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 core has ends with an exterior surface. The core is adapted to receive a hose. End plates are mounted with respect to the ends of the core for constraining a hose on the core. A crank is coupled to the core. The crank is adapted to be grasped by a user and rotated for coiling a hose onto the core. A squeezing assembly is formed of an upper roller and a lower roller. The squeezing assembly is mounted for vertical movement with springs. The springs urge the rollers toward each other. In this manner a hose passes between the rollers while being coiled up on the core and will have liquid removed there from.

Abstract: A cable winder guide is disclosed comprising a cylindrical drum having a cylindrical surface with a shaft rotatably mounting the cylindrical drum. A drive is provided for rotating the cylindrical drum about the shaft. A helical groove is defined in the cylindrical surface of the drum for retrieving and releasing the cable upon rotation of the cylindrical drum. A cable retainer is disclosed for resiliently engaging the cable when the cable is located within the helical groove for maintaining the cable within the helical groove.

Abstract: A position sensor and sensor assembly having a spool onto which is wound a plurality of individual windings to make up a cable coil. A free end of the cable extends through a guide for attachment to an object whose position is desired to be sensed. The cable passes through an elongated slot formed the guide and which is preferably formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis of rotation of the spool. By means of the elongated slot, the individual windings can be wound about the spool without successive windings overlapping each other. The elongated slot further has an internal surface that has a minimum radius to prevent the cable from making too small a bend during the winding function.

Abstract: A conduit uncoiler assembly provides a mast carried by a base. The mast includes a central post carrying a plurality of radially extending support arms that support the bottom or base of the coiled conduit. Each support arm carries a radially extending retaining arm for supporting the inner diameter of the coil. The mast also carries at least one guide bar that continuously and automatically supports the top surface of the coil as the conduit is unwound. The system provides and maintains support to the bottom, top, and inner circumference of the coil as the conduit is unwound.

Abstract: A reel housing enclosing a reel assembly includes an access panel, wherein opening or removal of the access panel allows access to the interior of the housing. The exterior surface of the access panel is decorated with facial indicia so that the access panel resembles the face of an animal or character. The exterior surface of the housing has a color design to visually enhance the depiction of the animal or character.

Abstract: A reel assembly includes a reel having a magnet rim, turntable, magnetic key, and a wire feed tube. The reel is self starting and holds the feed wire upon the completion of winding.

Abstract: A strap-reel frame includes a frame body having a shaft horizontally provided thereon for fitting an inner disc and an outer disc which respectively have the central portion formed with a columnar projection for fitting the opposite ends of a strap reel. A strap-clamping rod is provided above the shaft of the frame body, having a strap-clamping unit assembled thereon. A strap-passing gap can be formed for a strap to pass therethrough after the press member of the strap-clamping unit is pressed inward and the strap in the strap-passing gap can be clamped in position after the press member is released. In addition, two reel end connectors with a comparatively large diameter can be respectively covered over the two columnar projections and then fixed on the inner and the outer disc for fitting a strap reel.

Abstract: A reel (10), particularly for an electric cable (12), has a rotatable drum (14) supported at (16) and optionally swivel-mounted on a plinth (30) or other member. A removable motor module (60) can be attached to convert the drum to a motorized reel controlled by a switch (82), which allows the user to rewind the cable (12) onto the drum (14), when required.

Abstract: A backlash-free speed reducing device includes a drive unit, a rotary unit, and a power output unit. The drive unit consists of a drive motor having a drive shaft. A first power transmission cable is wound around the drive shaft. The rotary unit has two first cylinders, with the first transmission cable fixed to the external surface of the first cylinders at opposite ends thereof and wound around or unwound from the first cylinders in response to a rotation of the drive shaft. Each of the first cylinders is concentrically fitted over a rotating shaft such that the first cylinders are linearly movable along the rotating shafts in opposite directions. A second power transmission cable is fixed to the external surfaces of the rotating shafts of the two first cylinders at opposite ends thereof. The power output unit has a second cylinder, with the second transmission cable wound around the second cylinder.

Abstract: A cover reel assembly for laying down or retrieving a ground cover on the ground comprising a first frame attachable to a prime mover, the first frame having support arms to hold a cover reel rotatably, with a hydraulic pump between the prime mover and the first frame, between the first frame and support arms, or between the first frame and a second frame raise and lower the cover reel. The prime mover pushes the cover reel assembly forward to unwind a ground cover from the cover reel onto the ground, simultaneously laying cables or chains on top of the ground cover to hold the ground cover on the ground. The ground cover and cables or chains are rewound by a reverse procedure pushing the cover reel assembly forward. An alternate embodiment operates by pulling the cover reel assembly.

Abstract: A device for winding an optical fiber cable comprises a case formed in the shape of a box, having an axle hole at a center portion of an upper surface thereof; an insertion hole provided substantially central portion of an upper surface and both of sidewalls so as to insert the optical fiber cable so that it pass through into the case; and a drum further including; a winding drum for winding the optical fiber cable provided rotatably into the case so that the optical fiber cable can be wound with bend in a condition that it is not harmed for the characteristic of the optical fiber cable; a flange one of formed integrally and fixed to an upper part of the winding drum, having a guide part that guides end portions of the optical fiber cable to the winding drum after the optical fiber cable is inserted into the insertion hole of the case; a pair of guide drums one of formed integrally and fixed to an upper part of the flange through the space, capable of inserting the optical fiber cable therein; and a rotation

Abstract: A measuring cable travel sensor includes a housing and a cable drum which is arranged in the housing rotatably and longitudinally displaceably in the longitudinal direction of the travel sensor. The measuring cable is guided into and out of the housing through a stationary cable guide. The travel sensor has a longitudinal drive for displacing the cable drum, including a spindle drive comprising a screwthreaded spindle and a spindle nut screwable thereon. The longitudinal drive has an additional transmission for transmitting rotary movement of the cable drum to the spindle drive for producing cable drum displacement.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for a screen which is stretched in the form of a tunnel during use includes a winding tube which is rotatable about an axis of rotation for winding and unwinding said screen. A guide for the screen is disposed beside the winding tube, which guide is curved in such a manner that the distance via the guide and via the surface of the winding tube surface to a line on the surface of the winding tube that extends parallel to the axis of rotation is the same for all points that are located at the same longitudinal position on the screen. In a further embodiment, a rectilinear auxiliary guide can be disposed between said guide and said winding tube, in such a manner that the screen will make contact therewith over its entire width.

Abstract: A tube winder structure including a seat body and a reel. The seat body has a stand, a handle and a shaft. The reel is rotatably fitted on the shaft of the seat body. The handle of the seat body has a tube-squeezing unit composed of the handle and a rod member parallel to the handle. A gap-adjusting mechanism is connected between the handle and the rod member for adjusting the gap between the handle and the rod member. During winding of the tube, the tube-squeezing unit is able to drain the water from the flat tube and simultaneously flatten the flat tube so as to reduce the volume thereof, whereby the flattened flat tube can be smoothly wound and collected on the reel.

Abstract: A tube winder structure including a seat body and a reel. The seat body has a stand, a handle and a shaft. The reel is rotatably fitted on the shaft of the seat body. The handle of the seat body has a tube-squeezing unit composed of the handle and a rod member parallel to the handle. A gap-adjusting mechanism is connected between the handle and the rod member for adjusting the gap between the handle and the rod member. During winding of the tube, the tube-squeezing unit is able to drain the water from the flat tube and simultaneously flatten the flat tube so as to reduce the volume thereof, whereby the flattened flat tube can be smoothly wound and collected on the reel.

Abstract: A method for installing cable in a building wherein the cable is to be pulled from a central room or closet to multiple outlets in multiple offices, the method comprising providing a spool of cable to be installed, providing a cable guide device having a plurality of apertures therein and identifying indicia thereon for identifying the apertures and corresponding to the outlets to which the cable is being installed, inserting the free end of the cable through an aperture in the cable guide device, pulling the cable through the guide member to the outlet whose identification corresponds to the identifying indicia for the opening in the cable guide member through which the cable was pulled; also a cable guide member and a cable installation cart which supports multiple spools of cable to be installed and one or more cable guide having removable indicia thereon.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for a screen which is stretched in the form of a tunnel during use includes a winding tube which is rotatable about an axis of rotation for winding and unwinding said screen. A guide for the screen is disposed beside the winding tube, which guide is curved in such a manner that the distance via the guide and via the surface of the winding tube surface to a line on the surface of the winding tube that extends parallel to the axis of rotation is the same for all points that are located at the same longitudinal position on the screen. In a further embodiment, a rectilinear auxiliary guide can be disposed between said guide and said winding tube, in such a manner that the screen will make contact therewith over its entire width.

Abstract: A cover reel assembly for laying or retrieving a ground cover comprising a first frame attachable to a prime mover, the first frame having pivotal support arms attached rotatably to a cover reel and attached fixedly to a second frame, with a hydraulic device between the first frame and pivotal support arms to raise and lower the cover reel and second frame, the second frame being attached to a third frame having a brush/guide mechanism. The prime mover pushes the cover reel assembly forward with downward pressure from the hydraulic device on the cover reel to unwind a ground cover from the cover reel onto the ground, simultaneously laying cables from cable reels as retainers on the ground cover, with the cable reels attached to the first frame. The ground cover and cables are rewound by a reverse procedure pushing the cover reel assembly forward.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for winding a lifting cord. The device comprises a rotatable shaft (14), a wrapping guide (22) and a winding drum (12) mounted on the rotatable shaft (14) such that the winding drum (12) rotates with the shaft (14) and is free to move axially along the shaft (14). One end of the lifting cord (24) is attached to the winding drum (12). The wrapping guide (22) is configured to engage the lifting cord (24) such that as the shaft (14) and winding drum (12) rotate, the lifting cord (24) wraps around the winding drum (12) in even turns without overlapping and forces the winding drum (12) to travel axially along the shaft (14).

Abstract: There is a disclosure of a system for a wall mounted electrical duplex outlet receptacle that can be removed from the wall and includes a length of electrical extension cord integrally attached to provide electrical power to distant locations. When the duplex assembly is installed and latched to an interior box in the wall, the redundant length of the extension cord can be removed out of the interior box and wound about a spring loaded roller reel located remotely away from the box and duplex through the interior of the wall providing for the availability of a substantial length of extension cord when the duplex is to be removed. When installed in the wall, the duplex appears similar to a standard electrical duplex with a standard face plate. In addition, the invention includes structure for latching the duplex to the wall in the interior box as well as for an improved electrical connection between the roller reel and the outside electricity source that eliminates twisting of the wire as the reel rotates.

Abstract: A hand held strap winder has an oval, planar base with a hand grip, a hub on which the strap is wound and a strap guide aligned on the major axis of the oval base.

Abstract: A golf practice apparatus which comprises:a base;an elongated support arm coupled to the base and having a free end;a tether guide including an eyelet coupled to the elongated support arm adjacent the free end; anda reel attached to the elongated support arm near the base and remote from the free end, the reel including a spool,the spool having a central axis which is aligned with a center of the eyelet.

Abstract: An inlet guide mechanism for a wire feeder used with an arc welder wherein the guide mechanism comprises: a housing with a wire guiding passageway having an entrance end and an exit end for directing welding wire to the wire feeder, a plurality of closely spaced spherical guide balls and a support structure for rotatably mounting the guide balls in a pattern circumferentially around the entrance end of the wire passageway whereby a wire entering the passageway engages the spherical surface of at least one of the guide balls.

Abstract: A device for supplying fishing line to a fish reeling device from a spool of bulk fishing line and measuring the length of line pulled from the spool by the reeling device. The bulk spool is supported for rotation about a horizontal axis at one end of a T-shaped supporting structure. The other crossed end of the structure carries a flat thin and relatively large diameter circumferentially grooved pulley supported for rotation about a horizontal axis parallel to the spool's axis of rotation. The crossed end also carries a mounting bracket for securing the location of the measuring device along and just off the edge of a flat table, convenient relative to the reeling device. The pulley is manually accessible around its entire periphery and has a shallow groove of semicircular cross section and an inner circumference of predetermined length at the bottom of the groove.

Abstract: A reel device for a flat cable through which electrical component parts mounted on a steering wheel are electrically connected with electrical component parts on a vehicle body side. The reel device is disposed between the steering wheel and a combination switch mounted on the vehicle body side and comprises a generally cylindrical frame section inside which a shaft section is disposed rotatable relative to the frame section. The frame section is fixed to the combination switch, whereas the shaft section is fixedly mounted around the steering shaft. The flat cable is movably disposed in an annular cable storing space formed between the frame section and the shaft section. A generally annular guide member is movably disposed in the cable storing space and located between the cable wound on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft section and the cable wound on the inner peripheral surface of the frame section.

Abstract: An electrical junction box has internal mechanics allowing at least one receptacle to be pulled out as an extension cord. The cord unwinds and rewinds on a spool inside the junction box. A return spring and a releasable ratchet allows the cord to be stopped by the user at various lengths either when pulling the receptacle from the junction box or returning it to the box. The junction box can be use in residential homes, commercial buildings, offices, school rooms, and other structures as a standard 110 volt electrical outlet and self-contained extension cord.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to construction line reels used in building construction for layout of true lines between two points and relates in particular to a construction line reel which accommodates more than one gauge of line, which permits line tension control as a means of precluding line tangling and twisting and spool or reel backlash as release or reeling in occurs, permits reeled in line to form tightly and evenly on the spool, increases the ease and speed of reeling in line providing a construction line reel configuration which is easy to hold and control and which may be stored in a nail pouch or coveralls or hooked to a tool belt. This invention also relates to kite flying and will provide storage and control of kite string and control of kites.

Abstract: A towed vehicle deployment apparatus comprising a stationary housing having a spool rotatably connected thereto. Dispensably stored in windings about the spool is the tow line. Rigidly attached to the housing is a line guide and a standoff bar. The tow line is extended from the spool over the standoff bar and subsequently over the line guide for purposes of reducing the pull-off angle of the tow line from the spool.

Abstract: A hose winding method and device for use in connection with collapsible hose, such as fire hose. A self-supporting, stand-alone support structure is provided with an elongated crankshaft extending the width thereof. One end of the crankshaft includes a yoke for receipt of a hose couple, and the other end of the crankshaft includes a handle for turning the yoke such that the hose is wound about the yoke. A hose guide is provided upstream of the yoke and includes a stationary hose engagement portion which frictionally engages the hose to force water out of the hose and also to flatten the hose. The hose winder configuration allows for hoses to be wound at a variety of locations and on a variety of terrains.

Abstract: A fishing rod reel respooling device is disclosed having a hand crank for taking up line from a fishing rod reel and tensioning devices for controlling the paying out of line from the spool. A horizontally adjustable base plate has a pair of arms having pieces rising vertically therefrom that retain a line-bearing spool therebetween. The hand crank passes through both arms and the spool. A line alignment bolt having a line guide therethrough passes through both arms so as to control the paying out or taking up of line from the spool. The arms are adjustable to accommodate a great variety of different sizes of spools via arcuately adjustable hinges, a variety of corresponding holes in the arms for the hand crank and line alignment bolt, and slots in the arm which enable the two arms to move towards or away from each other to a desired adjustment width. A suction cup retains the base of the respooling device to any flat, relatively smooth surface.

Abstract: A towed vehicle deployment apparatus comprising a stationary housing having a spool rotatably connected thereto. Dispensably stored in windings about the spool is the tow line. Rigidly attached to the housing is a line guide and a standoff bar. The tow line is extended from the spool over the standoff bar and subsequently over the line guide for purposes of reducing the pull-off angle of the tow line from the spool.

Abstract: A hose reel cart includes a vertically disposed circular planar reel mounted at a slight incline to the vertical upon a tubular wheeled cart. Tapered guide pins extending perpendicularly outwardly from one face of the reel engage an end portion of a fire hose therebetween for removably securing the hose to the reel. A hand crank provides selective rotary drive to the reel via a chain and sprocket mechanism to flatten, drain, and coil a fire hose in overlying condition upon the reel. The tubular frame includes a forwardly extending hose guide which serves to align, drain, and flatten the hose and also functions as a ground engaging prop to support the cart. The ergonometric design of the cart allows a user to coil and remove a hose from the reel without bending or stooping, and without the use of tools.

Abstract: Apparatus in a coil winding machine for winding a cable on a reel provided with flanges, comprises a support stand for the reel and a guide for supplying the cable to the reel, a distribution machinery for displacing the support stand and the guide in relation to each other, detectors for detecting the reel flanges and for reversing the distribution machinery, when a cable mm contacts a reel flange, and a measuring device for detecting the thickness of the cable and controlling the distribution machinery in accordance with the thickness measurement of the measuring device. In order to easily take into account the thickness variations of the cable, the detectors are arranged to be mechanically displaced each by a measuring device in accordance with the thickness measurement of the measuring device.

Abstract: A reel assembly for storing, coiling, and decoiling a flexible elongate member, such as a water hose, includes a stationary base and an enclosure rotatably mounted relative to the stationary base. The hose enclosure is designed such that the coiled hose can be removed from the receiving cavity and a new flexible elongate member positioned within the receiving cavity. The enclosure is also constructed so that the assembly be easily altered from a usable configuration to a storage/shipment configuration. Fluid may be transmitted through a center support member of the reel assembly to a coiled hose within the receiving cavity. According to the method of the present invention, the user pulls outward on the hose to rotate the enclosure relative to the base and thereby withdraw the hose from the assembly, and thereafter pushes the hose toward the assembly to rotate the enclosure in the opposite direction and thereby recoil the hose within the assembly.