GB2130552A

GB2130552A - Cord or wire storage device

Info

Publication number: GB2130552A
Application number: GB08327105A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John A Mahan
Original assignee: Mitel Corp
Current assignee: Microsemi Semiconductor ULC
Priority date: 1982-11-25
Filing date: 1983-10-11
Publication date: 1984-06-06
Also published as: IT1163424B; GB2130552B; DE3334871A1; JPS59108670A; FR2536730A1; GB8327105D0; IT8321386A0

Abstract

A spool for storing the excess length of cord-like material such as electrical wire while such material is in use comprises a hub 24, a pair of flange members 14, 16 extending transversely of the opposite ends of the hub and defining with the hub a narrow chamber 44 having a peripheral opening for winding a single spiral of the material on the hub within the chamber and spaced apertures 18, 20 extending through at least one of the flange members and opening into the chamber for receiving and releasably securing first and second spaced portions of the cord to the flange member. The hub is preferably substantially rectangular in cross section with rounded transverse end portions, and the apertures 18, 20 are preferably disposed remote from and on different sides of the hub. The apertures preferably have a channel portion 52 leading into an elongated portion 50, the wire having to be turned edgewise for insertion into the channel 52 and then twisted through 90 DEG to seat it in the portion 50. One aperture may be in one flange member with the other aperture in the opposite end of the other flange member. The wire may be oblong in cross section. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Cord storage device The present invention generally relates to a device for storing cord-like material and, more specifically, although not exclusively, to a device for storing an excess length of electrical wire having an oblong cross-sectional shape while such wire is in use.

A variety of devices has been developed in the past for the purpose for storing cord-like material such as, for example, extension cords, the utility cords of domestic appliances and the like. In general, conventional devices provide a hub upon which at least part of the length of the cord is wrapped as well as flanges orthe like for axially confining the wrapped portion of the cord on the hub. Most devices also provide an arrangement for securing the unwound portion of the cord to the device to prevent unwinding of the cord.

Characteristic of most devices of the aforementioned type is that a major portion of the cord wrapped about the hub is exposed. Such arrangements tend not only to be unattractive for some environments but also to unnecessarily subject the wound portion of the cord to damage.

A further disadvantage of conventional devices relates to the manner in which the ends of the wrapped portion of the cord are secured to the device. Some devices utilize resilient clips or the like for gripping a portion of the cord. These devices suffer from the disadvantage that the clip may accidentally release the cord if the device is moved in a particular manner with respect to the cord. Other devices utilize means which grip the cord in a pinching fashion. Clearly, such an arrangement is undesirable in that it may result in damage to the cord. Still other devices rely upon the availability of the male and female plugs of the cord. Such devices are not appropriate when the cord must be used while the excess length of the cord is wrapped about the device.

Apart from avoiding the above described disadvantages, there is a need for a device which is specifically able to store wire having an oblong cross-section. Wire of this type is quite common in domestic and industrial use such as, for example, for connecting a telephone unit to a wall outlet.

One aspect of the embodiment to be described relates to the manner in which cord-like material is attached to the device. The device is comprised of a pair of material confining members which extend substantially transversely of the opposite ends of a hub which, in turn, defines a winding axis. The hub and the material confining members together define a material winding space. First and second aperture means are formed in at least one of the material confining members for receiving and releasably securing first and second portions, respectively, of material to the members. Both aperture means extend through its respective member and opens into the winding space remote from the axis. The first and second aperture means are disposed in a plane which extends substantially transversely of the axis.As will be pointed out more fully later, this arrangement serves to releasably but securely fasten spaced portions of the material to the device.

Another aspect of the embodiment is concered with the protection of the wound portion of the material against accidental damage and the provi sion of an attractive appearance. In consideration of this aspect, the material confining members are in the form of planarfiange members which extend transversely and symmetrically from opposite ends of the hub. The flange members and the hub define a material storage chamber having a peripheral open ing for winding therethrough at least a portion of the length of the material in spiral fashion on the hub within the chamber. First and second aperture means extend through at last one of the flange members and open into the chamber for releasably securing first and second spaced portions of the material to the flange members.

An embodiment of a storing device incorporating the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:- Figure lisa cross-sectional view of the device taken along line 1-1 of Figure 2; Figure 2 is a partially broken side view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a wire retaining recess; Figure 4 is a broken cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 but illustrating an alternative wire securing recess configuration.

Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and, in particular, one which is specifically adapted for use with electrical wire having an oblong cross-sectional shape.

The wire storage device 10 is generally comprised of a hub portion 12 and a pair of spaced flange portions 14 and 16 which extend transversely of the opposite ends of the hub. Flange 14 is formed with a pair of recesses 18 and 20 for releasably securing the wire 19 to the flange as will be explained more fully later.

As best shown in Figure 1, hub 12 is generally rectangular in cross-section and has opposed planar side surfaces 22 and 24 and opposed ends 26 and 28 which are rounded to minimize damage to wire wound about the hub. The hub defines a longitudinal, winding axis 30.

The flanges 14 and 16 are of substantially the same construction. Each is planar and rectangular and has inner and outer planar surfaces 32 and 34, respectively, opposed marginal side edges 36 and 38 and opposed marginal end edges 40 and 42, respectively. Further, the flanges are symmetrically and transversely disposed at the opposite ends of the hub and are integral therewith. The axial space between inner surfaces 32 of flanges 14 and 16, and thus the length of hub 12, is approximately 1 to 2 times the width of the wire with which the device is intended to be used.

The hub and flanges together define a tubular chamber 44, coaxial with the hub, within which the wire is wound in a spiral fashion in a single plane extending transversely of the hub. Marginal edges 36,38,40and42offlanges 14and 16definea relatively narrow peripheral opening 46 through which the wire is passed for winding about the hub.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate recesses 18 and 20 on an enlarged scale. The recesses are of identical con struction. Thus, while the following description refers to recess 18 only, it is to be understood that it is equally applicable to recess 20.

Recess 18 is formed along the major axis of flange 14 adjacent marginal edge 40 thereof remote from axis 30 and extends through the flange from inner surface 32 to outer surface 34. As best shown in Figure 3, the recess has a generally T-shaped configuration defined by an elongated or oblong aperture portion 50 which extends transversely of the major axis of flange 14 and a channel or passage portion 52 which extends along the major axis of the flange and connects aperture 50 to the marginal edge 40 of the flange. Aperture 50 and channel 52 together define a pair of spaced inwardly facing projections 54 and 56 which, in turn, define shoulders 58 and 60 which grippingly engage and releasably secure a portion of wire disposed in aperture 50.

Aperture 50 is formed to receive in snug relation a transverse portion of wire with which the device is intended to be used. Thus, the length of the aperture may range from 1 to 2 times the width of the wire while the width of the aperture may range from 1 to 2 times the thickness of the wire. It is preferred, however, that the aperture be only slightly larger than the wire so as to facilitate insertion and removal of the wire into and from the aperture, as will be explained, while resisting accidental removal.

The width of channel or passage 52 is slightly larger than the minimum thickness of the wire so that the wire must be passed through the channel in edgewise fashion. The distance between aperture 50 and transverse end 26 of hub 12 is substantially the same as the distance between side surface 22 of the hub and marginal edge 36 of flange 14.

In order to insert a portion of a wire into aperture 50, the wire is turned edgewise, inserted into and moved along channel 52 until the inner edge reaches the base of aperture 50 and then axially twisted through about 90 until the wire is seated in the aperture with its opposite sides beneath shoulders 58 and 60. When so positioned, it will be seen that the portion of the wire in and adjacent the aperture assumes an S-shaped or stepped configuration if its remote end is subjected to tension. This results in firm frictional engagement between the wire and flange and thus resists inadvertent removal of the wire from the aperture. In order to remove the wire from the aperture, the wire is moved to one end of the aperture and twisted axially through 90 in order to once again align it with channel 52.

As mentioned earlier, recess 20 is of identical construction. However, it is disposed at the opposite end of and along the major axis of flange 14. In use, then it will be seen that a portion of a wire is first inserted into one of the recesses, in the manner just explained, wrapped or wound about the hub, and inserted into the other recess. It will also be seen that the length of the wire extends substantially parallel to the flanges and perpendicular to the winding axis.

The device can be readily modified for use with wire of other, including cylincrical, configurations.

Figure 5 illustrates a recess 18' formed to releasably secure wire of cylindrical configuration. Recess 18' is formed with a circular wire securing aperture portion 50' and a channel 52' which opens into aperture 50' at the inner end thereof. Aperture 50' and channel 52' form a projection or shoulder 70 which serves to retain wire 19' within aperture 50'. Channel 52' extends from aperture 50' to marginal edge 40' of flange 14'.

It will be understood that various modifications and alterations may be made to the above described device without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, while the flanges are preferably elongated and rectangular, it is to be understood that they may be formed in any appropriate shape including circular. Further, while it is preferred that the apertures be formed at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis of the flange so that the flange is symmetrically disposed about the length of the unwound portion of the wire, the apertures may be formed along a line which offset from the longitudinal axis of the flange without departing from the substance of this aspect ofthe invention.

Still further, while it is preferred that both apertures be formed in one flange, it will be understood that one aperture could be formed at the end of one flange and the other aperture could be formed at the opposite end of the other flange provided that the interflange spacing is relatively narrow. Such an arrangement would still provide flanges which extend substantially parallel to the unwound portion of the wire.

Claims

1. A device for storing cord-like material, comprising: a hub defining a winding axis; a pair of material confining members, said members extending substantially transversely of opposite ends of the said hub, said hub and said members defining a material winding space therebetween; first aperture means for receiving and releasably securing a first portion of material to one of said members, said first aperture means extending through said one of said members and opening into said space remote from said axis; second aperture means for receiving and releasably securing a second portion of said material to one of said members, said second aperture means extending though said one of said members and opening into said space remote from said axis; and said first and second aperture means being disposed in a plane extending substantially transverse- ly of said axis.

2. A device as defined in claim 1, said first and second aperture means being disposed in one of said members.

3. A device as defined in claim 2, said first and second aperture means being disposed on opposite side of said axis.

4. A device as defined in claim 3, said first and second aperture means being disposed at the intersection of said transverse axis and a longitudinal plane containing said axis and on opposite sides of said axis.

5. A device as defined in claim 4, said first and second aperture means being substantially equally spaced from said axis.

6. A device as defined in claim 1, each said aperture means including an elongated portion extending transversely of said axis for receiving in snug fit relation cord-like material having an oblong cross-section.

7. A device as defined in claim 6, each said aperture means further including a channel portion extending from a marginal edge of its associated member to said elongated portion for inserting said portion of said material into said elongated portion of said recess means.

8. A device as defined in claim 7, each said channel portion being dimensioned to permit only edgewise passage of said material therethrough.

9. A device as defined in claim 8, each said channel portion opening into said elongated portion generally centrally of a longer side thereof.

10. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said device is particularly adapted for use with cord-like material having an oblong cross-section, wherein each said aperture means is generallyT-shaped and has an oblong portion formed to receive a portion of said material in snug fit relation and extending transversely of a radial line intersecting said axis and a channel portion opening into said oblong portion remote from said axis and a channel portion opening into said oblong portion remote from said axis and extending outwardly along said line to a marginal edge of the member associated with said aperture means.

11. A device as defined in claim 10, each said channel portion being dimensioned to permit only edgewise passage of said material therethrough.

12. A device as defined in claim 11, said first and second aperture means being disposed in one of said members.

13. A device as defined in claim 12, said first and second aperture means being disposed on opposite sides of said axis.

14. A device as defined in claim 13, said first and second aperture means being disposed at the intersection of said transverse plane and a longitudinal plane containing said axis and on opposite sides of said axis.

15. A device as defined in claim 14, said first and second aperture means being substantially equally spaced from said axis.

16. A device as defined in claim 11, said hub being cylindrical and each said member being planar and disc-shaped, said aperture means being disposed on diammetrically opposed sides of said axis.

17. A device as defined in claim 11, said hub being substantially rectangular in cross-section and having rounded transverse end portions, each said member being planar, substantially rectangular and concentric with respect to said hub, and said recess means being disposed on opposite sides of said members.

18. A device as defined in claim 1, said hub and said members defining a longitudinally narrow tubular chamber having an outer peripheral opening for winding material on said hub within said chamber.

19. A device for storing cord-like material, com prising: a hub defining a winding axis; a pair of planar flange members, said members extending transversely and symmetrically from opposite ends of said hub, said flange members and said hub defining a material storage chamber having a peripheral opening for winding at least a portion of the length of said material in spiral fashion on said hub within said chamber; and first and second spaced aperture means extending through at least one of said flange members and opening into said chamber for receiving and reieasably securing first and second spaced portions of said material to said flange members.

20. A device as defined in claim 21, said aperture means being remote from said axis.

21. A device as defined in claim 20, said aperture means being disposed at opposite ends of one of said flange members.

22. A device as defined in claim 21, said aperture means being disposed along a line extending through said axis and being equally distant from said axis.

23. A device as defined in claim 19, said hub being substantially rectangular in cross-section and having rounded opposed transverse end portions, each said flange member being substantially rectangular and having marginal edges defining said opening, and said aperture means being disposed at opposite ends of one of said flange members along the major axis thereof.

24. A spool as defined in claim 23, each said aperture means including an ablong portion having a minor axis extending along said radial line and dimensioned to receive in snug relation a portion of cord-like material having oblong cross-section, and a channel portion opening into said oblong portion and extending outwardly thereof along said radial line to a marginal edge of said flange member, said channel portion being formed so as to permit only edgewise passage of said cord-like material through said channel portion.

25. A spool as defined in claim 24, said oblong portion having a length which is slightly larger than said width dimension and a width which is slightly larger than said thickness dimention.

26. A device as defined in claim 23 or 24, said channel portion having a width which is slightly larger than said thickness dimension.

27. A device as defined in claim 1 or 19, in which the length of the hub is between 1 and less than 2 times the maximum thickness of the cord-like material, whereby a single spiral build-up of cord material is obtained once it has been wound repeatedly around the hub.

28. A device for storing cord-like members substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.