opening for removably receiving the cylinder therethrough. Optionally, the reel has a ridge at each end (see FIG. 5). Next, as indicated at step 230, the cylinder is inserted in the reel via the axial through-opening, such that the groove is at least partially covered by the reel. In accordance with steps 232 and 234, respectively, the flexible material is coiled around the reel to yield a reel of coiled flexible material, and at least part of the open tie is introduced into the groove defined by the substantially cylindrical exterior surface. As indicated at steps 236 and 238, respectively, the open tie is looped around the reel of coiled flexible material, and the open tie is closed to yield the stabilized reel of coiled flexible material. Optionally, as indicated at step 240, the stabilized reel of coiled flexible material is removed from the cylinder.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A device for coiling a flexible material, said device comprising:

an object defining a substantially cylindrical exterior surface on which the flexible material can be coiled, said substantially cylindrical exterior surface defining a groove for receiving at least part of an open tie.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said groove is straight.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said groove is at least substantially parallel to the axis of said substantially cylindrical exterior surface.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said substantially cylindrical first exterior surface substantially defines a right circular cylinder.

5. The device of claim 1 further including a tie.

6. A device for coiling a flexible material, said device comprising:

a cylinder defining a substantially cylindrical exterior surface, said substantially cylindrical exterior surface defining a groove for receiving at least part of an open tie; and

a reel, around which the flexible material can be coiled, said reel defining an axial through-opening for removably receiving said cylinder therethrough.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said groove is straight.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein said groove is at least substantially parallel to the axis of said cylinder.

9. The device of claim 6 wherein said reel has a ridge at each end.

10. The device of claim 6 further including a tie.

11. A coiling device comprising:

an object having a substantially cylindrical member, said substantially cylindrical member defining a substantially cylindrical exterior surface, said substantially cylindrical exterior surface defining a groove for receiving at least part of an open tie, said groove being substantially parallel to the axis of said substantially cylindrical member; and

a reel around which the flexible material can be coiled, said reel defining an axial through-opening for removably receiving said substantially cylindrical member therethrough.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein said groove is straight.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein said groove is at least substantially parallel to the axis of said cylinder.

14. The device of claim 11 wherein said reel has a ridge at each end.

15. The device of claim 1 1 further including a tie.

16. A method for preparing a stabilized coil of flexible material, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a flexible material;

providing an open tie;

providing an object defining a substantially cylindrical exterior surface on which the flexible material can be coiled, said substantially cylindrical exterior surface defining a groove for receiving at least part of said open tie;

coiling said flexible material around said substantially cylindrical exterior surface, yielding a coil of flexible material;

introducing at least part of said open tie into said groove;

looping said open tie around said coil of flexible material; and

closing said open tie, yielding said stabilized coil of flexible material.

17. The method of claim 16 further including the step of removing said stabilized coil of flexible material from said object.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein said groove is straight.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein said groove is at least substantially parallel to the axis of said substantially cylindrical exterior surface.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein said flexible material is an electrical cable.

21. A method for preparing a stabilized reel of coiled flexible material, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a flexible material;

providing an open tie;

providing a cylinder defining a substantially cylindrical exterior surface, said substantially cylindrical exterior surface defining a groove for receiving at least part of said open tie;

providing a reel, around which said flexible material can be coiled, said reel defining an axial through-opening for removably receiving said cylinder therethrough;

inserting said cylinder in said reel via said axial through-opening, such that said groove is at least partially covered by said reel;

coiling said flexible material around said reel, yielding a reel of coiled flexible material;

introducing at least part of said open tie into said groove;

looping said open tie around said reel of coiled flexible material; and

closing said open tie, yielding said stabilized reel of coiled flexible material.

22. The method of claim 21 further including the step of removing said stabilized reel of coiled flexible material from said cylinder.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein said groove is straight.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein said groove is at least substantially parallel to the axis of said substantially cylindrical exterior surface.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein said flexible material is an electrical cable.