Abstract: A trimmer head for use with either clockwise or counterclockwise trimmer heads, including the use of a bidirectionally dispensing spool. Various locations of passages straight through the trimmer head and spool are shown along with various locations of components of the ratcheting mechanism to allow for winding of the trimmer line on the trimmer head and for limiting the amount of line dispensed during “bumping” of the trimmer head knob on the ground. Additionally, an extended funnel into the passage can be provided to facilitate entrance of trimmer line into the funnel even when the line is not perfectly straight. Also, spokes can be used in place of the flanges of the spool to save material and cost, while still providing a guide and barrier between the line store areas.

Abstract: A grass cutting head includes a spool for winding a grass cutting line, a head housing for accommodating the spool, a first guiding structure disposed at least partially in the head housing, and a second guiding structure formed on the spool. The first guiding structure guides the grass cutting line through the head housing when threading the grass cutting line. The second guiding structure guides the grass cutting line to move and be wound around the spool by relative motion created between the spool and the head housing. The head housing includes a first housing and a second housing. The first guiding structure is disposed at least partially in the first housing. The spool is disposed between the first housing and the second housing. The first housing or the second housing is provided with an outer threading hole for allowing the grass cutting line to pass in or out.

Abstract: A headphone or other wire holder including an elongated central body and a pair of forked portions, one on each end of the central body. Each forked portion may include two tines. The central body may define a retention channel running along a length of the central body between the forked portion. The retention channel may be configured to receive and secure a length of a wire, such as a headphone cable.

Abstract: A solar light device may provide a solar panel and at least one light. The solar light device may be mounted to a support member, staked in the ground, or fixed in a position for casting light. A cable may connect the solar panel and the at least one light or a plurality of lights, and the cable may house components that may provide electric current distribution. The cable may be retractable and may have a length that may be a minimum length required to mount and operate the solar light device or components thereof. A power source may be provided inside of the solar panel and may be rechargeable.

Abstract: A clip for coupling a torque plate to an end plate of a disk brake system in accordance with various embodiments includes an inner portion having two parallel elongate members. The clip further includes an outer portion at least partially including a rounded portion that is located outward from the inner portion and has a raised end, wherein the inner portion is entirely in a same plane as the rounded portion of the outer portion, and wherein the raised end extends away from the rounded portion.

Abstract: A grass trimmer includes a trimming head, a driving device for driving the trimming head to rotate so as to cut vegetation and an operating device for a user to operate so as to control the driving device. The trimming head includes a spool and a line holding element, the spool is used to wind a trimming line, and the line holding element is formed with a line holding structure. The driving device includes a motor. The grass trimmer has an auto-winding mode. In the auto-winding mode, the motor drives at least one of the spool or the line holding element to make the spool and the line holding element rotate relatively so that the trimming line is wound on the spool automatically.

Abstract: A housing for a launch cable assembly with a cylindrical exterior comprising first and second flat round sides; a height between the first and second sides; a division along a perimeter; a first part comprising the first side and a portion of the height left of the division; and a second part comprising the second side and a portion of the height right of the division, wherein the first and second parts are removably affixable to one another; an interior space; at least two round mandrels within the interior space; and at least two cord exits.

Abstract: A cord storage device has a base member with two sides, and a plug receptacle extending from one side. The plug receptacle anchors a plug end of an electronic device cord and forms a core about which the cord can be wound. A flexible retaining wall is coupled to the base member and moves between a closed position on the one side and an open position on the other side of the base member. In the closed position, an annular space is formed for the wound cord.

Abstract: A cord spool may have a generally cylindrical primary element made of flexible material, which may have first and second primary element openings. The primary element may further include a central exterior portion between first and second raised portions. The primary element may further include an interior portion dimensioned and configured to accept a fixture. The cord spool also may have at least one flexible strap securely affixed to and extending through the interior portion of the primary element and extending beyond the first and second openings of the primary element. The strap may have first and second strap ends with first and second fasteners. The strap may be dimensioned and configured to allow the first and second strap ends to be releasably secured to one another, forming a cord securing loop.

Abstract: A ratchet strap apparatus includes a tensioning strap adapted to be selectively tensioned and a cargo strap adapted to be secured to the apparatus using an inboard pin and an outboard pin and bending the cargo strap into a loop. In one embodiment, the outboard pin is secured to a side wall and an opening is provided between the outboard pin and another side wall whereby the outboard pin may be inserted into a cargo strap loop. In another embodiment, the outboard pin is slidingly received through a hole in one side wall and is selectively unseated from a saddle on the other side wall for insertion into the cargo strap loop. In yet another embodiment, the outboard pin is secured between two side walls and the inboard pin is selectively removable from and seated on saddles in each of the walls whereby the inboard pin extends therebetween.

Abstract: A device, and related method, for storing and organizing a power supply cord for portable electronic devices, wherein the device includes an outer shell 1 having a first entry hole 4; and an inner spool 2 having at least two circular flanges 6 connected in the middle by a barrel 8; a track 10 between the flanges; an arbor 7 on the top side and bottom side of the barrel; a second entry hole 5 within the device; and at least one tread 3 on the inner portion of the outer shell, wherein the spool fits snuggly into the outer shell to allow the spool to rotate therein.

Abstract: A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel comprising a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the reel can include a rotation limiter which can be configured to prevent over-tightening of the lacing system and/or to prevent rotation past the substantially fully loosened state.

Abstract: The earphone cord winder allows the cord of an earphone device to be wound thereto in order to prevent damage due to excessive bending. The earphone cord winder has a body, first, second, and third protrusions formed around the body at intervals forming an upper cord groove and a lower cord groove, two receiving slots recessed on a first surface of the body, a plug groove recessed on a second surface of the body, a middle groove connecting the opposite sides of the first protrusion, a remote control groove communicating with the upper cord groove, two first recessions communicating with the two receiving slots respectively, at least one second recession recessed on a side of the second protrusion, and at least one third recession recessed on a side of the third protrusion and communicating with the plug groove.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting the unstored length of tubing directed to improving the use of infusion sets that deliver fluids to a user. The device includes a storage module and other features for adjusting, storing and securing the length of the tubing. The method of adjusting the length of the tubing to a desired length typically comprises removably attaching the tubing to the adjuster, adjusting the tubing by wrapping the tubing around a hub or post of the adjuster, and fixing the length of the unstored tubing by attaching the tubing to a securing device such as a friction structure or fastener.

Abstract: When one wants to store an electric cord he/she first has to start to store electric cord either from plug end or socket end. And when he/she wants to use electric cord he/she has to unwind electric cord all the way to expose both plug end and socket end for use. Dual electric cord reels with an open-slotted mutual middle wheel or a fenestrated mutual middle wheel can store the plug side of electric cord in one side of its reel and socket side at the other side of its reel with both plug end and socket end exposed outside. Therefore one can unwind plug end and socket end of electric cord simultaneously to the length he/she needs for use and does not have to unwind whole electric cord for use.

Abstract: A line tightening device with a detachable handle, a hook and a coupler for securing the handle and the hook together while the tightener is being used. After the line tightener is used to achieve the desired tension in the line tightened, the handle and coupler can be quickly and easily disengaged and removed from the hook, thereby leaving only the hook attached to the tightened line. The hook is adapted for tightening the line by forming and fixing convolutions about its shank. A tether secures the hook to adjacent portions of the line to prevent accidental separation of the hook from the tensioned line.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting the unstored length of tubing directed to improving the use of infusion sets that deliver fluids to a user. The device includes a storage module and other features for adjusting, storing and securing the length of the tubing. The method of adjusting the length of the tubing to a desired length typically comprises removably attaching the tubing to the adjuster, adjusting the tubing by wrapping the tubing around a hub or post of the adjuster, and fixing the length of the unstored tubing by attaching the tubing to a securing device such as a friction structure or fastener.

Abstract: A method is described for threading a tendon into a duct from an opening at an intermediate point along the length of the duct. Opposite ends of the tendon are threaded from a reel into the two halves of the duct. The tendon is wound on to the reel such that both ends of the tendon can be unwound into the duct simultaneously. A reel and a method for winding the tendon on to the reel are also claimed. The method and reel are particularly suitable for threading coated steel tendons into PT ducts in tall structures such as containment vessels.

Abstract: An enteral pump system for delivering medical fluids unidirectionally includes a disposable fluid delivery set having a repeatable compression portion and an enteral feeding pump. The repeatable compression portion is helically coiled around a central axis to define a cylindrical shape. The compression portion is configured to pump a large volume of medical fluids per stroke. The compressing portion includes at least two adjacent tubing walls joined around the central axis for repeatable compression. The enteral feeding pump is configured to repeatedly and reliably compress the compression portion of the fluid delivery set along the central axis. In operation, the compression portion is repeatably compressed without distortion along the central axis by the enteral feeding pump to flow unidirectionally through the fluid delivery set.

Abstract: A system positioning a flexible partition at a desired vertical position includes an elongated cylinder extending across the entire partition, connected to the partition to divide the partition into upper and lower portions. An outer bearing is fixed to an outside surface of a first end of the elongated cylinder. A proximal end of an arm is coupled to the outer bearing outer surface, the outer bearing permitting rotation of the elongated cylinder with respect to the arm. A counterweight is fixed to a distal end of the arm, to inhibit movement of the arm during any rotation of the elongated cylinder. A rotor portion of a motor is coupled to the elongated cylinder for rotating the cylinder, and a bracket is fixed to stator portion of the motor and to the arm proximal end to inhibit rotation of the stator during any rotation of the elongated cylinder.

Abstract: An adjusting device for tightening or loosing laces and straps includes a base, an actuating member and a knob. When a user rotates the knob clockwise, the adjusting device is tightening a flexible strap of the clothing or a lace of the footwear. However, when a user rotates the knob counterclockwise, the adjusting device is loosing a flexible strap of the clothing or a lace of the footwear. The knob never moves up and down along the axis during the operation for tightening or loosing the flexible strap or the lace.

Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft including a first structure mounted to a second structure, and a power transfer assembly electrically connecting the first and second structures. The first structure is movable relative to the second structure between a retracted and an extended position. The power transfer assembly includes a housing, a spool mounted for rotation relative to the housing and biased to rotate in a first direction, and an electrical cable adapted to be wound around the spool when the spool rotates, such that movement of the first structure from its retracted to its extended position causes the cable to be unwound from the spool by rotation of the spool in a second direction opposite the first. Also, a method of electrically connecting the first and second structures. The invention may be applied to an aircraft wing to electrically connect a leading edge slat to a fixed aerofoil portion.

Abstract: A reel for the management, transport, and storage of flexible materials such as electrical cords, air hoses, and the like, comprises a hollow cylindrical central hub with a pair of disk-like side plates radially attached to the outer ends of the hub, a slidable hand grip mounted on said reel and a rotatable winding knob for controllable rotation of the reel by an operator. The cord take-up portion of the hub has a provisional retainer shaped to receive a loop formed, preferably, in the middle of the cord's length. Once the loop is hooked over the provisional retainer, an operator reels in both halves of the cord simultaneously by turning with the winding knob. Conversely, holding the reel by the slidable hand grip with one hand and pulling outward on both ends of the cord simultaneously with the free hand, unreels the cord as needed. Once the cord is fully unwound from the hub, the provisional retainer allows it to falls free of the reel for unfettered use.

Abstract: A shoelace tightening device. A housing has a base plate affixed to the tongue of a shoe, and a side wall formed on the base plate. A rotation member has a rotator seated on the side wall of the housing and formed with a ratchet gear on its inner surface, and a bobbin formed on the lower surface of the rotator. A cover is placed on the ratchet gear. A stopper has a head which can slide on the cover, a bridge which extends downward from the head, and a pawl member which is formed on the lower end of the bridge. A coupling shaft is coupled to the base plate and has a stopper housing. The pawl member is received in the stopper housing. A spring is interposed between the inner surface of the stopper housing and an end of the pawl member.

Abstract: A lace winding device includes a base, a spool rotatably mounted in the base, a lace having two distal ends each extending through the base and each secured on the spool, a limit barrel mounted on the base, a drive member rotatably mounted in the limit barrel and connected with the spool to rotate the spool, and a ratchet block movably mounted on the limit barrel and engaging the drive member. Thus, the drive member is rotated in one direction only by limit of the ratchet block so that the spool is driven by the drive member to rotate in the positive direction only and cannot be rotated in the opposite direction so as to wind the lace easily and quickly.

Abstract: A fastener for releasably securing a flexible trash bag type liner about the outer upper peripheral rim of a supporting receptacle has an elongated body with a first leg and an interconnected second leg defining a space there-between. An axially movable rotation handle carried at one end portion of the body facilitates rotating the body axially to wind an excess portion of an edge portion of the flexible trash bag type liner about the body and prevents the unwinding of the excess portion of the liner from the body.

Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft including a first structure mounted to a second structure, and a power transfer assembly electrically connecting the first and second structures. The first structure is movable relative to the second structure between a retracted and an extended position. The power transfer assembly includes a housing, a spool mounted for rotation relative to the housing and biased to rotate in a first direction, and an electrical cable adapted to be wound around the spool when the spool rotates, such that movement of the first structure from its retracted to its extended position causes the cable to be unwound from the spool by rotation of the spool in a second direction opposite the first. Also, a method of electrically connecting the first and second structures. The invention may be applied to an aircraft wing to electrically connect a leading edge slat to a fixed airfoil portion.

Abstract: A universal laser fiber reel for use with an optical laser fiber, having a base with a base plate, the base plate having a base hub and base wall with the base wall having a base wall width not less than a minimum laser fiber wind length. A fiber cage proximate the base wall radially stores the laser fiber in the reel, the fiber cage having a fiber cage radius equal to a minimum laser fiber bend radius and a fiber cage width not less than the minimum laser fiber wind length of the laser fiber.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for storage of cable, comprising: a cable reel, said cable reel being rotatable about an axis and having a surface spaced from said axis, said surface being arranged to store wound cable thereon, the cable reel further comprising: a first receiving portion for receiving a first part of the cable; a second receiving portion for receiving a second part of the cable; and a guide for guiding the cable between the first and second receiving portions, wherein the guide is arranged to guide the cable along a path extending in three dimensions.

Abstract: There is provided a storage reel for storage of cable. The storage reel comprises a first cable reel having a first reeling surface arranged to store wound communication cable thereon, a second cable reel having a second reeling surface arranged to store wound communication cable thereon and a connecting member arranged to connect said first and second cable reels. The storage reel is rotatable about an axis such that, in use, the storage reel is operable to wind cable across both the first and second reeling surfaces.

Abstract: A cable coiling apparatus includes a main body and a resilient cover. The main body has a base and a top cap with a central post extending therebetween. The cover has a top surface and an opposing bottom surface with an outer lip formed along a perimeter outer edge and an inner lip projecting from an inner edge, the inner lip being received within a channel of the top cap so as to secure the cover to the top cap. The cover is movable between a first position in which the cover has a substantially concave shape so that the outer lip presses against the base, and a second position in which the cover has a substantially convex shape so that the central post is freely exposed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a spool for a trimmer head has a structure for guiding the trimmer line around a region for a driveshaft. In an embodiment, a component (e.g., a turn knob or a stop) is attached to the spool so that after determining the orientation in which to install the spool, the user is unlikely to install the spool in another orientation, even though the spool is invertible. In an embodiment, the turn knob also includes a structure that allows the turn knob to be used as a tool (e.g., as a wrench or screw driver) that facilitates disassembling the trimmer head.

Abstract: A media rack system is disclosed that generally includes a rack configured to receive a plurality of components that are selectively connected via a plurality of media, e.g., optical fibers or any other wired communication link. An exemplary system may further include one or more media loop retention housings, which include a spool configured to selectively support one of the media, and a media loop retainer defined by the spool. The media loop retainer includes a predetermined radius for selectively retaining a loop of the media. The predetermined radius is greater than or equal to a minimum bend radius associated with the fiber.

Abstract: A cable coiling apparatus includes a main body and a resilient cover. The main body has a base and a top cap with a central post extending therebetween. The cover has a top surface and an opposing bottom surface with an outer lip formed along a perimeter outer edge and an inner lip projecting from an inner edge, the inner lip being received within a channel of the top cap so as to secure the cover to the top cap. The cover is movable between a first position in which the cover has a substantially concave shape so that the outer lip presses against the base, and a second position in which the cover has a substantially convex shape so that the central post is freely exposed.

Abstract: An automatic positioning winder comprises a lower cover (1), an upper cover (2) fixedly connected with the lower cover (1), a winding device quipped between the lower and upper covers, entering and outgoing line holes (10, 11) formed in the lateral walls of the lower and upper covers respectively. The winding device consists of a centre pillar (34) provided in center of the upper part of the lower cover, a turning wheel (4) sleeved on the centre pillar, a brake component (5) provided in the upper part of the lower cover and a vulture spring (6) fixed inside of the turning wheel. An annular groove (7) is formed on the bottom part of the turning wheel and the bottom of the annular groove is flat. A positioning device (8) is provided in the annular groove for separating the annular groove. The annular groove is divided into guiding groove (9) by the positioning device. The brake component can be embedded into the guiding groove and moves relatively along the guiding groove (9) when the turning wheel (4) rotates.

Abstract: Cord organizers including a first shell, a second shell, and a spindle connecting the first shell and the second shell. The inside face of the first shell is held proximate the inside face of the second shell with a gap there between. The cord organizer is configured to allow the user to manually wind the cord around the spindle. The cord organizer may comprise containment surfaces extending from the inside face of the first shell and/or the inside face of the second shell as well as opposing elastomeric grips connected to the inside faces of the shells, so that the elastomeric grips encircle the spindle to receive and clamp the connection end and the listening end of the cord between the first elastomeric grip and the second elastomeric grip. A cord restraint is used to hold the cord close to the spindle and the inside face of one of the shells.

Abstract: A miniature cord reel device comprising latch mechanism, where the latch mechanism is realized with a top flange, a bottom flange, attached on both ends of a core, a rotating sleeve, two projections on both sides of the cutout on the sleeve, a groove with groove notches on the top flange and the bottom flange.

Abstract: A cord storage device is provided which allows the simultaneous winding and unwinding of both halves of a cord while maintaining both cord ends in position for use and the device also permits unwinding of the cord from the storage device while one cord end is held in a fixed position.

Abstract: A method of drawing lines into a housing includes: rotating a dial in a first rotational direction of the dial such that a first spool located in an interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a first line thereabout; and rotating the same dial in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction such that a second spool located in the interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a second line thereabout. The rotating of the same dial in the second, opposite rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the first line from the first spool, and the rotating of the same dial in the first rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the second line from the second spool.

Abstract: A method of drawing lines into a housing includes: rotating a dial in a first rotational direction of the dial such that a first spool located in an interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a first line thereabout; and rotating the same dial in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction such that a second spool located in the interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a second line thereabout. The rotating of the same dial in the second, opposite rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the first line from the first spool, and the rotating of the same dial in the first rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the second line from the second spool.

Abstract: A retractable tow strap apparatus for towing a vehicle includes a protective casing and a reel including a hub. The tow strap apparatus further include a tow strap webbing for winding about the hub, means for attaching at least one end of the tow strap webbing to a vehicle to be towed, and means for biasing the reel to wind the tow strap onto the hub. When the tow strap is in a fully extended position, the tow strap apparatus is configured to transmit substantially all of a tension force applied by a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle through only the tow strap. In addition or alternatively, the means for biasing applies a biasing force to automatically wind the tow strap webbing onto the hub. In addition or alternatively, the tow strap webbing is non-disjoint and includes two ends that are each extendable from the casing.

Abstract: A cable packaging and unwinding device. The device enables the exact length of cable necessary for connecting two connection points to be unwound easily and quickly and a residual surplus length of cable to be stowed in a protected area, to prevent the cable from being subjected to any twisting or crushing and to obtain a reliable connection between the two connection points.

Abstract: Retractable cord reels are disclosed. The retractable cord reels include a housing portion and a spool disposed within the housing portion. The spool has an outer surface associated with an expansion chamber within the housing portion, an inner channel configured to hold a wound length of flat electrical cable and a passage extending between the outer surface and the inner channel. The retractable cord reels also include a flat electrical cable having a first portion disposed in the expansion chamber, a second portion disposed in the inner channel, and a third portion disposed in the passage to follow a path from the outer surface of the spool to the inner channel.

Abstract: A cord shortening device includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. One of the portions includes a post configured to windably receive a first section of a length of cord. At least one of the portions has an opening at one end for mating second and third sections of the length of cord.

Abstract: A reel for storing optical fiber is disclosed that significantly reduces the torsional force applied to optical fiber as the fiber is being wound onto the reel for storage. The optical fiber reel comprises two spindles that are offset with respect to the rotational center of the reel. Such an arrangement causes the fiber to be wound onto the reel in a substantially linear fashion, thus preventing the torsional force and resulting twisting that cause micro-cracks to develop. The spindles are of a sufficiently large diameter to facilitate operational use of the fiber while stored on the spindle without increasing the attenuation of signals that could result from the use of a smaller diameter spindle.

Abstract: Wire Circles are enclosed, interlocking, slotted, circular spools designed to incase excess wires. They may vary in size and color. The primary use would be for those wires of smaller gauge but not limited to them. Primary utility would be for computer, and audio-video products.

Abstract: A spooling device for storing and dispensing a cable. The device can store and deploy an optical jumper cable without exposure of excess cable cordage and without tangling.

Abstract: This tape cartridge is provided with a tape reel being rotatable and having a reel teeth portion; and a brake-locking member having a brake teeth portion in which mating operation and mate-releasing operation can be performed with respect to the reel teeth portion. The reel teeth portion and the brake teeth portion, each has plural teeth. Each of the teeth has a taper portion being inclined toward both sides from a tip part of the taper portion and a vertical portion extending in a substantially vertical manner from both end terminals of the taper portion to a base portion. At the time of the mating, the tip part is contacted with a bottom surface of the base portion at the side of the opposite teeth, and the vertical portion is opposed to the vertical portion at the side of the opposite teeth. At the time of mating, the vertical portions of the teeth are mutually contacted and the mating state is hard to become unfitted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable coiler structure comprising an accommodating box having an accommodating groove with a separator disposed therein; a first hole and a second hole disposed respectively at the corresponsive positions on both side surfaces of the accommodating box; a cover movably coupled on the accommodating groove and having a guide in the inner surface of the cover such that a cable passing through the first hole, the guider, a separator and a second hole in sequence being divided into two sections by rotating the cover with the guider as the axis, in which one section of the cable being accommodated into the space between the separator and the cover through the first hole, and the other section into the space between the separator and the accommodating box through the second hole.

Abstract: This invention is a wire coiling box structure comprising of a top cover, a bottom cover, and a spring in between. When turning the top cover and the bottom cover, the spring will jack up the top cover and open the box. Then the extra wire can be put into the box through the opening and wound around the tube on the bottom cover. Press the two ends of the wire down into the gaps on the outer wall of the bottom cover, close the two covers, and turn them in reverse direction to fasten firmly. Then the extra wire is not only concealed in the box, but also hard to be pulled out by force.