Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adapter comprising: a housing, a plug for connecting to a vehicle diagnostic interface of a vehicle, an extension cable connected to the plug, and a first communication unit connected to the extension cable. The first communication unit is designed to communicate wirelessly with a vehicle diagnostic device, a mobile terminal, with at least one vehicle control device connected to the vehicle diagnostic interface. The adapter further comprises a fastening means for attaching the housing to a vehicle exterior, a window pane, a vehicle door, a vehicle pillar, and/or a vehicle roof. Further disclosed is a method and a system comprising the adapter and a vehicle diagnostic device, and system comprising the adapter and a mobile terminal.

Abstract: A product-display system for displaying and securing a retail product. The system may include a retainer having a retainer bracket and a retainer body coupled to the retainer bracket. A retaining cable may be coupled to the retainer body at an opening in the retainer body. A fastener that may be unfastened to release the product from the retainer may only be accessed through the opening of the retainer body such that when the retaining cable is coupled to the opening, no fasteners of the retainer may be visible or accessible. The system may also include a display stem for holding the retainer and product. The display stem may include a recess for receiving at least a portion of the retainer body. The retaining cable may extend through the display stem and may simultaneously transmit power and data to a displayed product. The retainer may be returned to and held on top of the display stem using a retaining cable.

Abstract: A packed sensor line array system includes sensors mounted outboard of cable packs wrapped around a central mandrel. The system may have multiple rows (layers) of the sensors and cable packs, surrounded by a cannister. Cable retainers may be used to retain cable ends near sensors, to keep the cable ends out of the way of subsequent winding operations. The winding may be done in situ, with the mandrel mounted to a rotatable chuck that is rotated to wind the individual cable packs sequentially around the mandrel, with positioning of the sensors outboard of the windings occurring between the winding operations. A positionable indexing tool may be coupled to and moved along the mandrel, to define a space along the mandrel for each cable pack winding.

Abstract: A holder for straps includes a base including a body portion and a tail portion, and a waist where the body portion and the tail portion join. The base defines first and second horizontally opposed recesses and a wrap area disposed therebetween. First embodiments of the holder include pegs disposed on opposing sides of the wrap area. The pegs can engage with S-hooks, D rings, snap hooks, carabiners and the like. Second embodiments of the holder include a base defining slots from edges of the body portion and disposed on opposing sides of the wrap area. The slots can engage with J-hooks, T-hooks, U-hooks, and the like. After securing the hook thereof, each strap is wrapped around the base through first and second recesses. Straps can be secured by disposing a loop such as a loop of bungee cord or a tie about the waist and tightening the cord or tie.

Abstract: A cord management apparatus includes a housing, a reel rotatably disposed within the housing, and a button operably coupled to the reel and configured to control extension and retraction of a window blind cord attached to the reel, according to various embodiments. The housing may include a back portion and a front portion. The front portion may be at least one of detachably and pivotally coupled to the back portion such that the housing is openable to allow a user to have access to an internal chamber defined by the housing.

Abstract: A first engaging part is located on an outer surface of a cord reel and protrudes in a first direction orthogonal to a rotation axis of the cord reel. A second engaging part is located on the outer surface of the cord reel at a position different from the first engaging part in a second direction along the rotation axis. A holder base has an opening through which the cord reel can be inserted in the second direction. One or more notches are formed along the outer periphery of the opening of the holder base and allows the first engaging part to pass therethrough in the second direction. When the cord reel is attached to the holder, the holder base is disposed between the first engaging part and the second engaging part in the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable collector (1; 101; 201; 301) for collecting and managing a cable (8), for connecting an audio device (20) to user equipment, by means of a connection plug (9) fixed to one end of the cable. The cable collector comprises: a) a main body (2; 102; 202; 302) having a first end portion (3; 103; 203; 303) to which the connection plug (9) is intended to be attached, protruding from a surface (3A) thereof; b) a second end portion (4; 104; 204; 304) having a through passage (7; 107; 207; 307) with inner dimensions smaller than a largest outer diameter (D1) of the connection plug, enabling secure retaining of the latter therein in an active cable collecting state; c) a foldable middle portion (5; 105; 205; 305) joining the two end portions; and d) a cable passage (6) formed within the first and second end portions as well as the middle portion of the main body, said passage being adapted to at least partially accommodate a portion of a cable nearest to the connection plug.

Abstract: A sheet roller dispenser has a case with an interior for an accommodating space to receive a sheet roll. The case has an elongated hole longitudinally defined on a side face. An extension plate with a tongue extending upward is formed below the elongated hole at a central section of the elongated hole, and a corresponding pressing block is formed above the elongated hole to align with the extension plate. The sheet roll has a dotted line formed between two adjacent sheet units, and a slit is defined at a center section of the dotted line. When a free end of the sheet roll is pulled out from the case via the elongated hole, the tongue inserts into the slit of the dotted line to act as a stop, so that the pulled out sheet unit is separated apart from sheet roll easily and conventionally in operation by tearing along the dotted line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for storing a flexible conduit, such as an electrical cord of a set of personal head phones or similar. The device has a body and a drum rotationally coupled to the body. The drum is biased to rotate in a first direction. A latch movable between a latched position and an unlatched position prevents rotation of the drum in the first direction when the latch is in the latched position. The body has an opening for positioning a portion of flexible conduit. At least one coupling disposed on the drum extends into the opening for catching a portion of a flexible conduit positioned within the opening. When the latch is in the unlatched position the drum rotates in the first direction to cycle the coupling through the opening. A coupling catches a flexible conduit positioned within the opening to wind the flexible conduit onto the drum.

Abstract: A tarp deploying apparatus includes a frame assembly that is adapted for being attached to a lifting device, such as a forklift. A roller assembly extends laterally from the frame assembly. A tarp may be loaded onto the roller assembly by rolling the tarp onto a roller body. The tarp may be deployed in a desired position on a load of cargo on a flatbed trailer. The tarp is deployed on the cargo by driving the forklift alongside of the flatbed trailer and allowing the tarp to unroll off the roller body being pulled off the roller body by the weight and friction of the tarp on the load. The roller body may include hooks that help in loading the tarp onto the roller body, and allow the tarp to automatically fall off of the roller body during deployment.

Abstract: A winch includes a motor and a rotatable drum drivingly attached to the motor. The rotatable drum includes an anchor pocket therein. A cable includes a proximal end connected to the rotatable drum by an anchor received in said anchor pocket with the cable wrapped around the anchor. The anchor includes a first slot in a surface thereof and the rotatable drum includes a second slot therein adjacent to the anchor pocket that allows access to the first slot in the anchor. An edge of the second slot forms a fulcrum point for a pry tool inserted into the first and second slots for freeing the anchor from the anchor pocket.

Abstract: A device for shortening or storing a length of an elongate and flexible material such as rope, string, wire, electrical cable or cable-like items includes a two-part housing. A first portion of the housing forms a window or passage for receiving a loop of the flexible material. A second or opposing portion includes a spindle arranged with a member extending therefrom for engaging the loop. The first and second portions engage each other along an inner surface of their respective perimeters to enclose a volume that surrounds the spindle. One of the first portion or the second portion is rotated with respect to the remaining portion to draw a desired length of the flexible material into a volume enclosed by the housing, thereby shortening, protecting and storing the enclosed length of material in a reversible, none-damaging manner.

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

Abstract: A reel for a microphone cable, amplifier cable or other electronic cord or cable has an arbor or hub that divides the reel into an interior space and a winding space. The cable leading end connector cable is retained in the interior space. Turns of the main body of the cable are coiled in the winding space. The rims of the reel side disks have annular retaining beads or ridges that face one another and create a snap connector holder for the trailing end connector. A gap in the retaining beads aligned with the arbor opening permits insertion of the leading end connector. The reel can be available in a range of sizes and can be color-coded. The reel can be constructed of two identical molded reel halves.

Abstract: A device for securing excess tie down strap on a base formed by two approximately parallel spaced apart arms held together centrally with at least one crosspin. Spring loaded clevis pins provided at a distal end of each arm serve to open channels formed between the arms so that strap can be wound onto or off of the base by gripping the clevis pins as handles and rotating the device. Each clevis pin is movable retained in one of the arms and is rotatable therein by means of a flanged sleeve bearing located within a bushing provided in an opening in the arm. When the clevis pin is in its closed position, an inwardly extending free end of the clevis pin inserts through an aligned opening in the opposite arm and is retained therein by an outwardly biased detent provided on the free end.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for rolling an endoscopic sheet into a tubular configuration.

Abstract: A cable jumper hand reel. In one example embodiment, a hand reel includes a stationary concave track and a rotatable guide at least partially retained within the track and configured to be rotated around the guide. The guide includes a plurality of concave brackets that are coupled to each other and spaced apart from each other around the track. The brackets are configured to retain a coiled line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for adjusting the length of an infusion tube (2) comprising a first wall (3) and a second wall (4) and at least one connecting element (5) connecting the first wall (3) to the second wall (4), said connecting element (5) being situated at a distance to the peripheral circumference of the walls (6), and wherein the distance between the walls in radial distance to said connecting element provides an inlet opening extending around the connecting element having a width (M) measured between the walls (3, 4); and wherein the apparatus comprises at least one attachment device (8) for securing the infusion tube (2). Hereby a winding of an infusion tube is enabled for adjusting the connection length between pump and the site of infusion anywhere on the infusion tube and on any kind of infusion tube, said apparatus being independent of the infusion unit. Thus, the apparatus enables reuse due to its independence of the pump.

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: Embodiments of a strap roll up device are disclosed which may be used to conveniently roll up and secure tie down straps or other similar articles.

Abstract: A cord organizer is provided. The cord organizer is used for storing, handling and transporting cords or the like, such as electrical extension cords. The cord organizer includes a base for coiling a cord around by forming successive loops of the cord about the base. A flexible strap is provide for securing the coiled cord onto the cord organizer and to secure the individual loops of the coil to prevent the loops from becoming entangled during transportation or storage. In alternate embodiments, the base of the organizer is telescopic to be adjustable in length, cord end clips are provided to restrain free movement of the cord ends, means to positively lock the base is provided and a latch to releasably secure the strap within the slot is provided. An extension cord can also be provided having an integrally molded cord adaptor for attachment to a cord end clip.

Abstract: A device is provided for the management of multiple lines attached to a bar, of the type used in power kites for kiteboarding. The device is formed of an elongate body having a shaft region, a spool region adjacent the shaft region and distal thereto, and a line retaining region distal to the spool region. The shaft region has a hollow body having a longitudinal groove running from a proximal opening to a distal end point, and a bar retaining means for retaining a bar against rotational or axial movement. The spool region has a spool shaft defined by proximal and distal containment means for retaining spooled lines wound about the spool shaft. A line retaining region has a means for separately retaining one or more lines of a plurality of lines.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for decorative and holiday lights. The storage apparatus has a central rod with two disc-shaped ends, with the rod having a plurality of nodules. Each of the ends has a groove for insertion of an end of a string of decorative and holiday lights. The entire string of decorative and holiday lights can be wound around the rod, taking care to separate successive wrappings around the central rod by using the spacing of the nodules.

Abstract: The fabric storage panel is a relatively small, thin, plastic plate particularly configured for the long term storage of relatively small lengths of fabric for home or similar occasional use. The plastic material is essentially chemically inert to fabric stored thereon, thereby precluding damage to fabric or its dyes from acid as found in conventional cardboard fabric storage boards. The present panel may be formed as a single plate of solid plastic, or may comprise multiple cross laminations of corrugated plastic sheet material. Tabs or clips grip the edge of a fabric sheet placed therein to facilitate initiation of the fabric winding process thereon. A hole or grommet may be provided in at least one end of the panel for hanging the panel for storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon anchor including a spool having opposing sides, a pair of flanges, one flange extending from each opposing side of the spool, at least one of the flanges having a cutout section, the cutout section having a first side and a second side; and a hook extending from the second side of the cutout section.

Abstract: A spool for winding an optical fiber includes flanges attached to each other using an ultrasonic fusion splicer. The spool has first and second cylindrical barrels, on which the optical fiber is wound. The flanges have a disk shape and protrude radially from the first and second cylindrical barrels so as to restrict the winding area of the optical fiber. Ultrasonic fusion splicing points form along a junction by engaging the first and second cylindrical barrels in an axial direction so as to face each other, locating a head of an ultrasonic fusion splicer on the junction and generating an ultrasonic wave from the head to the junction so as to fusion splice the first and second flanges together.

Abstract: A cord organizer and method of using the same is provided. The cord organizer is used for storing, handling and transporting cords or the like, such as electrical extension cords. The cord organizer includes a base for coiling a cord around by forming successive loops of the cord about the base. A flexible strap is provide for securing the coiled cord onto the cord organizer and to secure the individual loops of the coil to prevent the loops from becoming entangled during transportation or storage. In alternate embodiments, the base of the organizer is telescopic to be adjustable in length, cord end clips are provided to restrain free movement of the cord ends, means to positively lock the base is provided and a latch to releasably secure the strap within the slot is provided. An extension cord can also be provided having an integrally molded cord adaptor for attachment to a cord end clip. In addition, a method of using the cord organizer is also provided.

Abstract: A spool for winding an optical fiber includes flanges attached to each other using an ultrasonic fusion splicer. The spool has first and second cylindrical barrels, on which the optical fiber is wound. The flanges have a disk shape and protrude radially from the first and second cylindrical barrels so as to restrict the winding area of the optical fiber. Ultrasonic fusion splicing points form along a junction by engaging the first and second cylindrical barrels in an axial direction so as to face each other, locating a head of an ultrasonic fusion splicer on the junction and generating an ultrasonic wave from the head to the junction so as to fusion splice the first and second flanges together.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable cord storage device is provided which is adapted to store and organize a cord member in a manner which prevents twisting, tangling, or crimping of the cord by wounding a selected cord around a pair of cord wounding posts utilizing a figure-eight wrapping method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting, deploring, and retrieving an array is disclosed. The array has a plurality of nodes interconnected by sections of cable and can be transported, deployed, and retrieved with the apparatus and method of the present invention. The apparatus includes a plurality of first divisions and a plurality of second divisions. The first divisions have first portions or holders capable of individually accommodating the nodes. The second divisions are alternatingly positioned adjacent the first divisions. The second divisions have second portions or surfaces capable of individually accommodating the sections of cable. The first and second divisions can be integral portions of the apparatus, can be separate members positioned on the apparatus, or can be used with a standard cable drum. Preferably, the second divisions can be rotated relative to the first divisions to tightly wind and easily unwind the sections of cable.

Abstract: A linear material reel design promotes the uniform spooling of a linear material around a reel drum, while also reducing stress acting on the end of the linear material that is connected to the drum. A connector ramp has a connector face generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the drum and is configured to orient the connecting section of a linear material substantially parallel to the outer surface of the drum. A guide groove promotes uniformity of spooling. A retraction limiting band maintains a length of the linear material wrapped around the drum. The retraction limiting band, guide groove, and connector ramp can be employed together or independently. Methods of spooling linear material with the use of such apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A device for retaining a string of Christmas lights is made from a planar panel of a suitable material such as wood, plastic, or metal. The panel has a central body with parallel opposing sides around which the wire of a stringer of lights is wrapped. Extensions at the ends of the parallel sides retain the wire from falling off the central body during storage. The device includes a handle and a recess in the handle large enough to receive a portion of an electrical connector and openings at the bottom of the recess to permit the prongs of a male electrical connector to extend therethrough and engage the slots of a female connector to thereby retain the connectors at the end of a stringer of lights to each other.

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: The invention relates to a multiple use cord-attached wrap-up device and optional accessory tool holder designed for use with hand-held electrical tools, electrical kitchen and bathroom appliances and cords of all types. The cord wrap-up device comprises a flat body member molded from resilient plastic or rubber having an integrally attached split cylindrical sleeve for attachment onto an electrical cord. The sleeve is designed to permit the wrap-up device to slide along a cord while remaining attached thereto. Arcuate recesses are provided at each end of the body member to receive and retain loops of an electrical cord. A number of cord trapping eyelets are located along one side of the body portion which are adapted to receive and grip the otherwise loose leading or trailing ends of a looped cord to prevent it from unwinding.

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 cellular communication phone with integral headset retraction device is provided. The headset retraction device is integrally molded to a lower portion of the rear side of the phone. The headset retraction device includes a housing which serves to store a cable reel having a cable retracting mechanism and an electrical conducting cable. The electrical conducting cable includes a micro-sized microphone connected between an audio receiver earpiece and an auxiliary plug connector. An auxiliary plug storage receptacle is provided in order to prevent free suspension of the auxiliary plug connector. A cable guidance column is provided to aid in directing the electrical conducting cable into the retraction housing when being wound therein. An earpiece retention jacket is disclosed for supporting the audio receiver earpiece.

Abstract: Units for storing flexible elongated objects are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage unit includes a left end portion and a right end portion. An upper left recess and a lower left recess are disposed in the left end portion. The upper left recess is located between a left upper post and a left center post, and the lower left recess is located between the left center post and a left lower post. An upper right recess and a lower right recess are disposed in the right end portion. The upper right recess is located between a right upper post and a right center post, and the lower right recess is located between the right center post and a right lower post. The upper left recess is substantially aligned with the upper right recess, and the lower left recess is substantially aligned with the lower right recess.

Abstract: A rope retainer and method are disclosed which provides convenience to rodeo contestants and others that need to quickly and easily select a particular rope. The rope retainer holds a rope coil and allows the end of the rope containing information to be separated and apart from the displayed rope coil so that the information can be easily read.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying mobile phones and other hand-held devices comprising a clamping system, a retracting system, and a positioning system. The clamping system holds a hand-held device between two parts, which are fastened together by a fitting and a security screw having a head with a slot requiring a special key. The retracting system includes a retractable tethering cable wound on a spool. The positioning system includes a male component, which anchors the tethering cable to the fitting, and a female component, which is mounted on the retracting system. The tethering cable passes through the female component of the positioning system so that when the hand-held device is retracted, the male component of the positioning system is received by the female component thus assuring proper orientation of the hand-held device on display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon anchor including a spool having opposing sides, a pair of flanges, one flange extending from each opposing side of the spool, at least one of the flanges having a cutout section, the cutout section having a first side and a second side; and a hook extending from the second side of the cutout section.

Abstract: A storage device for storing strings Christmas, holiday or other strings of lights when the strings of lights are not in use. The device has an end having slots therethrough through which one or more of the ends of the string of lights are placed. A cap is then utilized to hold the light string end in position while the string itself is wound around the exterior surface of the storage device.

Abstract: A storage device for storing strings Christmas, holiday or other strings of lights when the strings of lights are not in use. The device has an end having slots therethrough through which one or more of the ends of the string of lights are placed. A cap is then utilized to hold the light string end in position while the string itself is wound around the exterior surface of the storage device.

Abstract: A reel which is driven by a motor is disposed in a casing. First and second restraining mechanisms for restraining movement of a cable are located at first and second openings formed in the casing for insertion of the cable. The cable extends between said first and second openings and is wound around the reel. One end of the cable is secured by the first restraining mechanism, and the motor is activated to rotate the reel, thereby winding the cable around the reel. When a pressure sensor located on the surface of the reel detects that the pressure between the cable and the reel reaches a given value, the motor is stopped. The other end of the cable is secured by the second restraining mechanism.

Abstract: A storage device for storing strings Christmas, holiday or other strings of lights when the strings of lights are not in use. The device has an end having slots therethrough through which one or more of the ends of the string of lights are placed. A cap is then utilized to hold the light string end in position while the string itself is wound around the exterior surface of the storage device.

Abstract: An extension cord storage and dispensing system for conveniently dispensing, accumulating and storing various lengths of one or more extension cords without significant entanglement occurring. The inventive device includes a frame having a first end, a middle portion and a second end, the frame includes a first spool and a second spool, a U-shaped cutout extending into a side of the frame, a handle attached to the frame opposite of the U-shaped cutout, and a pair of knobs rotatably attached to the first end and the second end of the frame. The pair of knobs are held by the user while the frame freely rotates upon the knobs thereby allowing the extension cord or other elongated object to be easily dispensed. When accumulating the extension cord after utilization, the user positions the inner portion of their elbow within the U-shaped cutout and grasps the handle with their hand thereby providing adequate leverage for the user while winding the extension cord about one of the spools.

Abstract: A line storage device, for storing a line having two ends and a length, comprising a first plate and a second plate which are joined by a core. The first plate and second plate both have an outer side and an inner side. The plates are joined such that their inner sides face each other yet are separated by a substantially uniform gap. The outer surface of the first plate has several semicircular clips which allow the line to wind once around the circumference, and a pass through opening which then allows the line to pass through the first plate to the inner side thereof. An S-shaped channel in the first plate protrudes from the outer side of the first plate, but is open on the inner side thereof. The S-shaped channel allows the line to enter said channel at the pass-through opening, travel therethrough and exit at the core. Once the line exits the S-shaped channel at the core, it winds around the core numerous times in the gap between the plates to effect storage of the entire length of line.

Abstract: A storage system is provided for organizing, handling, and storing small electrical appliances with powercords and adapters, in an orderly and efficient manner for ease of access, and especially for handling and storing loose powercords. The system comprises a powercord storage tool, and an appliance storage container. The powercord storage tool provides efficient device for gripping, winding, and retaining a powercord. It also provides a device for attaching the tool, with powercord on it, to an electrical appliance, and alternately for attaching the tool, with powercord on it, to the outside of the appliance storage container. The appliance storage container provides a device for storing the appliance inside, and a rack on the outside for attaching and holding the tool, with powercord wound thereon, onto the outside of the container.

Abstract: An extension cord storage and dispensing system for conveniently storing and dispensing an elongated extension cord of various lengths without entanglement and without requiring the unwrapping of the entire length of extension cord to effectively utilize both ends. The inventive device includes a second spool, a first spool and a handle. The second spool and the first spool preferably have a flat profile for convenient storage. The first spool receives a longer length of the extension cord while the second spool receives a shorter length of the extension cord that is commonly needed thereby separating the shorter length of the extension cord constantly dispensed and stored from the longer length. The first spool comprises a support base, and a vertical frame having a pair of opposing side members receiving the longer portion of the extension cord or other elongated object. The second spool comprises a first arm and a second arm.

Abstract: A web roll cassette detachably mounted in a printer. The cassette includes a lower case and an upper case having one end pivotally connected to one end of the lower case for selectively providing opening and closing states relative to the lower case. Near the pivot portion, an accommodation space is defined by the upper and lower cases for accommodating therein a web roll. Another end of the upper and lower cases serves as front end discharge portion through which a printed web sheet is discharged out of the cassette. Near the front end discharge portion, the upper and lower cases are formed with through holes where a pinch roller and a drive roller are positioned to nip the web sheet. An opening is formed upstream of the through hole, and a platen is supported on the lower case and exposed at the opening. The drive roller is movable toward and away from the front end discharge portion.

Abstract: A weight for a lighter-than-air balloon is disclosed. The weight includes a spool, adapted to receive a ribbon for attachment to the balloon, and a hook, including a ribbon catch and adapted to facilitate display of the balloon.