Abstract: A reel structure for a marine fabric tape includes a reel device pivoted to an engaging seat. A straight torsion spring is mounted on a lower portion of a stop plate for a stop portion of the stop plate to engage with teeth of a gear shaft so as to prevent disengagement due to a reverse rotation. An axle bolt is inserted through a central pivotal hole of a gear tray and a pair of axle hole so that the gear tray is positioned between the pair of axle holes. An axle shaft is formed with a slot interconnected with the pivotal hole. A gear disc is disposed on the gear tray to mesh with the teeth of the gear shaft. The gear shaft has two ends provided with left and right sleeves. A pad ring is provided on the gear shaft between a pair of rotation hole. The gear shaft is provided with a flat rod extending from one end thereof. The flat rod is adapted to engage with a handle of a windlass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system to quickly and easily employ a thermal/wind barrier over the surface of a mechanical dock leveler. Dock levelers used in structures with loading docks allow air transfer and thermal conductivity into the loading dock area from the outside environment through joints and openings in and around the dock leveler, when the leveler is not in use, causing economic loss of climate controlled air. The present invention provides a system to employ a thermal/wind barrier over the surface of a dock leveler when it is not being used, so as to prevent this loss. The barrier is deployed and retracted by use of a detent clutch operated spooling mechanism. The spooling mechanism is enclosed in a housing which is mounted to the inside, bottom surface of a loading dock door. An alternative embodiment uses an electric motor to deploy and retract the barrier.

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 hand winch including a winding roll, a flexible elongated member, a shaft connected to the winding roll, a friction brake including a brake disk and a gear element engaging the winding roll and mounted on the shaft. The gear element has a release position and a brake position in which the gear element enters into frictional contact with the brake disk, generating a braking torque resisting winding off the flexible elongated member. Friction means is provided between the shaft and the gear element for generating a frictional resistance therebetween such that, if a driving force acting on the gear element does not overcome the frictional resistance established by the friction means, the gear element drives the shaft through friction means. However, if the driving force between the shaft and the gear element overcomes the frictional resistance, relative movement between the gear element and the shaft occurs.

Abstract: A crank assembly for a hose reel is provided. The crank includes an axle rod and a triangular frame assembly. The axle rod extends perpendicular to the triangular frame assembly. The axle rod extends from the medial portion of on of the three tubular members. In this configuration, and when the crank is in use, force is distributed to opposing sides of the axle rod. Further, the triangular shape provides a support for a flat plate upon which an indicia may be displayed.

Abstract: A reel device for winding/unwinding a continuous dripper irrigation line thereby customizably deploying the dripper irrigation line over an irrigated area and providing irrigation to the area is disclosed. The device includes: a structural frame-work, a rotational pivot suspended by the structural framework, at least one reel sub-unit revolving around the pivot, and a swivel conduit connector having at least one outlet, whereto the dripper irrigation line is connected. The reel device as well as irrigation systems in which such devices can be implemented are equivalently applicable for gardening, farming, industrial agriculture cultivation and crop growing, and for growth of any vegetation type or plant for any purpose whatsoever that reacquire an irrigation.

Abstract: The tensioning device for belts and the like comprises a supporting base (2), a winding reel (6) which can rotate relative to the base (2) about a respective axis of rotation (A1), a ring gear (13) which rotates integrally with the reel (6), an operating lever (14) for rotating the reel (6) in a first predetermined direction of rotation (S1) for winding the belt, a ratche mechanism (39), operating on the ring gear (13) and designed to prevent the reel (6) from rotating in a second direction of rotation (S2) opposite to the first predetermined direction (S1), the ratchet mechanism (39) comprising respective release means for allowing belt unwinding by reel (6) rotation in the second direction of rotation (S2). Further, the ratchet mechanism (39) comprises a first tooth (19) for engagement with the ring gear (13), the first tooth being designed to oscillate about two respective axis of oscillation (O1, O2).

Abstract: A hand activated retainment, storage and deployment device for binding straps used to secure loads on cargo transportation vehicles such as tractor trailers. The device has a winding mechanism with a spooling reel for winding excess binding strap during use and for removable storage of the strap when not deployed.

Abstract: A transportable insulated blanket roller has a support, and a riser coupled to and extending vertically from the support. A bearing support is coupled to the riser, and has an insulated blanket retaining rod passing through the bearing support. The rod has a bifurcation defining first and second insulated blanket holding rods that are operative to receive an insulated blanket therebetween. A crank produces a rotary motion in the retaining rod, in turn winding the blanket onto the blanket holding rods. The transportable insulated blanket roller is combined with a land vehicle having a trailer hitch receiver or comparable coupling or support, and an insulated blanket. A method of efficiently using the transportable insulated blanket roller at a construction site is also presented, including using the bifurcated roller to roll an unrolled insulated blanket, and then sliding the insulated blanket off of the bifurcated roller.

Abstract: This invention reveals a hand-winder assisting rope clamping structure, particularly suitable for the fastening cargo operation using a rope. The design connects the hand-winder to a clamping device consists of a fixed plate and a movable plate. The clamp holds the movable end of the rope for fastening the cargo. Adjustment of the clamping of the rope is through packing bolts or quick release puller using the hook installed on the truck, and operating the pull handle of the hand-winder to retrieve the flat belt results in tightening of the rope at the same time. After the rope is tied to the truck it is thrown over to the other side of the cargo, the hand-winder is then moved to the other side for repeating of above actions. The whole process thus requires just a set of hand-winder, achieving the advantages in cost, safety, truckload, and storage.

Abstract: A carrier includes a pedestal adapted to be in engagement with a supporting surface when resting on the supporting surface, at least two wall structures mounted on the pedestal. A supported member is supported by the wall structures and includes a proximal end receiving one wall structure and a distal end receiving another wall structure. A support wall is connected to the supported member and disposed between the wall structures. A hose reel is selectively mounted between one of the wall structures and the support wall when the other wall structure is abutted by a wall that supports this combination and prevents against any accidental movement during the operation thereof.

Abstract: Provided are a portable winch assembly for use in lifting equipment and a planetary reduction gearbox that may be incorporated into existing winch assemblies. The planetary reduction gearbox of the winch assembly includes a primary sun gear, a first plurality of planet gears, a secondary sun gear, a second plurality of planet gears, and a ring gear. The primary sun gear is fitted with a drive head, which is configured for engagement by a handheld torquing device, such as an electric drill. The rotation of the primary sun gear results in the subsequent rotation of a cooperatively engaged gear-driven lifting assembly, to which a rope, cable, or strap may be attached for hoisting equipment. Optionally, a handle assembly may also be included, the handle being selectively disengageable from the lifting assembly, so that the handle may be remain stationary with respect to the rotation of the primary sun gear.

Abstract: A hose reel assembly wherein the crank assembly/handle is directly coupled to the basket assembly or barrel is provided. This configuration allows for rotational energy, provided by the user, to be directly transferred to the basket assembly. Thus, energy loss due to friction in the gears is reduced. The hose reel assembly further includes a transfer assembly that couples the crank assembly to the autotrack device. The transfer assembly may include a gear, a belt, a chain or similar devices structured to transfer rotational motion from one component to another.

Abstract: A rotatable base apparatus for use with a hose reel enclosure. The base comprises an upper and a lower portion. A bearing is located in between the upper and lower portions and allows the portions to rotate with respect to each other. The bearing can comprise balls mounted in sockets in the lower base portion which ride in a track in the upper base portion. Clips are provided on the upper base portion to secure the hose reel enclosure thereto. This arrangement allows the user to remove the hose from the reel in any direction without the danger of the hose reel enclosure tipping over. The hose reel enclosure will rotate to the direction in which the hose is being removed. It also allows the hose reel enclosure to rotate to the direction that the hose is being wound onto the reel. This prevents the hose from being unevenly wound onto the reel, i.e. piling up on one side of the reel.

Abstract: A transportable insulated blanket roller has a support, and a riser coupled to and extending vertically from the support. A bearing support is coupled to the riser, and has an insulated blanket retaining rod passing through the bearing support. The rod has a bifurcation defining first and second insulated blanket holding rods that are operative to receive an insulated blanket therebetween. A crank produces a rotary motion in the retaining rod, in turn winding the blanket onto the blanket holding rods. The transportable insulated blanket roller is combined with a land vehicle having a trailer hitch receiver or comparable coupling or support, and an insulated blanket. A method of efficiently using the transportable insulated blanket roller at a construction site is also presented, including using the bifurcated roller to roll an unrolled insulated blanket, and then sliding the insulated blanket off of the bifurcated roller.

Abstract: A line length adjustment device includes a strap having a rope loop attached to one end, the other end wound up on a winder core in a housing which has a rope loop at an end opposite a slot receiving the strap. A gripper element normally engages the strap to lock it in any adjusted length, which is manually releasable to allow unwinding of the strap.

Abstract: A cable reel or cable reel assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. In a specific embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling two cable reels to be stacked together such that the annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact. In another embodiment, a retractable handle is disposed within the side periphery when in the retracted position.

Abstract: A winding device includes a winding member that rotates to wind a flexible member therearound, a first rotating member that is rotatable, a second rotating member that is rotatable coaxially with the winding member and has a smaller resistance to rotation in a predetermined direction than that to rotation in a direction opposite the predetermined direction, and an engaging member. When the first rotating member is subjected to a first torque, the engaging member brings the winding member, the first rotating member, and the second rotating member into engagement with one another, so that the winding member becomes rotatable together with the first rotating member in the predetermined direction. When the first rotating member is subjected to a second torque in a direction opposite that of the first torque, the engaging member releases the engagement, so that the winding member becomes rotatable in the direction opposite the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A rotatable base apparatus for use with a hose reel enclosure. The base comprises an upper and a lower portion. A bearing is located in between the upper and lower portions and allows the portions to rotate with respect to each other. The bearing can comprise balls mounted in sockets in the lower base portion which ride in a track in the upper base portion. Clips are provided on the upper base portion to secure the hose reel enclosure thereto. This arrangement allows the user to remove the hose from the reel in any direction without the danger of the hose reel enclosure tipping over. The hose reel enclosure will rotate to the direction in which the hose is being removed. It also allows the hose reel enclosure to rotate to the direction that the hose is being wound onto the reel. This prevents the hose from being unevenly wound onto the reel, i.e. piling up on one side of the reel.

Abstract: A strap reel for winding load securing straps is comprised of a base, an arbor, and a protruding element. The arbor is centered on a first side of the base, and is adapted to be received by a motorized drill. The protruding element is centered on the opposing side of the base, and is configured to receive the hook of the load securing strap. The strap reel provides an easy and quick way to wind straps for storage.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a cam assembly and strap based closure system using a spiral is configured for bringing two sides of an article together. In some embodiments, when the user inserts the strap into the cam assembly and turns a knob, the strap is driven into the cam assembly and the strap pins engage one or more cam spirals. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that strap pins may be engaged at a constant angle which may be self-locking. In some embodiments, the system may be infinitely adjustable and the torque felt by the knob may be constant. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to be a quick release system and may allow rapid insertion of the strap for faster operation.

Abstract: Radially disposed ribs for supporting the canopy of an umbrella are pivotally connected by a crown mounted on the outer end of a rod. A sleeve is in external sliding relationship with the rod. Struts are pivotally connected to the sleeve, each strut being associated with one of the ribs for splaying the ribs and collapsing them inwardly. A support tube is connected by a coaxial shaft to the rod, and the sleeve is telescopically received in the support tube. The shaft is threaded and rotated by motor, opposing ends of the threaded shaft being supported for rotation in first and second journals fixed within the support tube and the rod, respectively. A threaded nut fixedly connected to the sleeve is engaged with the threaded shaft for moving the sleeve along the rod between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a hose or cable reeler that can retract a hose or cable without the need for a retracting coil spring. The reeler generally comprises a reeling wheel assembly and a reeling wheel drive. The reeling wheel assembly is detachably coupled with the reeling wheel drive by means of a clutch. The reeling wheel drive mainly comprises a gear transmission chain, and is operated through a lever by manpower (e.g., treading of a foot). Since manpower is used to retract the hose or cable, this invention avoids the related problems that may occur when the retraction is achieved completely relying on the coil spring. For example, the disordered brandish, which may occur owing to an excessive retractive force, can be avoided during the retraction of the hose or cable, and a combined drive of manpower and retractive force of the coil spring is possible.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for a window blind includes a base having two slideways, a rotation member rotatably mounted on the base and having an outer wall formed with a threaded guide portion, and a guide seat having an inner wall formed with a threaded guide hole screwed onto the threaded guide portion of the rotation member and an outer wall formed with two guide posts each provided with a roller slidably mounted in a respective slideway of the base. Thus, when the lift cord is wound around the rotation member, the guide seat is movable successively on the rotation member by guidance of the roller, so that the lift cord is wound around the rotation member serially and smoothly by guidance of the guide seat, thereby preventing the lift cord from being tangled.

Abstract: An inlet conduit assembly for a hose reel assembly includes a clip assembly that is structured to be accessible from the outer side of the frame assembly. The clip assembly is structured to be operated without the use of tools. The clip assembly, essentially, prevents the inlet conduit assembly from being moved axially once installed. In this configuration, a user may quickly and easily actuate the clip assembly to release or engage the inlet conduit assembly. Thus, a user may quickly and easily remove the inlet conduit assembly.

Abstract: A bi-directional device includes a rotatable control handle, a first line, and a second line, each extending from a housing. When the control handle is rotated in a first rotational direction, at least a portion of the first line is drawn into the housing. When the control handle is rotated in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, at least a portion of the second line is drawn into the housing. Optionally, the control handle is positionable into each of a drive position and a release position. The control handle is generally biased into the drive position by an elastic force such as that of a spring. While the control handle is at the drive position, those portions of the lines drawn into the housing by rotations of the control handle are prevented from being withdrawn. When the release position of the control handle is obtained, drawn portions of the lines can be withdrawn from the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a banner from a support member at a display height above ground level includes upper and lower banner mounting arms that are capable of receiving and mounting a banner with the assistance of an operator located at ground level.

Abstract: Among the several aspects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of an improved portable hose reel cart having a low-entry point for recoiling a hose in conjunction with an elevated hand crank for use in rotation of the reel. In an additional embodiment, the elevated hand crank is also used for movement of a level-wind hose guide for positioning of the flexible hose around the hose reel. The present invention also provides an enclosure that includes injection molded panels having integrally formed connectors adapted to cooperate with injection molded as well as extruded panels for assembly of a hose reel enclosure.

Abstract: The utility strap dispenser is a container having a top plate and a bottom plate with central mounting apertures. A cylindrical wall having a dispensing slot is provided on an upper surface of the bottom plate defining a chamber for receiving a coil of strap material and a peripheral flange upon the bottom plate. The legs of a metal or plastic split pin pass through the central mounting apertures straddling an inner end of a coil of strap material and secure the container plates together while mounting the coil of strap material for rotation within the container. A guide stop having a guide slot for the passage of the free end of the strap material is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical wall a predetermined distance from the dispensing slot.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing that includes a frame and a mouthpiece body moveable mounted to the frame. The mouthpiece body includes a tape exit port that is moveable, advantageously rotatably, and may include an external recess aligned with the exit port. A measuring tape is supported by the housing and selectively deployable from the housing via the exit port. The movable exit port may allow the tape to enter the housing along a line that is tangent to the coil of tape rotatably supported by the housing. This tangency is advantageously maintained as the size of the coil changes due to the amount of tape therein. Other aspects and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An umbrella is provided that includes a lower pole portion, an upper pole portion, a canopy coupled with the upper pole portion, a crank, and a rotation mechanism. The upper pole portion is rotatably coupled with the lower pole portion. The crank is configured to articulate the canopy. The rotation mechanism is configured to apply a force to the upper pole portion. The rotation mechanism is at least partially located between the crank and the lower pole portion.

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: In relation to cables, a cable apparatus, which enhances downsizing by housing a cable when not in use and operability at the time of housing and pulling-out operations, is provided. The cable apparatus for use in connecting electronic apparatuses comprises a chassis housing a cable with connector units connected to the electronic apparatuses; a winding mechanism winding and housing the cable within the chassis; and an operation unit applying a turning force to the winding mechanism and allowing the winding mechanism to wind the cable, wherein the operation unit is pulled up from the chassis to allow the winding mechanism to wind the cable when operated and is pulled down toward the chassis when not operated.

Abstract: A rotatable base apparatus for use with a hose reel enclosure. The base comprises an upper and a lower portion. A bearing is located in between the upper and lower portions and allows the portions to rotate with respect to each other. The bearing can comprise balls mounted in sockets in the lower base portion which ride in a track in the upper base portion. Clips are provided on the upper base portion to secure the hose reel enclosure thereto. This arrangement allows the user to remove the hose from the reel in any direction without the danger of the hose reel enclosure tipping over. The hose reel enclosure will rotate to the direction in which the hose is being removed. It also allows the hose reel enclosure to rotate to the direction that the hose is being wound onto the reel. This prevents the hose from being unevenly wound onto the reel, i.e. piling up on one side of the reel.

Abstract: A reel assembly is provided that rotatably couples a hub to a support, such that the hub is generally, vertically positioned. A frame is coupled with the support so that the frame may rotate about a generally vertical axis, independently of the hub and the support. A level-wind system is coupled with the frame so that the level-wind may reciprocally, vertically move a flexible line as the hub is rotated. A cover assembly may be provided to substantially enclose the hub while permitting the hub to freely rotate within the cover. A distal end of the support may be coupled with a nearly limitless number of different bases for portable and permanently mounted uses.

Abstract: A retractable tow rope apparatus according to the present invention includes a hollow spool mounted for rotational movement inside a casing. A retraction spring is positioned inside the spool and is coupled to the spool and to the casing for selectively moving the spool therein. One end of the spool includes a flange defining a plurality of grooves. A spool brake is mounted to the casing for selective engagement with a respective groove, whereby to selectively stop the spool from paying out or retracting the tow rope. A retractable handle is mounted to the casing and coupled to the spool, enabling a user to manually turn the spool. The casing includes a handle for carrying the device. A bracket may be attached to the casing for releasably mounting the device to a boat.

Abstract: A line winder has a spool body including a cylinder and a pair of annular disc-shaped flanges that together define a toroidal volume for receiving a wound flexible line. A handgrip body is located substantially inside the cylinder. The handgrip body slidingly engages an inwardly facing surface of the cylinder and is coupled to the spool body by a groove and a rib. The groove is provided in either the cylinder or the handgrip body, while the rib is provided on the other of the cylinder and the handgrip body.

Abstract: A capstan includes a frame, a reel for reeling a cable and a bolt for supporting the reel on the frame. The stress in the cable gets larger as the strain in the bolt gets larger. A driving device is operable to rotate the reel on the bolt. A strain gauge is attached to the bolt for measuring the strain in the bolt. A control box calculates the stress in the cable based on the strain in the bolt. A display shows the stress in the cable under the control of the control box.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for cutting and spooling paper are described. In one embodiment, a system for cutting a traveling web of paper that is being wound onto a first spool and transferring the paper web onto a second spool by feeding turn-up tape into a nip between the second spool and the paper web, comprises a transfer track for transporting the turn-up tape beneath the paper web and to a position adjacent to the nip, and a drive assembly capable of driving the turn-up tape along the transfer track toward the nip, wherein the drive is capable of being powered by manual power or motor power.

Abstract: The utility strap dispenser is a container having a top plate and a bottom plate with central mounting apertures. A cylindrical wall having a dispensing slot is provided on an upper surface of the bottom plate defining a chamber for receiving a coil of strap material and a peripheral flange upon the bottom plate. The legs of a metal split pin pass through the central mounting apertures straddling an inner end of a coil of strap material and the free ends of the legs are bent back against the top surface of the top plate securing the container plates together and mounting the coil of strap material for rotation within the container. A guide stop having a guide slot for the passage of the free end of the strap material is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical wall a predetermined distance from the dispensing slot.

Abstract: A case for storing and winding a plurality of ratchet tie-downs removable from the case for use. The case includes a base having a plurality of compartments for storing first parts of the tie-downs. A plurality of reels are supported on the base for rotation relative to the base, each reel having a winding portion for winding a strap on the reel. The case includes a rotation mechanism for simultaneously rotating all the reels in a winding direction relative to the base thereby to wind the straps onto the reels. The case includes a lid for the case, the lid when in a closed position helping to retain the straps in the case. The case has a closed configuration adapted for placement on a retail store shelf and the lid having an exterior major side surface for holding retail information.

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: A winding apparatus (winder) that is used to quickly and conveniently wind cargo straps into individual coils for storage from conventional strap winches is disclosed. The winder has a two piece design, which includes a “jawbone” shaped cantilever and a removable crank. The “jawbone” configuration of the cantilever is created by its toothed tapered sides at its front and the pair of spaced parallel ears at its rear. The removable crank can be fitted to the cantilever in a winding position inserted between the two ears or in a storage position secured within the front section of the cantilever. The cantilever is mounted to the strap winch in a plurality of positions to ensure that the rear of the cantilever extends beyond the edge of the trailer bed providing easy access to the crank in its winding position. One end of a cargo strap is secured to the crank, which is fitted to the cantilever and the crank is manually turned to wind the cargo straps into a coil.

Abstract: A hose-reel assembly includes a reel with foldable flange portions to allow compact shipping and storage in a pre-assembled state. The reel is rotatably mounted on a support frame which either stacks with similar frames or has selectively deployable legs to allow packaging of the assembly in a rectangular box of height less than the reel diameter.

Abstract: A hose cart combining the features of an off-set handle, to permit any easier retrieval of paid out hose, a hose tracker, to permit hose to be neatly wound onto a reel, and a storage system comprising a protective housing, to provide storage and protection for a hose kept within, is provided. The invention includes the use of a crank to turn a reel which causes paid out hose to be drawn into the protective box onto a reel. The use of a plurality of gears permits the crank to be offset from the center of the reel, such that it is elevated to a more convenient cranking position. Further, the use of gears permits the same movement of the crank, which causes hose to be collected, causes a hose guide to move laterally, along the axis of the reel, such that hose is neatly layered onto the reel.

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: A holiday decorations string reel including a vertically disposed hollow column with a top end and a bottom end and having a generally cylindrical configuration and a longitudinal centerline with an outer wall spaced a distance from said centerline, a substantially horizontally disposed top flange and bottom flange encapsulating said column at the top end and the bottom end of said column, a plurality of separator disks concentrically mounted along the length of the outer wall of said column, wherein said disks are vertically adjustable up and down the length of the outer wall of said column, and a reel platform rotatably attached to said bottom flange of said column. A method for hanging holiday decorations strings. A method for storing holiday decorations strings.

Abstract: A multiple purpose storage device for Christmas string of lights constructed of plastic molding. Device has two identical octagon shaped sides which twist snap together at a 90 degree angle to form a single component. A single unit molded handle with a non-restricted rotating lever snaps over a boss at each side of the reel just outside the center of the cylinder. A flexible tab facility is molded into the inner side of the reel to hold one end of a string of lights to wrap evenly around the cylinder by rotating a lever. The handle has a storage compartment at the top made with a living hinge for secure closure and easy opening. Device is assembled prior to shipping and is shipped in a sturdy corrugated cardboard box designed for storing reel and for handy stackable shelf storage.

Abstract: A direct current powered hose rewinding apparatus for use with an associated flexible hose includes a removable, replaceable, and rechargeable battery assembly for motorized rewinding of the hose. The reel is carried by and enclosed within an enclosure and is rotatable by either a direct current powered motor or a folding manual crank. Power from the electrical motor is transferred to the reel via an infinitely adjustable torque transfer assembly. 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 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: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for controlling a power kite. The systems may include a variable-line kite controller with a rotatable spool bar carrying plural spools, or a fixed-line controller. The systems also may include deployment mechanisms, sheeting mechanisms, cleating mechanisms for the sheeting mechanisms, safety releases, line protectors, and kite boards, among others, for use with variable- and/or fixed-line controllers.