Abstract: A window operator handle and cover with magnetic features that enable the handle to be retained to the cover in a folded position. The handle can have a detent mechanism to retain the handle in an unfolded position. The operator cover can also be attached to the operator with magnets.

Abstract: A window operator handle and cover with magnetic features that enable the handle to be retained to the cover in a folded position. The operator cover can also be attached to the operator with magnets.

Abstract: Embodiments provide reels comprising covers, wire hubs, and winding levers. The covers removably attach to casings and close spool apertures of the casings. The hubs spool wire into/out of the apertures via windows of the casings. Moreover, the hubs couple to the covers. Some levers operably couple to the covers. When stowed, the levers are within the perimeters of the covers. When deployed, the levers extend beyond the perimeters. The reels can also comprise the casings. Mounting bases of some reels can removably attach to the casings. Furthermore, some levers can pivot about hinges on the covers. Levers can comprise wind knobs at their ends and the covers can define apertures through which the knobs extend when stowed. Detents which retain the levers in the stowed position can be provided. Moreover, hubs can comprise the detents for engaging the levers when the levers are stowed.

Abstract: A film wrapping apparatus includes a shaft member having two holding portions coaxially aligned with each other, a roll locker for releasably locking two film rolls at the holding portions respectively in a free-rotating manner, and a dispensing handle transversely extended from the shaft member at a position between the holding portions thereof, wherein the dispensing handle provides a holding point for being held by an operator to unroll the film rolls in a concurrent and controllable manner so as to wrap stretch films of the film rolls around the load.

Abstract: A filament dispensing system is provided. The filament dispensing system embodies one or more donut shaped filament dispensers interconnectable by a band. Each dispenser is transparent and provides an integrated cutter. The transparency enables visual identification of the color of filament with the transparent dispenser, while the integrated cutter makes scissors unnecessary. The donut-shaped structure of the dispenser enables an operative association with the band that can decoratively hang from a user's neck during use. The filament dispensing system may also include a bobbin rethreader.

Abstract: A hose storage device including an open cylindrical core having an outer circumference and an inner circumference, the inner circumference including an inner track, a first wall and a second wall coupled to the open cylindrical core, the outer circumference of the open cylindrical core, the first wall, and the second wall defining a hose storage portion configured to receive a hose, a rotating ring operatively coupled to the inner track, and a handle pivotably coupled to the second wall, the handle configured to pivot between an operative position and a storage position.

Abstract: A chalk line device includes a housing, a spool, a chalk line, a hook, and a cap. The housing defines an outer surface and an internal chamber, and the housing includes an opening. The spool is supported in the internal chamber for rotation relative to the housing. The chalk line extends through the opening of the housing and the chalk line includes a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the chalk line is wrapped around the spool. The hook is secured to the first end of the chalk line and includes a tip adapted to engage a work piece. The cap is removably coupled to the housing to cover the opening. The cap includes a nozzle through which the chalk line extends and a projection for engaging and releasably securing the hook against the cap.

Abstract: Embodiments provide reels comprising covers, wire hubs, and winding levers. The covers removably attach to casings and close spool apertures of the casings. The hubs spool wire into/out of the apertures via windows of the casings. Moreover, the hubs couple to the covers. Some levers operably couple to the covers. When stowed, the levers are within the perimeters of the covers. When deployed, the levers extend beyond the perimeters. The reels can also comprise the casings. Mounting bases of some reels can removably attach to the casings. Furthermore, some levers can pivot about hinges on the covers. Levers can comprise wind knobs at their ends and the covers can define apertures through which the knobs extend when stowed. Detents which retain the levers in the stowed position can be provided. Moreover, hubs can comprise the detents for engaging the levers when the levers are stowed.

Abstract: A hose deployment and retrieval system is described that includes a modular reel assembly. The modular reel assembly includes a reel having a hub around which a hose may be wound and a wheel assembly on either side of the hub and spaced to accept the hose there between. The reel assembly also includes an axle in the center of the hub around which the hub can spin and a base holding the axle. A deployment fork assembly includes a reel assembly mount for engaging with the modular reel assembly and a drive mechanism to spin the reel when the deployment fork assembly is engaged with the modular reel assembly, wherein the deployment fork assembly is adapted to mount to a vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments provide reels comprising covers, wire hubs, and winding levers. The covers removably attach to casings and close spool apertures of the casings. The hubs spool wire into/out of the apertures via windows of the casings. Moreover, the hubs couple to the covers. Some levers operably couple to the covers. When stowed, the levers are within the perimeters of the covers. When deployed, the levers extend beyond the perimeters. The reels can also comprise the casings. Mounting bases of some reels can removably attach to the casings. Furthermore, some levers can pivot about hinges on the covers. Levers can comprise wind knobs at their ends and the covers can define apertures through which the knobs extend when stowed. Detents which retain the levers in the stowed position can be provided. Moreover, hubs can comprise the detents for engaging the levers when the levers are stowed.

Abstract: A wire, cable and cord organizer comprises a winding reel for storing wires, cables, such as computer cords, audiovisual cables, and the like. The organizer can comprise a plurality of different sizes suitable for various wires, cords, cable types and lengths. The organizer includes a hinged cover that protects and allows removal of an enclosed reel. The organizer has a crank handle that can lock in multiple positions to prevent unintended unrolling of a length of wire, cable, or cord stored on the reel. Both ends of the cable protrude from slots in the organizer to provide access to either end of the cable as needed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and system for efficiently distributing Inverse Multiplexing over ATM (IMA) filler cells on IMA logical links having inactive or unusable IMA sub-links. Inactive IMA sub-links are identified during round-robin distribution of ATM data cells to active IMA sub-links. Predefined IMA filler cells are transmitted simultaneously on the identified inactive IMA sub-links when an ATM data cell is transmitted on an active IMA sub-link, thereby reducing the delay between transmitting ATM data cells.

Abstract: The present invention includes an expandable hose reel, which may include: a housing defined by at least one or more base members; a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the spool is adapted to connect to a flexible hose; a winding mechanism to rotate the spool and to coil the flexible hose around the spool; and an expansion mechanism to modify a length of the spool.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hose reel having side rollers. A hose reel includes: a housing defined by at least one or more base members; a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the spool is adapted to connect to a flexible hose; a winding mechanism to rotate the spool and to coil the flexible hose around the spool; and one or more rollers associated with said housing, wherein the one or more rollers are able to rotate during coiling of the flexible hose around the spool.

Abstract: A rotary tensioning device that is low profile when not being used to apply or reduce tension and that provides an easily manipulated tightening and loosening control mechanism. A control mechanism in the form of a flip up handle is pivotally connected to a drive member and rotation of the handle and drive member rotates a driven member connected to a spool to take up or let out a cable or wire to apply or reduce tension in the cable or wire. When not being used to apply or reduce tension, the flip up handle is pivoted to lie flush against a housing of the spool to provide a low profile. A tension indicating device provides a user with a mechanism for reproducing tensions between uses.

Abstract: A connector device includes a pulley rotatably supported in a housing, a spring member for biasing the pulley relative to the housing and for winding a rope onto the pulley and for cushioning the user and for preventing the user from being hurt while falling, and an actuating device selectively coupled to the pulley to selectively rotate the pulley and to selectively wind the rope onto the pulley when required, for allowing the user to move or elevate upwardly along the carrying strap or rope by the user himself, the pulley includes a gear wheel having a number of teeth, and the actuating device includes a shaft having a pinion for selectively engaging with the teeth of the gear wheel and for rotating the gear wheel relative to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hose reel carts for handling and storage of flexible hoses, such as garden or air hoses. The hose reel cart is primarily constructed of plastic components having a centrally rotatable spool for winding of the flexible hose, a frame for supporting the spool and a multi-position crank arm assembly allowing the consumer to place the crank handle in a lowered position or a raised position. The crank remotely drives the spool, for winding the hose, through a series of gears located within the crank arm assembly. The device may further include a reciprocating guide assembly that operates during rotation of the spool to rewind the hose into a compact configuration.

Abstract: A string of holiday lights and storage device and method that includes a spool made of two coaxially aligned, circular plates spaced apart by at least a transversely aligned first axle. The axle is attached to a handle located outside the circular plate which allows the axle to be manually rotated. Located parallel to the first axle is a second axle located between the circular plates or two lateral extending arms. Disposed between the two axles is a wide, flexible support strap designed to be wound in opposite directions onto each axle. During use, the end of a string of holiday lights is inserted against the inside surface of the support strap. As the strap is wound onto the first axle, the string of lights is also automatically wound into the first axle so that it is held in position against the outer surface of the axle.

Abstract: A rotating apparatus for a winding reel of a high-pressure cleaner, including a rotating wheel with a slideway, a slider and a handle mounted on the slider, said slider slides in the slideway, the slider has a first working position that fixes the entire slider in the rotating wheel and a second working position that makes the slider partly in the rotating wheel. When the slider is at the second working position, the arm of force is increased without occupying more space. When the rotating apparatus is not in use, the handle is placed in concave portion. Compared with conventional rotating apparatuses, the rotating apparatus is foldable, occupies less space, makes the whole body of the high-pressure cleaner beautiful, convenient to operate, and suitable for popularizing with high-pressure cleaners, and with similar devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hose reel carts for handling and storage of flexible hoses, such as garden or air hoses. The hose reel cart is primarily constructed of plastic components having a centrally rotatable spool for winding of the flexible hose, a frame for supporting the spool and a multi-position crank arm assembly allowing the consumer to place the crank handle in a lowered position or a raised position. The crank remotely drives the spool, for winding the hose, through a series of gears located within the crank arm assembly. The device may further include a reciprocating guide assembly that operates during rotation of the spool to rewind the hose into a compact configuration.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a chalk line device having a helical gear and an improved locking assembly. The locking assembly comprises a first lock member having a lock button. The locking assembly also comprises a second lock member including an opening to lockingly engage the first lock member and having a plurality of teeth at one end disposed adjacent one of the helical gears used in this embodiment. The second lock member engages with the helical gear in response to a movement of the lock button member.

Abstract: A rotary tensioning device that is low profile when not being used to apply or reduce tension and that provides an easily manipulated tightening and loosening control mechanism. A control mechanism in the form of a flip up handle is pivotally connected to a drive member and rotation of the handle and drive member rotates a driven member connected to a spool to take up or let out a cable or wire to apply or reduce tension in the cable or wire. When not being used to apply or reduce tension, the flip up handle is pivoted to lie flush against a housing of the spool to provide a low profile. A tension indicating device provides a user with a mechanism for reproducing tensions between uses.

Abstract: A tape measure (10) including a housing (12) and a measuring tape that can be rolled up into it or drawn out of it, the tape extending from a drum (48, 50) disposed in the housing, the drum being rotatable by means of a holder element (40) extending from a handle (32) and at least in part passing through the first external surface (18) of the housing and originating from a support (46). In order to carry out internal measurements and measurements with a corner-stop position without problems from any orientation, there is provision for the handle (32) to be displaceably arranged along the drum axis inside the housing (12), for the handle (32) and the support (46) to merge flush with the first outer lateral surface in a first position (measuring position) or run offset to this surface, and in a second position (use position) to protrude, at least in part, above the first outer lateral surface, in order to engage the element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved quick rewind tape measure having dual modes of manual and power tool assisted operation. A quick rewind tape measure is formed by rotatably placing in an outer case a reel for winding a tape, providing a handle oil the outer side of the case so that the reel can be rotated by the handle to rewind a measuring tape. The handle of the tape measure has dual modes of operation, both manual and power tool assisted. With the power tool assisted mode of operation, the measuring tape can be rewound in a high speed. Consequently, the tape measure has the advantage that an elongate measuring tape having a length of more than 10 m, particularly 50 m to 300 m can be rewound quickly.

Abstract: A rotating apparatus for a winding reel of a high-pressure cleaner, comprising a rotating wheel with a slideway, a slider and a handle mounted on the slider, said slider slides in the slideway, the slider has a first working position that fixes the entire slider in the rotating wheel and a second working position that makes the slider partly in the rotating wheel. When the slider is at the second working position, the arm of force is increased without occupying more space. During no-use, the rotating is placed in the concave. Comparing with the existing rotating apparatus, said rotating apparatus is foldable, occupies less space, makes the whole body of the cleaner beautiful and simply with convenient operation, and suitable for popularizing in the high-pressure cleaner or similar apparatus.

Abstract: A hidden drawstring apparatus includes a housing and a rotatable hub positioned within the housing. The hub is configured to receive an end of a drawstring to be wound about the hub. A handle assembly is rotatably connected to the housing. A drive member has a first end connected to the handle assembly and a second end connected to the rotatable hub.

Abstract: A tape measure of the present invention includes a mounted wheel, a pivot portion, rotation members, transmission wheel and a blade container wherein the rotation members include a first gear and a second gear. The mounted wheel has a serrated portion being arranged around inner sides thereof. The pivot portion being fitted into the opening has an axis and a plurality of posts on a side thereof and a driving bar on another side thereof. The transmission wheel has an operation gear. By the first gear and the second gear respectively and cooperatively operate with the mounted wheel and the transmission wheel, the transmission wheel is therefore rotated four circles as the pivot portion is rotated one circle, so duration of reeling the measuring blade becomes less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portable hose carts for handling and storage of flexible hoses, such as garden or air hoses. The cart is primarily constructed of plastic components having a centrally rotatable spool for winding of the flexible hose, an enclosure for supporting the spool, wheels at one end of the base of the enclosure, and a handle assembly for tilting the frame onto the wheels to facilitate moving the device. The handle assembly is telescoping mounted and includes a handle mounted near the top of the handle assembly. The spool is rotatable by either a direct current powered motor or a folding manual crank. Power from the electrical motor is transferred to the spool via an infinitely adjustable torque transfer assembly. When the cover is in the open position, the direct current motor is operationally locked out, and when the cover is rotated into the closed position, the direct current motor is operable.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a chalk line device having a helical gear and an improved locking assembly. The locking assembly comprises a first lock member having a lock button. The locking assembly also comprises a second lock member including an opening to lockingly engage the first lock member and having a plurality of teeth at one end disposed adjacent one of the helical gears used in this embodiment. The second lock member engages with the helical gear in response to a movement of the lock button member.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing pliable, elongated articles such as electrical cords or cables. The apparatus features a reel, an axle and a bucket, with the axle being co-axial with the reel and with the bucket. The reel is mounted on the axle in the bucket with minimal wobble, which makes for essentially no contact to the interior wall(s) of the bucket. The mounting also utilizes a low friction bearing, such as a line or near-line contact. The result is very little friction, which is especially significant when pulling the cord out of the bucket, as it helps prevent tipping or sliding of the apparatus when the apparatus has to provide its own stability. The apparatus may also feature one or more anti-tipping or anti-skidding devices.

Abstract: A garden soaker hose and reel assembly includes a ground anchor on one end of the soaker hose which is rigidly fixed to the soaker hose. The reel has a special configuration to make the soaker hose easier to unwind from the reel and to wind back onto the reel. The soaker hose can be provided with a stripe on the upper wall of the soaker hose to make it easily apparent if the hose is twisted.

Abstract: A light string storage and hanging system includes a support frame, having an upper end a lower end and a suspension hook attached to the upper end of the support frame. A light string spool is rotatably attached to the frame. The support frame may be a vertical support shaft and retainer to be used with an icicle light string spool, or a rectangular support frame for use with a standard light string spool. The light string spools include at least one notch or keeper to secure a light string to the spool. All of the aforementioned components can be stored is a lidded storage box capable of holding a plurality of spools of different types and a spool guard to prevent icicles light strings from tangling.

Abstract: A hand-held cable reel (1) is provided comprising a central cable receiving core (2) mounted between a pair of disc-like end flanges (3) having through holes (4) for receiving cable which can then be anchored on the flange (3) by, for example, wrapping it round one of the handles (6) which are offset from the core (2) and each other to facilitate the winding and unwinding of cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portable hose reel carts for handling and storage of large lengths of flexible hoses, such as garden or air hoses. The cart is constructed of plastic and steel components having a centrally rotatable spool for winding of the flexible hose, a frame for supporting the spool, wheels at each end of the base of the frame, and a handle assembly attached to the frame to facilitate moving the cart. The crank handle assembly which may or may not be foldable for easy storage. The cart includes a large tray for storage and transport of garden supplies.

Abstract: A reel consists in a drum in use to locate a windable material therearound, a rotatable handle and gearing having a ratio greater than 1:1. The gearing connects the handle with the drum. The gearing includes protruding means which can protrude from the drum or from the gearing. Rotation of the handle drives the protruding means to rotate the drum.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an electric light strand mounting device for simplifying the installation and removal of light strands from, for example, a holiday tree. The device consists of a light strand receiver and an associated base that rests on a floor or horizontal surface. Indents are provided on the receiver for preventing downward slippage of mounted strands. The receiver is rotatable around a vertical axis; and simultaneously, the base is moveable in any horizontal direction. Both movements are provided in one version, by a unitary base-receiver structure resting on base castors. In another version the receiver is rotatable with respect to a slidable base; but receiver and base are permanently attached to one another. In a third, version, a slidable base and its receiver are mutually rotatable, but are readily detachable from each other by a simple lifting motion. In all versions light strands are installed by feeding one strand at a time onto the receiver as it is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portable hose reel carts for handling and storage of flexible hoses, such as garden or air hoses. The cart is primarily constructed of plastic components having a centrally rotatable spool for winding of the flexible hose, a frame for supporting the spool, wheels at one end of the base of the frame, and a handle assembly for tilting the frame onto the wheels to facilitate moving the cart. The handle assembly which may or may not be foldable includes a crank mounted near the top of the handle assembly. The crank remotely drives the spool, for winding the hose, through a series of gears located within the handle. The device may further include a reciprocating guide assembly that operates during rotation of the spool to rewind the hose into a compact configuration.

Abstract: A hose reel device includes a casing and a rotatable member having a mandrel is rotatably connected to a side of the casing. A first passage is defined through a wall of the casing so that the hose is wrapped around the mandrel via the first passage. A roller and a cam are respectively received in an opening defined in an outer surface of the casing and communicating with the first passage. The cam is connected to a lever on the side of the casing so that a gap between the roller and the cap can be adjusted by pivoting the lever. The water in the hose can be squeezed out by adjusting the gap.

Abstract: A carrier on which a string of icicle lights are stored and transported facilitates a common wire of the light string wrapped tightly around a carrier spindle with the light strands hanging from the common wire on the spindle. The spindle is equipped with a handle that rotates on the spindle. The spindle is small and lightweight, only large enough to enable the common wire to wrap around it with sufficient wounds to support the light strands hanging freely therefrom. Largely due to its small size, the weight carried to the installation location is only slightly increased over the weight of the lights themselves. Thus, the icicle light string on the carrier is able to be easily lifted onto on a building or the like, for example, where they are unwrapped concomitantly with installation.

Abstract: A tool for association with a ratchet wheel of a tie-down device, the tie-down device for securing an article by a strap whereby a shaft is journaled for rotation in which the strap is wound around the shaft in a take-up direction, the tie-down device including a ratchet wheel having ratchet teeth rotatable with the shaft and further having a center bore which extends in a direction parallel with the shaft. The tool enables a user to quickly rewind the strap on the shaft in the take-up direction for storing the strap when not being used of securing.

Abstract: A safety enclosure for a powered reel apparatus for use with an associated elongated flexible member. The reel is carried by and enclosed within the enclosure and is rotatable by a electric motor. The enclosure has left and right wall panels, front and rear wall panels extending between the left and right wall panels, and a cover. When one of the panels is in an open position, the motor is operationally locked out, and when one of the panels is rotated into a closed position, the motor is operable.

Abstract: A line dispenser for a retractable fence which includes a housing for holding a spool of line, the housing having a hole for communicating the line outside the housing; a crank for rotating the spool to bring the line into the housing through the hole; and a tube located within the hole. The line extends through the tube so that the tube applies a tension on the line as the line is reeled in and pulled out of the housing. This device provides a fence which is substantially tangle-free as the line is reeled into and pulled out of the housing.

Abstract: A center beam car has a main deck structure extending laterally from a main center sill, and a central vertically oriented central beam structure. The center beam so formed defines bunks upon in which to carry cargo. The upper region of the web-work structure includes a top chord mounted to run between two end bulkheads. The cargo can be secured to the deck with straps or webs. When the car is empty the straps or webs can be stored within boxes that are accessible at deck level by a person of average height. The storage boxes can be along the center line of the car, between the posts of the center beam, or they can be located adjacent to the side sills. Further, the boxes can be movable to a raised position, or to a lowered, stored position. A reeling mechanism is provided to facilitate winding of the straps or webs for storage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for storing and handling holiday light strings such as icicle lights. The device in accordance with the invention includes a vertically disposed rotatable spindle. The icicle light string can be conveniently wound on the spindle by rotating the spindle in the direction of winding. The device allows for ease of storage and handling of such light strings without any substantial tangling of the strings. When it is desired to mount the lights after a period of storage, the light strings can be readily unwound from the rotatable spindle and directly mounted at desired locations.

Abstract: A retractable power cord assembly, which may be incorporated into the rear cover of a steam iron, has two cord-receiving cavity sections. To increase the capacity of the assembly, the first section is so narrow that turns of the power cord wound into the first section are confined to be wrapped one on top of the other whereas the second section is sufficiently wide that the turns accumulate more randomly within the second section. A hand crank is pivotally mounted on the assembly housing.

Abstract: A line dispenser for a retractable fence which includes a housing for holding a spool of line, the housing having a hole for communicating the line outside the housing; a crank for rotating the spool to bring the line into the housing through the hole; and a tube located within the hole. The line extends through the tube so that the tube applies a tension on the line as the line is reeled in and pulled out of the housing. This device provides a fence which is substantially tangle-free as the line is reeled into and pulled out of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for storing and handling holiday light strings such as icicle lights. The device in accordance with the invention includes a vertically disposed rotatable spindle. The icicle light string can be conveniently wound on the spindle by rotating the spindle in the direction of winding. The device allows for ease of storage and handling of such light strings without any substantial tangling of the strings. When it is desired to mount the lights after a period of storage, the light strings can be readily unwound from the rotatable spindle and directly mounted at desired locations.

Abstract: A flexible rule rewinding device comprised of a front cover plate, a rear cover plate, a winding shaft, a center gear, two gears, a flexible rule reel mount, and a cover plate capable of rewinding long distance flexible rules rapidly and with little effort to thereby increase flexible rule practicality.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of lines to a light weight flying device such as a kite or model airplane stores, winds up, and releases the lines on individual, separable spools. The spools are held in a recess in a housing. Each line leads from its spool through spaced apart individual line guides to the device so that the device may be controlled by manipulation of the housing. A winding handle is mounted on an arm connected to an axle on which the spools are rotatably mounted in the recess. In a first, or winding, position of the arm, rotation of the handle rotates the axle and the spools for winding up the lines. An anti reverse ratchet mechanism prevents unwinding of the lines. In a second, or release, position of the arm, the spools are freed from rotation with the axle, an adjustable drag is operative to prevent free spooling or backlash, and the anti reverse is releasable by a manual control for controllably releasing the lines.