Discrete Coil Positions Patents (Class 242/591)
  • Patent number: 9840392
    Abstract: A quick change height adjustment mechanism allows a reel stand to accommodate differently sized storage spools. The mechanism includes a plate, a locking pin and a pivot pin. The plate forms a cavity into which a post is seated and has at least one space which receive a spindle of the spool. The locking pin extends from the plate and into the cavity. The locking pin is vertically spaced from, and positioned on a first side of, a centerline of the plate. The pivot pin is attached to the plate, is vertically spaced from, and positioned on a second, opposite side of, the centerline. The pivot and locking pins are positioned on opposite sides of the post. In use, the plate can be pivoted relative to the post around pivot pin to engage or disengage the locking pin with holes in the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: John Fenske
  • Patent number: 9770614
    Abstract: A hand hold assembly designed for climbers with special needs. The hand hold assembly has a molded body structure with outwardly extending arms and a grab bar extending therebetween. The hand hold assembly has means for mounting the assembly on a climbing wall so that the grab bar may be disposed at various desired orientations. The grab bar may be textured, have a moisture absorbing layer or be illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Everlast Climbing Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Sudeith
  • Publication number: 20150041581
    Abstract: The invention concerns a devise being a flat lattice frame for holding string lights, such as Christmas lights, for tangle free storage designed to fit in a standard file storage box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Kurt Gordon Gremley
  • Publication number: 20140332618
    Abstract: A clamp-on paper towel holder has a back plate, a first and second holder arm, and a plurality of clamps. The first and second holder arms work together to grasp both ends of a paper towel roll and suspend the roll therebetween. The plurality of clamps is mounted on the back plate at a plurality of mounting attachment points. In proximity to each attachment point is a clamp extension against which the user can squeeze the clamp handle when he or she wishes to open the clamp and reposition the holder or otherwise remove it from a pole or other mounting location. The clamps are adapted to grasp onto poles, rails, table edges, chairs, etc. and firmly suspend the holder therefrom. A user can simply squeeze the clamp's handles to open the clamps, reposition them as desired, and then release the clamp handles to lock the holder in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: James McNicholas
  • Patent number: 8745850
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a superconducting low-pass filter for quantum computing devices. The apparatus includes a plurality of containers and input and output ports connected to opposite ends of the apparatus. A plurality of coils of superconducting wire are wound using a mandrel. An adhesive is applied to the coils for maintaining a wound state. Each of the coils are positioned in each of the containers and electrically connected to each other with at least one coil being connected to the input port and at least one coil being connected to the output port. The coils are released or expanded from their wound state using an adhesive solvent. The containers are then filled with a conductive polymer and the containers are closed with one or more covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Farinelli, George A. Keefe, Frank Milliken, Jr., James R. Rozen
  • Patent number: 8731363
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing one or more flexible lines such as optical fibers, wherein each fiber has two fixed ends. Optical fibers are arranged in a curved figure-eight pattern lying in three-dimensions and having two adjacent loops on the exterior curved winding surface of a tubular shell. The configuration is guided by winding tracks lying axially on the exterior side of shell. The curvatures of the shell and winding tracks are such that the bend of the managed fibers is everywhere equal to or greater than the fiber minimum bend radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: James Cairns
  • Patent number: 7971822
    Abstract: A yarn package holder including a support post, a latch block coaxially disposed on the support post and selectively rotatable thereon, a rotatable support block coaxially disposed on the support post above the latch block, a cone holder extending laterally from the support block, a collar coaxially disposed on the support post above the support block and selectively rotatable thereon and stop means extending upwardly from the support block and cooperating with a stop extension extending from the collar to stop rotation of the support block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Mitchell A. Crow
  • Publication number: 20110139921
    Abstract: A stand for delivering coiled cable has first and second side elements, each of which has a wide flat base portion and a tall central column. First and second bottom braces are configured to connect the first and second side elements near the flat base portions. A third handle brace is configured to connect the first and second side elements near the tall central columns. A shaft is configured to be positioned between the first and second side elements, with the shaft configured to receive a cable spool, such that when the spool is positioned on the shaft between the first and second sides, cable from the spool may be allowed to be removed from the spool by spinning the spool on the shaft. The cable can not exit the spool and fall between the outside of the spool and the insides of the first and second side elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Sidney Wierstra
  • Patent number: 7879177
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple layer composite structures and structures containing components made of multiple layer composite structures, comprising dispensing layers of composite material, trimming each layer to its final shape as it is being dispensed, and positioning it properly with respect to prior layers in the part lay-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Peter D. McCowin, Darrell D. Jones, David P. Banks, Grant C. Zenkner
  • Patent number: 7866595
    Abstract: A yarn package manipulator permits an operator to mechanically grasp and manipulate packages or spools of stranded materials, such as yarn for loading and replenishing such materials in a manufacturing process. The package manipulator is suspended from a lifting device such as a cable hoist and has a control handle coupled to its frame for the operator to maneuver the device and carried materials. Selectively extensible fingers are pivotally attached to a pivot arm extending from the manipulator frame. The fingers are operable to grip the package by its core and pivots about a horizontal axis so that the spool of stranded material may be oriented for loading onto a creel or other station in a manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Automated Creel Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Chadwick
  • Patent number: 7614331
    Abstract: The invention is an organizer for dispensing rolled goods. The organizer has first and second carousels positioned adjacent opposing ends of an axle. Additionally, each of the first and second carousels comprises a plurality of connector hubs, each adapted to receive a hollow end of a respective roll of rolled goods. A preferred embodiment of the organizer has a lock that selectively restricts rotation of the carousels relative end panels that receive the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Lloyd G Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7604195
    Abstract: A strapping head assembly has a central axle, a braking tube, a lower securing plate, a braking pad, an adjusting base, a biasing member, an adjusting nut, a strap-holding collar and an upper holding base. The braking tube is mounted rotatably around the central axle. The lower securing plate is mounted on the bottom of the braking tube. The braking pad is attached to the top of the braking tube. The adjusting base is adjustably mounted on the central axle and abuts with the braking pad. The biasing member is mounted around the central axle and abuts against the adjusting base. The adjusting nut is screwed with the central axle and abuts with the biasing member. The strap-holding collar is mounted around the central axle. The upper holding base is mounted around the central axle and has an abutting flange mounted over the strap-holding collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Chien-Fa Lai
  • Patent number: 7553098
    Abstract: A roll paper printer comprising a roll paper storage unit having a bottom surface on which a roll paper is held and rolls, an operable cover unit for opening and closing a roll paper loading opening to the roll paper storage unit, a roll paper size detection mechanism comprising a detection lever that can move in a direction protruding into the roll paper storage unit and a direction retracting from the roll paper storage unit, and an urging member for urging the detection lever in the protruding direction, wherein the detection lever separates from the roll paper and is pushed in the protruding direction when an outside diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage unit decreases to a predetermined size or less, and a detection lever retraction mechanism for moving the detection lever protruding into the roll paper storage unit in the retracting direction against the urging force of the urging member in conjunction with the operable cover unit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Maekawa, Jiro Momose, Motoyoshi Shirotori
  • Publication number: 20090108124
    Abstract: A portable and adjustable reeled wire dispenser having a base platform with first and second side walls extending upwardly from the base platform and a plurality of adjustable rotatable members for accommodating various reel sizes to assist an individual in the installation of electric, cable wire or other material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Wronski, Ed Wronski
  • Patent number: 7458541
    Abstract: A tissue roll holder includes a sucking member having a threaded rod connected to and extending upwardly from a central portion of a flexible disc body, an abutting plate disposed above the disc body and permitting extension of the threaded rod therethrough, and a mounting seat disposed on the abutting plate for mounting a tissue roll and having a threaded hole that engages the threaded rod. When a peripheral portion of the disc body is pressed by a peripheral abutting portion of the abutting plate and is attached sealingly to a supporting surface, the mounting seat is rotatable about the threaded rod relative to the abutting plate so as to move the threaded rod and the central portion of the disc body upwardly away from the supporting surface, thereby forming a vacant space between the central portion of the disc body and the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Tai-In Chang
  • Patent number: 7360739
    Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser which comprises an L-shaped member having a first mounting portion for securement to either horizontal or vertical substrate and a second portion extending outwardly therefrom, a toilet paper holder mounted to the second portion, the toilet paper holder being pivotable through 180°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Horvat
  • Patent number: 7284725
    Abstract: A paper holder is attachable to a recording paper storage chamber of a printer. The paper holder has a loading lid to cover a part of the recording paper storage chamber. And a press mechanism to press the rolled recording paper to a paper-supply roller is incorporated. The press mechanism consists of a first press plate and a second press plate. In receipt of a slight urge by a torsion coil spring, the first press plate presses the rolled recording paper to the paper-supply roller. On closing the loading lid of the recording paper storage chamber, the hold-down section of the loading lid presses the second press plate, which compresses a compression spring with the first press plate, to apply its counterforce to the first press plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuya Inana
  • Patent number: 7264197
    Abstract: A paper towel holder comprising a base and a mandrel extending upwardly from the base, the base including a suction cup arranged to engage a support surface in use, an actuator mechanism adapted to raise or lower the centre of the suction cup to create or release a movement resisting suction between the cup and a support surface, the mechanism comprising an elongate member connected to the cup and extending axially of the mandrel, an actuator including a hand grip mounted for rotational movement at the top of the mandrel, one or more radially extending projections at the top of the elongate member, the actuator including a collar comprising one or more of cam surfaces, the or each cam surface being arranged to engage the or each projection to raise or lower the said projection as the actuator is rotated, a sleeve including one or more of vertical guide channels, each channel being adapted to receive a projection to prevent rotation of the projection during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Ko Fung Products Industrial Limited
    Inventor: Kwok Leung Yu
  • Patent number: 6959891
    Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing rolled sheet material is provided. The dispenser has a housing which holds at least one roll of sheet material therein. The housing has a portion of an outer surface which is positioned against a support surface. The housing also has an opening defined by a perimeter configured to provide two hub positions. The dispenser also has a hub configured to receive at least one roll of sheet material. The hub has a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned to extend through at least a portion of one hub position. The hub has a flange which is positioned radially around at least a portion of the hub near the second end. The flange has a perimeter which is larger than the perimeter of the hub positions, and is supported against the outer surface of the housing. The hub is configured to be positioned to hold one of a jumbo roll, a mid-sized roll, and a stub roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Kapiloff, Stephen L. Phelps, William G. Haen, Troy E. Westcott, Paul A. Haase
  • Patent number: 6848641
    Abstract: An actuating valve has two relay valves connected to a compressed air source and a pneumatic cylinder with two pressure chambers. When one relay valve is actuated, one pressure chamber is pressure-loaded and the other is relieved. Two 3/2 port directional control valves are arranged upstream of the pneumatic cylinder. Two check valves are positioned in branch lines connecting the relay valves and the directional control valves. A control line connects the branch line to the other directional control valve, respectively. The directional control valves are moveable between a first position allowing compressed air to pass and a pressure relief position. When the relay valves are inactive, the directional control valves are in the first position and the relay valves are in a venting position for the branch lines. When one relay valve is actuated, it assumes a position allowing passage of air to the branch line connected to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Volkmann GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Lohmann, Georg Heinen, Jörg Zischewski
  • Patent number: 6824091
    Abstract: A pair of support members provided in a feeding part may selectively contain plural types of recording sheet rolls having different widths. In order to mount the recording sheet roll, the first and the second holders are attached to both ends of the recording sheet roll. Each holder is provided with positioning grooves to decide the position of the recording sheet roll in the axial direction. A support member of the first holder is provided with one groove, while the support member of the second holder is provided with two grooves corresponding to the width of recording sheet rolls. The support member is provided to be able to expand and contract in the direction of the width of the recording sheet roll, and by the expansion and contraction, the groove is adjusted so as to meet the support member in accordance with the widths of recording sheet rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuya Inana
  • Publication number: 20040178297
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing paper from rolls which feeds continuously, roll to roll, and does not require extra procedure to bring stub roll into position. The apparatus has means for holding and positioning at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other; means for dispensing paper from the first roll; means for dispensing paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper, means for positioning the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll; and means for dispensing from the second and replacement rolls simultaneously when the second roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper. The apparatus also has a proximity sensor, which senses when a hand is placed near the dispenser, and thereupon dispenses a set amount of towel. The dispenser incorporates means for dissipating static charges to a local ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: John R. Moody, Joshua M. Broehl
  • Patent number: 6786441
    Abstract: A bobbin creel is supported on a holder so as to be pivotable by a four-bar linkage arranged on the machine frame of a textile machine. The holder forms the stationary member of the four-bar linkage. The bobbin creel is pivotable from a lower loading position into an upper operating position by a pneumatic cylinder connected with one end on the holder and with the other end to one of the movable four-bar linkage members. For pivoting the bobbin creel from the upper operating position into the lower loading position, the pneumatic cylinder is a bidirectional pneumatic cylinder loadable at both ends with compressed air and a correlated actuating valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Volkmann GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Osterloh, Ingo Filz
  • Patent number: 6631867
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the type dealing with relatively wide documents of the present invention includes a generally L-shaped bar. The bar extends from one side of an apparatus body to a position above a document table and is angularly movable in the direction of width of the apparatus body. The bar includes a horizontal portion that includes a semicircular trough playing the role of a document guide. A document or documents are simply rolled up together and then put on the horizontal portion. The documents are pulled out of the horizontal portion one by one and inserted into the apparatus body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Minakawa
  • Patent number: 6629666
    Abstract: An apparatus of a printer for detecting a termination or near-termination of a printing medium includes a frame for housing and supporting a roll of the printing medium and capable of being set in a first position and a second position; a first printing medium detecting portion and a second printing medium detecting portion for non-contact detection of the termination or near-termination of the printing medium according to a varying diameter of the roll of the printing medium when the frame is in the first position and the second position; and a position adjusting portion for adjusting an initial set position of the first and the second printing medium detecting means according to an initial diameter of the roll of the printing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-gil Lee, Jung-yong Lee
  • Patent number: 6443388
    Abstract: A holder for a roll of disposable towels has a base and an upstanding member extending upwardly from the base to be inserted into the hollow core of a roll of disposable towels or the like. A suction cup is held to the underside of the base for holding the base securely to a surface such as a counter top upon removal of the towels from the roll. The suction cup has upstanding portions engaging the underside of the base to enable the suction cup to be depressed by movement of the holder downwardly. In preferred form, the base has an opening for receiving a tab connected to the suction cup for releasing the suction cup from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: E & B Giftware LLC
    Inventor: Fred Hollinger
  • Patent number: 6405973
    Abstract: A holder for a roll of disposable towels has a base and an upstanding member extending upwardly from the base to be inserted into the hollow core of a roll of disposable towels or the like. A suction cup is held to the underside of the base for holding the base securely to a surface such as a counter top upon removal of the towels from the roll. In preferred form, the base has an opening for receiving a tab connected to the suction cup for releasing the suction cup from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: KV and F Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Hollinger
  • Patent number: 6059510
    Abstract: The delivery device is provided with sword-like flat parts (2) at which reels (6) having component belts (7) are individually held. The flat parts (2) are guided between circular guide disks (3) at their base end, the circular guide disks (3) being slipped onto a swiveling axis. As a result thereof, the operation of the delivery means is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Barnowski, Mohammad Mehdianpour
  • Patent number: 5991963
    Abstract: A dispenser apparatus (36) permits dispensing from different model machines sheet material from a standard size supply roll (40), mounted as part of a supply roll member (38) on a support bar (46) having a locator (48a, 48b) which adapts the dispenser apparatus (36) to be mounted on any one of a variety of models of under-stencil wipe fixtures (26). Support bar (46) has a plurality of radial bores (52a-52d) to enable positioning supply roll member (38) at a selected longitudinal position in support bar (46) to permit aligning the supply roll (40) with a given cut-out pattern (18) on stencil (16). Supply roll member (38) comprises a supply roll (40) mounted on a core member (42) having a core member extension (42a) which protrudes beyond supply roll (40) and has a radial bore (42b) for mounting supply roll member (38) on support bar (46) by screw fastener(54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Micro Care Corporation
    Inventor: Jay S. Tourigny
  • Patent number: 5934598
    Abstract: An apparatus (11) for storing a cord includes a pair of side panels (12, 13) each having a plurality of retainer cavities (29, 30, 31), a bearing aperture (26) and a pair of mounting bosses (64) formed thereon, a plurality of spacer bars (14, 15, 16) having opposite ends (33, 35, 37) inserted into corresponding ones of the retainer cavities for maintaining the side panels in spaced apart relationship and threaded fasteners (50) attaching the side panels to the spacer bars. A spool (17) for storing a cord has opposite ends (41, 44) rotatably retained in the bearing apertures (26) and slots (68, 69, 70) with cut outs (68a, 69a, 70a) for retaining an end of the cord. A winding handle (18) is attached to the spool (17) by legs (55) engaging retainers (52) on the spool ends (41, 44). Mounting brackets (19) are provided for receiving the mounting bosses (64) and releasably retaining the side panels (12, 13) on a mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Alert Stamping & Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Kovacik, Paul S. Blanch, Stanley E. Grzywna
  • Patent number: 5868344
    Abstract: A toilet paper holding device including a base which is adapted to be secured to a wall. The base include a first fixed base arm and a second pivotal base arm. A spindle is threadably secured to an aperture within the pivotal base arm. The pivotal base arm may include a first orientation wherein the spindle is parallel to the base, and a second orientation wherein the spindle is perpendicular to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Philip Melnick
  • Patent number: 5833170
    Abstract: An elongate base mountable to a support surface by driven fasteners and including opposed end portions which are slidably engaged by brackets on a pair of opposed end supports. The end supports, in addition to the brackets and projecting stub shafts for the mounting of a roll of sheet material, include horizontal shelf surfaces which are maintained horizontally whether the base be mounted on a horizontal or vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Molo
  • Patent number: 5690302
    Abstract: A rotatable paper roll holder for rotatably supporting a roll of paper for dispensing of the paper either from over or from under the roll, includes a mounting assembly for securing to a support surface such as a vertical wall. A yoke supports a spindle upon which a roll of paper can be rotatably positioned. An adjustable angle coupling secures the yoke to the mounting assembly and permits rotation of the yoke about an axis directed orthogonally through the spindle such that the paper roll can be oriented to unroll paper either from over or from under the roll as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Curtis L. Batts
  • Patent number: 5593139
    Abstract: A device for connecting a winch to a box hitch in a variety of orientations. The winch connector is generally comprised of an elongated length of square, cross-sectional tubular material having a winch end and a hitch connecting end. The hitch connecting end includes a hole formed through each of the connectors four walls. The holes formed through opposite walls being axially aligned. By placing the hitch end of the connector into a conventional box hitch, and passing a pin through the holes formed through the hitch and connector, the connector will be securely attached to the hitch. To reorient the connector, it may be removed from the hitch and rotated 90, 180 or 270 degrees about its longitudinal axis and then reinserted into the hitch. This will place the winch in a different orientation with respect to the truck. The connector may be adaptively formed to fit in either a class 2 or class 3 box hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Samuel Julian
  • Patent number: 5588615
    Abstract: A rotatable paper roll holder for rotatably supporting a roll of paper for dispensing of the paper either from over or from under the roll includes a mounting assembly for securing to a support surface such as a vertical wall. A yoke supports a spindle upon which a roll of paper can be rotatably positioned. An adjustable angle coupling secures the yoke to the mounting assembly and permits rotation of the yoke about an axis directed orthogonally through the spindle such that the paper roll can be oriented to unroll paper either from over or from under the roll as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Curtis L. Batts
  • Patent number: 5429321
    Abstract: A device for receiving, storing and redispensing a flexible elongated article having a circular cross-section with a generally uniform diameter such as a rope, electrical cord or hose is provided. The devices have a body portion containing a slot for sequentially receiving single loops of the elongated article. A bracket, slot or aperture is provided as means for attaching the device to a supporting surface. The supporting surface can be a wall or post, a belt worn around the waist of a person, or, in the case of an electrical cord, a portion of the cord adjacent to an electrical appliance to which it is attached. The width of the slot at its narrowest portion is sufficiently less than the diameter of the elongated article to restrain movement thereof along the lineal axis of the elongated article while permitting insertion and removal of the article in said slot in a direction perpendicular to that axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: H. Kurt Skyba