Manually Rotatable Crank Or Wheel Patents (Class 242/395)
  • Publication number: 20040238676
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. Tisbo, Brian R. Moon, Lyle A. Rosine, Torrence Anderson, Michael Uffner
  • Patent number: 6811110
    Abstract: A reeling device for fire hoses. The device includes a winch, a gearing kit that controls the winch and an operating handle. The device is installed on a structural rack in which of the two protruding axles arranged on the winch, one is secured and turns along with the winch and the other is movably situated at the center of the winch and controlled by the handle for telescopic movement, thereby allowing the twin axles to hold and reel the fire hose and allowing the removal of fire hose easily from the winch by withdrawing one of the axles after reeling the fire hose. In addition, the device features the gearing kit for transmission of the hose through the change of number of gears of the gearing kit as a way to reel the hose with less effort than traditional manual reeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Cheony-Sun Tsao
  • Patent number: 6786428
    Abstract: A hose reel having a casing and a wheel coupled to the casing for winding up a hose, a holder block mounted on the wheel, the holder block having a hose connector for receiving water from a water source through a hose, and a sprinkler carried on the holder block and adapted to sprinkle water received from the hose connector of the holder block on flowers, lawns, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Guo-Shu Huang
  • Patent number: 6779749
    Abstract: An electric-powered lawnmower having a manoeuvering planar handle, a reel member having a hollow shaft and a pair of integral spaced apart spokes for winding an electrical extension cord therebetween. A reel support polygonal panel having a transverse socket engages the hollow shaft, wherein the shaft is freely rotatable within the socket. The panel defines two opposite side edge portions forming registering concave cavities. An anchor bar member has attachment members anchoring the anchor member to the lawnmower planar handle generally coplanar thereto. The anchor bar member includes a dovetail cavity, frictionally wedgingly yet releasably receiving the panel concave cavities. The reel member socket defines a rotational axis generally orthogonal to the plane of the planar handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Gilbert Laporta
  • Patent number: 6758314
    Abstract: A portable light reel system holding electro-luminescent (EL) wire and self-contained electronics, providing a stand-alone and self-contained light reel. The rotatably mounted cylindrical hub about which the EL wire is wound accommodates a battery and inverter. A waterproof switch is operative to impress a high frequency A.C. voltage upon the EL wire providing an “ON” state or a “BLINKING” state. An external power connector is provided the means for charging the batteries as well as supplying power to the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: George Woodruff
  • Publication number: 20040118961
    Abstract: A rope tensioning device includes a support base, a handle, a connecting post, two fixing plates, two ratchet wheels, two locking blocks, two shafts, a snap ring, two elastic members, two insertion pins, a bolt, a nut, and a fixing pin. Thus, the rope tensioning device can be assembled rapidly and conveniently, thereby greatly reducing costs of assembly. In addition, the rope tensioning device can wind and unwind the rope easily, conveniently and rapidly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Vincent Chang
  • Patent number: 6745971
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Toby K. Renzoni
  • Patent number: 6742740
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Tisbo, Brian R. Moon, Lyle A. Rosine, Joseph Gormley, Torrence Anderson, Michael Uffner
  • Publication number: 20040099760
    Abstract: An electric-powered lawnmower having a manoeuvering planar handle, a reel member having a hollow shaft and a pair of integral spaced apart spokes for winding an electrical extension cord therebetween. A reel support polygonal panel having a transverse socket engages the hollow shaft, wherein the shaft is freely rotatable within the socket. The panel defines two opposite side edge portions forming registering concave cavities. An anchor bar member has attachment members anchoring the anchor member to the lawnmower planar handle generally coplanar thereto. The anchor bar member includes a dovetail cavity, frictionally wedgingly yet releasably receiving the panel concave cavities. The reel member socket defines a rotational axis generally orthogonal to the plane of the planar handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Gilbert Laporta
  • Patent number: 6732753
    Abstract: An umbrella frame has a hollow shaft, an upper runner disposed on the hollow shaft, a lower runner receiving the hollow shaft, a winding device inserted through the hollow shaft, a pulley disposed on the hollow shaft, and a thread connected to the pulley and the winding device. A plurality of ribs are connected to the upper runner. A plurality of stretchers are connected to the lower runner and the ribs. A handle engages with the winding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Wei-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 6722381
    Abstract: This invention is for a type of mechanism for umbrella self lock operation. It is composed of the swinging mechanism, lifting mechanism, stopping mechanism and clutch mechanism. Among them, the clutch mechanism includes a spooler with a hole in the middle section for rope to pass through. On the axial, there are stopper rings and elastic flexible keys. The front end of the spooler has screw thread section. The clutch axle box shall have ratchet and the on the ring diameter, there is positioning threads. It enters through the front-end thread section of the spooler. It will make the ratchet section and the elastic flexible keys joint together under normal conditions. Through handgrip thread, it joints together with the front-end thread section of the spooler. It will control the left and right rotating movement. Use pressure to engage the joint of axle box and the thread of the front cover, it forms auto self lock performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jin Sheng Lai
  • Publication number: 20040065765
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas William Fleming
  • Publication number: 20040065764
    Abstract: The present invention provides a winder for strings of lights and storage for the same. The device includes a frame coupled to a spool retainer. The device further includes a means for winding the spool retainer, such as a drive shaft driven by a hand crank or electric motor. The device further includes a removable spool, for receiving a string of lights, that is coupled to the spool retainer. Additionally, the device includes a handle mountable to the frame for supporting the winder during winding. The invention additionally provides a method for winding a string of lights. A frame coupled to a spool retainer is provided. A reversible handle is then mounted to the frame. A removable spool is coupled to the spool retainer. One end of a string of lights is secured to the spool. A crank is then rotated to coil the string of lights about the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Lars O. Rosaen
  • Patent number: 6698679
    Abstract: A manually wound tape measure includes a housing with a mouth, with the flexible tape extending through the mouth. A resilient grip element is slidably mounted on the tape for movement relative thereto. The grip element includes an internal passage through which the tape extends and is resiliently deformable between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. The exterior of the grip element may be tapered. Manually powered retraction of the tape into the housing causes the grip element to be urged into the mouth portion of the housing such that the grip element is, by interaction with the housing, deformed against and compressively grips the tape. The tape measure may include a manually powered retraction mechanism having a drive ratio of greater than 1:1. The tape measure is manually changeable from a deployed configuration to a retracted configuration wherein the grip element deforms against and compressively grips the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Critelli, Stephen E. Donelson
  • Publication number: 20040021030
    Abstract: ABSTRACT a inline swimming pool vacuum hose storage apparatus consisting of a storage container housing a hose reel unit for coiling, storing, and dispensing a vacuum hose and a faceplate unit used in conjunction with the container to sandwich a prepared surface such as a swimming pool wall, a swimming pool surrounding, a fence or a pool shed providing a means for coiling and dispensing the vacuum hose through the sandwiched surface thereby providing convenient storage and easy access to the vacuum hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Brent Edward Brocking
  • Publication number: 20030234312
    Abstract: A water hose winding apparatus mainly includes an upright plate and a fastening frame, wherein the top portion of the upright plate forms a handle ring and the lower end thereof is disposed with a peg rod; two lateral end portions of the fastening frame form bend portions with forked openings at the distal ends; one end portion of a shaft sleeve pivotally couples at the center of a support plate; the center of a rotary disc is disposed with a shaft hole; the shaft sleeve rotates synchronously with the rotary disc and a shaft; one end of the water hose inserts into the through hole of the rotary disc thereby coiling the hose body around the shaft sleeve; the other end thereof is stored at or pulled outwardly from the forked opening area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Ying-Hong Kuo
  • Patent number: 6659389
    Abstract: A dual-mode hose roller including a crank and a mounting plate may be used to roll up collapsed hose into either a compact hose roll or an expanded hose coil. The crank and mounting plate are arranged to facilitate transmission of torque from the crank to the desired type of hose winding. When a compact hose roll is desired, torque is transmitted directly to the hose. When an expanded hose coil is desired, torque is transmitted to the hose through the mounting plate and several extension arms. The extension arms are sized so that the hose roller forms an expanded hose coil having a suitable diameter for structural fire hose. The mounting plate is rotatably mounted on a fixed support through a bearing and, optionally, a ratchet mechanism. Using the hose roller, preparation is made for fighting a structural fire arranging a section of collapsed hose into a hose bundle. A section of hose is rolled up into an expanded hose coil and arranged into a number of hose loops to form a hose bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Richard W. Hoffmann, Richard L. Garner
  • Publication number: 20030192979
    Abstract: A portable fire hose reel apparatus, and a method for its use, is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a support frame having a lower portion and an upper portion, a reel shaft having first and second ends, and a crank attached to the second end of the reel shaft. The reel shaft is attached to the upper portion of the support frame. The first end of the reel shaft defines a slot running radially through a cross-section of the reel shaft, which extends axially from the first end of the reel shaft towards the second end of the reel shaft. In another embodiment, the reel shaft extends through an aperture running radially through a cross section of the upper portion from a first to second side. The first end of the reel shaft projects out of the aperture on the first side of the upper portion, while the second end of the reel shaft projects out of the aperture on the second side of the upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Jon J. Olson
  • Publication number: 20030160125
    Abstract: A Retractor device for capturing wire within an enclosed space and extracting the wire outside the space. The device utilizes a flexible tape coiled around a spool in the device housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph F. Siana
  • Patent number: 6581879
    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 kiteboards, among others, for use with variable- and/or fixed-line controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: John D. Bellacera
  • Patent number: 6561450
    Abstract: A device for winding a flattened firefighting hose which has a T-bar of a handle and an abutted and welded shaft normally disposed to the handle. The shaft on its second end is recessed into a junction box on the opposite end of the shaft from the handle and welded into position. The junction box has a pair of preferably recessed spaced prongs emanating from the opposite face of the junction box. These prongs are also spaced apart and are of equal length. Stainless steel construction is preferred. All members are perfectly formed of round tubing though square tubing may be utilized and in either case should be preferably about ¾″ in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Troy E. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6550155
    Abstract: A tape rule with an automatic blade extension mechanism in which the internal ruler blade reel is not equipped with a center-wound, spiral retraction spring. The torsion developed by winding the steel ruler blade around the reel is of sufficient magnitude such that when the ruler blade is released, it automatically extends to facilitate taking measurements. As such, the present invention is of higher industrial and practical value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 6540169
    Abstract: A tube receiver has a winding disk and a body. The winding disk is extended with a shaft which is capable of being engaged to the body. Therefore, the winding disk pivotally rotates along the body. The shaft has an annular buckling groove at an end passing through the body. A slidable buckle installed at the body is configured with respect to the buckling groove of the shaft. The buckle has a flange. The flange is engaged to the buckling groove of the shaft for confining the axial position of the shaft. As the flange of the buckle separates from the buckling groove of the shaft, the winding disk will separate from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Po-Chao Chuang
  • Publication number: 20030034417
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas A. Tisbo, Brian R. Moon, Lyle A. Rosine, Joseph Gormley, Torrence Anderson, Michael Uffner
  • Patent number: 6517022
    Abstract: A cable storage device for providing a storage for cable. The cable storage device includes a housing assembly including a housing member; and also includes a handle member being attached to an exterior of the housing member; and further includes a spool member being rotatably disposed in the housing member and being adapted to carry a cable; and also includes a crank member being attached to the spool member for turning the spool member to take up the cable; and further includes bracket members being securely attached to the housing member and being adapted to support an end portion of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Richard A. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20030025023
    Abstract: A dispenser for suture, including a suture reel on which the suture is mounted and an indicator that the suture is soon to be depleted. The indicator can be a visual marking on the suture, or it can be an audible and/or vibratory effect obtained by the dispenser housing interacting with the suture through one or more view ports or by interaction of a follower cam with the reel structure as the suture becomes depleted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: David Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 6513791
    Abstract: A center drive device for use with a fish tape apparatus is provided. The center drive device includes a body portion for engaging a central opening defined by the fish tape apparatus and securing the center drive device thereto. The center drive device is frictionally secured to the fish tape apparatus, such as by an interference fit. The center drive device also includes a drive fitting positioned coaxially with the central opening of the fish tape apparatus. The drive fitting is adapted for engagement with a powered driver for reeling in a flexible tape attached to the wire pulling device. A fish tape apparatus is also provided having a reel and an integrally formed center drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Backspin, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Steven Yates
  • Publication number: 20030015617
    Abstract: A tube receiver has a winding disk and a body. The winding disk is extended with a shaft which is capable of being engaged to the body. Therefore, the winding disk pivotally rotates along the body. The shaft has an annular buckling groove at an end passing through the body. A slidable buckle installed at the body is configured with respect to the buckling groove of the shaft. The buckle has a flange. The flange is engaged to the buckling groove of the shaft for confining the axial position of the shaft. As the flange of the buckle separates from the buckling groove of the shaft, the winding disk will separate from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Po-Chao Chuang
  • Patent number: 6499687
    Abstract: A device for the dispensing of drip system tubing for commercial installers of such irrigation systems. The device has a lower base upon which is centrally disposed a spaced bearing housing with a bearing therein for rotation of an upper base. The upper base has a reel optionally removably mounted thereto, for receipt of a coil of drip system line. The device may include grab handles for carrying it from location to location. It may also include a handle for aiding in the rotation of the upper base relative to the lower base for the dispensing of the drip line tubing. An optional counter for measuring the amount of drip line dispensed may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Keith R. Bryant
  • Patent number: 6477785
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a measuring tape having a quick and effort-saving retracting device, comprising a front casing, a rear casing, a measuring tape axle base, a reverse axle, a reverse gear, a fastener, a gear casing, and a driving axle rod; more particularly a measuring tape that provides a retraction for a long-distance measurement and a device having a quick and effort-saving effect for enhancing the practicability of a measuring tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu
  • Publication number: 20020153445
    Abstract: A device for winding winds the remaining line of the optical fiber cable easily when wiring without lose the characteristics of the optical fiber cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Toyokuni Electric Cable Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Ichinari, Syuichi Hagiwara, Hisanari Shibazaki
  • Patent number: 6464160
    Abstract: A tape measure having a quick rewinding mechanism. The mechanism includes a gear assembly having a first drive gear, a second drive gear, and an idler gear set having first, second, third, and fourth idler gears each meshed with the first drive gear, wherein the idler gears are equally spaced around the first drive gear for uniformly distributing a generated force to the idler gears while rewinding the tape measure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu
  • Publication number: 20020121568
    Abstract: A towline reel assembly having a cable wound on the reel, is to be removably connected to a receiver mounted to a towing vehicle. The reel is pivotally wound to the tubular hitch to allow pivotal movement in the vertical plane. A latch is provided to latch the reel at a selected pivotal position. The reel is further mounted to the hitch to allow pivotal movement in horizontal plane. A cable cover is positioned to enclose the cable wound on the reel. This cable cover has a slit through which a free end of the towline cable is extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Lloyd A. Malmend
  • Patent number: 6435444
    Abstract: A reel has a housing, an axle, a handle, a wheel and a friction element. The friction element is mounted in the housing and presses against the wheel. The friction element is made of an elastic material. The friction element includes an inverse U-shaped base and a protruding contact pad extending up from the base portion to press against the outer edge of the wheel. Consequently, the wheel can be stopped in any desired position by the friction element, and the degree to which the canopy can be expanded is controlled. The use of the suspended sunshade becomes more versatile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Steve Lin
  • Publication number: 20020092550
    Abstract: An umbrella frame has a hollow shaft, an upper runner disposed on the hollow shaft, a lower runner receiving the hollow shaft, a winding device inserted through the hollow shaft, a pulley disposed on the hollow shaft, and a thread connected to the pulley and the winding device. A plurality of ribs are connected to the upper runner. A plurality of stretchers are connected to the lower runner and the ribs. A handle engages with the winding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Wei-Chen Chang
  • Publication number: 20020092944
    Abstract: A reel has a housing, an axle, a handle, a wheel and a friction element. The friction element is mounted in the housing and presses against the wheel. The friction element is made of an elastic material. The friction element includes an inverse U-shaped base and a protruding contact pad extending up from the base portion to press against the outer edge of the wheel. Consequently, the wheel can be stopped in any desired position by the friction element, and the degree to which the canopy can be expanded is controlled. The use of the suspended sunshade becomes more versatile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Steve Lin
  • Publication number: 20020079398
    Abstract: Cord winding device for large-size sunshade, including a seat body, a tube body and a cord winder. The seat body is tightly fitted around the tube body. The cord winder is passed through two sides of the seat body and tube body. The cord winder is composed of a locating seat and a crank movably connected with the locating seat. The locating seat is connected with the seat body. An outer circumference of the locating seat is formed with multiple oblique recesses which are serially connected to form an annular face. A locating block outward projects from upper side of the crank. A front end of a bent insertion pin is passed through a through hole of the locating block and fitted with a resilient member. A locking member is disposed on the crank for cooperatively for winding a cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Chia-Lin Liu
  • Publication number: 20020074443
    Abstract: A strap winding device for quickly and effectively winding the strap about the spindle. The strap winding device includes a bracket member having a main wall and end walls being spaced apart and extending outwardly of the main wall; and also includes a spindle being rotatably mounted to the bracket member and being adapted to carry a strap; and further includes a knob member being attached to the spindle and having a plurality holes extending therethrough; and also includes a crank assembly being removably connected to the knob member for turning the spindle to roll up and unroll the strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Gregory A. Murdock, Catherine P. Murdock
  • Patent number: 6402075
    Abstract: A string control system for conveniently dispensing for use and retracting for storage an elongate flexible member. The string control system includes a reeling device for dispensing an elongate flexible member during use of the flexible member and retracting the flexible member for storage of the flexible member. The device comprises a frame having laterally spaced side portions and longitudinally spaced end portions defining an opening. The end portions extend between the side portions. A spool is provided for winding a length of an elongate flexible member thereon. The spool is positioned in the opening of the frame and is rotatably mounted on the frame. The spool has a pair of flange portions and a central portion mounted between the flange portions. A crank is provided for rotating the spool. Preferably, each of the flange portions of the spool has a hub and at least two guide spokes extending radially outward from the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Edward Grimes
  • Patent number: 6357133
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 6338360
    Abstract: A hose reel carrier includes a wheeled structure having spaced apart side walls and a top wall covering a receptacle; a hose reel is rotatably mounted between the side walls and is rotated by a hand crank operated outside one of the side walls; a reciprocating hose guide carried on support rods is also driven by the crank; a fluid connection is provided through the other side wall to supply fluid to a hose carried on the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Ames True Temper Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Spear, Steven F. Brooker
  • Publication number: 20010038055
    Abstract: A tape measure having a quick rewinding mechanism comprises a gear assembly including a first drive gear, a second driven gear, and an idler gear set having a first, a second, a third, and a fourth idler gears each meshed with the first drive gear wherein the idler gears are equally spaced around the first drive gear for uniformly distributing a generated force to the idler gears while rewinding the tape measure device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu
  • Publication number: 20010028014
    Abstract: A device for winding a power cord of an up-right vacuum is disclosed to wind the power cord on a fixed cord hanger and a rotary cord hanger by the rotation of the winding device for an easy winding. The device for winding the power cord includes a rotary member 100 inserted from the front side of the main body 200 into the rear side thereof. A power cord holder 400 is coupled from the rear side of the main body 200 into the front side for winding with guiding the power cord 300 toward a circumference direction by a rotation of the rotary member 100. A rotary hanger 500 is engaged on an upper part within a radius of the power cord holder 400 for pivoting together to smoothly wind the power cord 300 in a case of passing the power cord holder 400 and for repatriating not to come out the wound power cord 300 after passing the cord holder. And a fixed cord hanger 600 is positioned on a lower part inside the radius of the power cord holder 400 for winding the power cord 300 while passing the power cord holder 400.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Joung-soo Park
  • Patent number: 6299095
    Abstract: A storage device for light strands includes a hollow housing having a shaft rotably mounted therein. The housing includes a bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a rear wall, an open top and an open front. Attached to the front edge of the bottom wall is a flap formed of a plurality of foldable sections having a tongue extending from a leading edge thereof. The flap may be folded about the housing to selectively enclose the open front and top. A hand crank is rotatably mounted to the side wall of the housing and is attached to the shaft for selectively rotating the shaft to wind a light strand therearound. A pair of retaining bands are mounted to the shaft, each for securing the end of a light strand thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Martin J. Murfin
  • Patent number: 6267319
    Abstract: A dual-mode hose roller including a crank and a mounting plate may be used to roll up collapsed hose into either a compact hose roll or an expanded hose coil. The crank and mounting plate are arranged to facilitate transmission of torque from the crank to the desired type of hose winding. When a compact hose roll is desired, torque is transmitted directly to the hose. When an expanded hose coil is desired, torque is transmitted to the hose through the mounting plate and several extension arms. The extension arms are sized so that the hose roller forms an expanded hose coil having a suitable diameter for structural fire hose. The mounting plate is rotatably mounted on a fixed support through a bearing and, optionally, a ratchet mechanism. Using the hose roller, preparation is made for fighting a structural fire arranging a section of collapsed hose into a hose bundle. A section of hose is rolled up into an expanded hose coil and arranged into a number of hose loops to form a hose bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventors: Richard W. Hoffmann, Richard L. Garner
  • Patent number: 6241175
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for use in winding a hose in which the apparatus comprises a support plate having at least one flat surface. There is further provided a peg which is mounted to the support plate and extends outwardly from the flat surface and a spindle which is removably securable to the support plate and extends outwardly from the flat surface. A rotation mechanism is provided to rotate the support plate about an axis, thereby, in use, rotating the hose to wind the hose about the peg and spindle and there is provided a support constructed so as to permit the apparatus to be releasably mounted to a vehicle or to be self-supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Brad Nichols
  • Patent number: 6230724
    Abstract: An operation mechanism for a parasol, including a deflection mechanism, a winding mechanism, a damper mechanism and a clutch mechanism. The deflection mechanism is installed on a locating seat. An upper and a lower sections of the locating seat are formed with upper and lower pin holes. Two shaft rods at two ends of a spiral rod are passed through the upper pin holes with the spiral rod received in the locating seat. One side of the locating seat is rotatably fixed with a first gear. A bottom of a swinging head is formed with a spiral toothed face engaged with and driven by the spiral rod. The winding mechanism and damper mechanism are passed through the lower pin hole. The clutch mechanism connected with a crank is disposed at one end of the winding mechanism. When rotating the crank, the winding mechanism is driven to wind a cord for stretching open the parasol face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Jin-Sheng Lai
  • Patent number: 6206317
    Abstract: An apparatus for coiling a fire hose includes a base and a main support extending generally vertically and having upper and lower opposed ends, the lower end being attached to the base. The upper end includes a hose reel having an axle that is rotatably mounted to the upper end and which has an axle distal end. A crank is coupled to the axle of the hose reel to rotate the hose reel as the crank is correspondingly rotated. The crank has first and second opposed ends, the first end being releasably coupled to the axle distal end and the second end being configured to be gripped by a user. Next, the apparatus includes a retainer for coupling the fire hose to the hose reel, retainer including a handle and a pair of elongated rods that are spaced. To operate the apparatus, a portion of the fire hose near the male hose end is positioned between the elongated rods of the retainer, and then the retainer is coupled to the hose reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Lake Area Fire Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronold L. Harvestine
  • Patent number: 6196489
    Abstract: An umbrella wire-winding device includes a casing fixed to a shank of an umbrella. A crank arm is manually operable and has an axle rotatable received in an opening defined in the casing. The axle defines a central bore for drivingly receiving a reel shaft therein. The reel shaft extends through holes defined in the shank for winding a wire extending through the shank to move a runner. The reel shaft has a threaded end and a nut engages with the threaded end of the reel shaft. The nut is axially movably received in a bore defined in the casing whereby the rotation of the reel shaft causes an axial movement of the nut in the bore. The bore has a bottom that limits the axial movement of the nut and thus the rotation of the reel shaft for avoiding over-tensioning the wire. A toothed section is formed on the axle and at least one spring plate is fixed in the casing and engaging with the toothed section thereby serving as a ratchet between the casing and the reel shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Joen-Shen Ma
  • Patent number: 6186433
    Abstract: A manually wound cord storage apparatus comprising a reel frame having a central hub, a handle and at least two feet attached to a generally planar body. A spool for storing an electrical cord is rotatably mounted on the central hub. A winding knob is rotatably mounted on the spool for assisting the rotation of the spool around the central hub. The cord storage apparatus permits easy storage and transportation of an extension cord for supplying power to small appliances and electrical tools. The feet permit the apparatus to be used and stored in an upright position out of water and dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Alert Stamping & Mfg. Co., Inc
    Inventors: James D. Kovacik, Paul S. Blanch, Stanley E. Grzywna