US20110139919A1 - Cart with retractable power cords - Google Patents

Cart with retractable power cords Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20110139919A1
US20110139919A1 US12/964,967 US96496710A US2011139919A1 US 20110139919 A1 US20110139919 A1 US 20110139919A1 US 96496710 A US96496710 A US 96496710A US 2011139919 A1 US2011139919 A1 US 2011139919A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
cart
housing
power cord
cord
power
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/964,967
Inventor
Merrick Shively
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US12/964,967 priority Critical patent/US20110139919A1/en
Publication of US20110139919A1 publication Critical patent/US20110139919A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
    • B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
    • B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
    • B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
    • B65H75/40—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material mobile or transportable
    • B65H75/42—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material mobile or transportable attached to, or forming part of, mobile tools, machines or vehicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G11/00—Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts
    • H02G11/02—Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts using take-up reel or drum
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/30—Handled filamentary material
    • B65H2701/34—Handled filamentary material electric cords or electric power cables

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a cart. More specifically, the present invention relates to a medical cart having retractable power cords.
  • Some hospitals provide nurses with medical or medication carts on which a network laptop computer facilitates the use of Electronic Medical Administration Records.
  • a tool cart may be used to support a piece of electronic equipment.
  • power cords for the instrument on the carts may be bundled together on top of the cart or hung on a hook on the side of the cart.
  • the known method for holding the power cords sometimes become a tripping hazard to patients and staff members.
  • a cart in one aspect of the present invention, includes a housing, a reel device connected to the housing, and at least one power cord.
  • the power cord spools and un-spools on the reel device.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of the cart according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the cart of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the cart of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view taken along lines 4 - 4 of the cart of FIG. 2 .
  • embodiments of the present invention generally provide a cart having retractable power cords.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of the cart 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the cart 10 may include a housing 12 , a power strip 20 fixed within the housing 12 , a reel device 26 fixed within the housing 12 , and a power cord 24 .
  • the power cord 24 may be spooled or un-spooled from the reel device 26 .
  • a connecting device 28 may be placed at one of the ends of the power cord 24 .
  • the connecting device 28 may protrude from the housing 12 and connect to an electrical outlet (not shown) on the wall.
  • the connecting device 28 may be a male connector.
  • FIGS. 2 , 3 , and 4 illustrate how the electrical cords of the medical appliances 30 may be plugged into the power strip 20 .
  • the electrical cord 22 of the medical appliance 30 may be directly connected to the power cord 24 .
  • the housing 12 may be made of a sturdy material. In one embodiment the housing 12 may be made of metal, plastic, wood, or polymeric material. The housing 12 may have different configurations. In one embodiment, the housing 12 may have a rectangular or square configuration. The housing 12 may include a horizontal platform 18 , sides, at least one cabinet 16 at one of its sides, and a hollow space 14 on the other side. The hollow space 14 may be adapted to receive the lower extremities of the user. Medical appliances 30 may be placed on top of the horizontal platform 18 of the housing 12 . The cabinet 16 may have a size that allows the storage of the medical appliances 30 .
  • the reel device 26 may be made of an electrical insulated material. In one embodiment, the reel device 26 may be made of plastic.
  • the reel device 26 may include a cylindrical reel drum onto which the power cord 24 may be spooled. The drum may rotate about a central axis to spool and/or un-spool the power cord 24 with respect to the cylindrical drum surface.
  • the reel device 26 may have a size that does not interfere with the internal working of the cart.
  • the reel device 26 may be mounted on any wall of the housing 12 .
  • the medical cart 10 may include two or more power strips 20 and/or reel devices 26 .
  • the length of the power cord 24 may be long enough to reach an electrical outlet on the wall.
  • the power cord 24 may be extended to a power device or a battery charger inside the cart 10 .
  • Wheels may be placed at the bottom of the medical cart 10 .
  • a connector (not shown) may be mounted on top of the horizontal platform 18 or one of the sides of the housing 12 .
  • the connector may be an electrical outlet.
  • the medical appliance 30 may plug into the electrical outlet.
  • the electrical cords 22 of the medical appliance 30 may be passed through a hole on the platform 18 of the housing 12 .
  • the hole may have a diameter of about 3 ⁇ 4 inches.
  • the electrical cord 22 of the medical appliance 30 may then be plugged into the power strip 20 .
  • the present invention is not limited to the use of medical appliances. Any appliance including a power cord may be used in conjunction with the medical cart of the present invention.

Abstract

A cart having retractable power cords. The medical cart including a housing, a reel device connected to the housing, and at least one power cord. The power cord spools and unspools on the reel device.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/286,879 filed Dec. 16, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention generally relates to a cart. More specifically, the present invention relates to a medical cart having retractable power cords.
  • Some hospitals provide nurses with medical or medication carts on which a network laptop computer facilitates the use of Electronic Medical Administration Records. Alternatively, a tool cart may be used to support a piece of electronic equipment. Typically, power cords for the instrument on the carts may be bundled together on top of the cart or hung on a hook on the side of the cart. Unfortunately, the known method for holding the power cords sometimes become a tripping hazard to patients and staff members.
  • As can be seen, there is a need to provide a medical cart that allows the medical staff to safely store the power cords of the medical appliances.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In one aspect of the present invention, a cart includes a housing, a reel device connected to the housing, and at least one power cord. The power cord spools and un-spools on the reel device.
  • These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of the cart according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the cart of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the cart of FIG. 1; and
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view taken along lines 4-4 of the cart of FIG. 2.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
  • Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.
  • Broadly, embodiments of the present invention generally provide a cart having retractable power cords.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of the cart 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cart 10 may include a housing 12, a power strip 20 fixed within the housing 12, a reel device 26 fixed within the housing 12, and a power cord 24. The power cord 24 may be spooled or un-spooled from the reel device 26. A connecting device 28 may be placed at one of the ends of the power cord 24. The connecting device 28 may protrude from the housing 12 and connect to an electrical outlet (not shown) on the wall. In one embodiment, the connecting device 28 may be a male connector.
  • FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 illustrate how the electrical cords of the medical appliances 30 may be plugged into the power strip 20. In one embodiment, the electrical cord 22 of the medical appliance 30 may be directly connected to the power cord 24.
  • The housing 12 may be made of a sturdy material. In one embodiment the housing 12 may be made of metal, plastic, wood, or polymeric material. The housing 12 may have different configurations. In one embodiment, the housing 12 may have a rectangular or square configuration. The housing 12 may include a horizontal platform 18, sides, at least one cabinet 16 at one of its sides, and a hollow space 14 on the other side. The hollow space 14 may be adapted to receive the lower extremities of the user. Medical appliances 30 may be placed on top of the horizontal platform 18 of the housing 12. The cabinet 16 may have a size that allows the storage of the medical appliances 30.
  • The reel device 26 may be made of an electrical insulated material. In one embodiment, the reel device 26 may be made of plastic. The reel device 26 may include a cylindrical reel drum onto which the power cord 24 may be spooled. The drum may rotate about a central axis to spool and/or un-spool the power cord 24 with respect to the cylindrical drum surface. The reel device 26 may have a size that does not interfere with the internal working of the cart. The reel device 26 may be mounted on any wall of the housing 12. The medical cart 10 may include two or more power strips 20 and/or reel devices 26.
  • The length of the power cord 24 may be long enough to reach an electrical outlet on the wall. The power cord 24 may be extended to a power device or a battery charger inside the cart 10.
  • Wheels (not shown) may be placed at the bottom of the medical cart 10.
  • In one embodiment, a connector (not shown) may be mounted on top of the horizontal platform 18 or one of the sides of the housing 12. In one embodiment, the connector may be an electrical outlet. The medical appliance 30 may plug into the electrical outlet.
  • In an alternative embodiment, the electrical cords 22 of the medical appliance 30 may be passed through a hole on the platform 18 of the housing 12. The hole may have a diameter of about ¾ inches. The electrical cord 22 of the medical appliance 30 may then be plugged into the power strip 20.
  • The present invention is not limited to the use of medical appliances. Any appliance including a power cord may be used in conjunction with the medical cart of the present invention.
  • It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (9)

1. A cart comprising:
a housing;
a reel device connected to the housing; and
at least one power cord;
wherein the power cord spools and un-spools on the reel device.
2. The cart of claim 1 wherein the cart is a medical, medication or tool cart.
3. The cart of claim 1, further including at least one power strip attached to the housing.
4. The cart of claim 3, wherein the housing is adapted to receive an appliance having an electrical cord, wherein the electrical cord of the appliance is connected to the power strip.
5. The cart of claim 1, wherein the housing is adapted to receive an appliance having an electrical cord, wherein the electrical cord of the appliance is directly connected to the power cord.
6. The cart of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a horizontal platform, a first side, a second side, at least one cabinet located on the first side, and a hollow space located on the second side, wherein the hollow space is adapted to receive the lower extremities of a user.
7. The cart of claim 1, wherein the power cord is retractable.
8. The cart of claim 6, further comprising an electrical connector placed on the horizontal platform, wherein the electrical connector is plugged into the power cord.
9. The cart of claim 6, wherein the power cord is connected to a battery charger.
US12/964,967 2009-12-16 2010-12-10 Cart with retractable power cords Abandoned US20110139919A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/964,967 US20110139919A1 (en) 2009-12-16 2010-12-10 Cart with retractable power cords

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US28687909P 2009-12-16 2009-12-16
US12/964,967 US20110139919A1 (en) 2009-12-16 2010-12-10 Cart with retractable power cords

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110139919A1 true US20110139919A1 (en) 2011-06-16

Family

ID=44141835

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/964,967 Abandoned US20110139919A1 (en) 2009-12-16 2010-12-10 Cart with retractable power cords

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20110139919A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100145160A1 (en) * 2006-08-30 2010-06-10 Jacques Cinqualbre Multimedia, multiservice and connectable mobile assembly for diagnosis, prescriptions, medical checkups and nursing care
CN106081746A (en) * 2015-04-27 2016-11-09 弗莱克斯电子有限责任公司 Removable reel for optical fiber storage

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4976450A (en) * 1988-02-10 1990-12-11 Ellefson Laurence M Mobile tool chest with horizontal pivotal trays
US5113546A (en) * 1990-10-19 1992-05-19 Alternative Resources Corporation Computer servicing cart with structural frame
US5642898A (en) * 1995-07-11 1997-07-01 Wise; Robert W. Tool cart
US6170839B1 (en) * 1999-03-10 2001-01-09 Chris L. Kizewski Tool cart
US6196001B1 (en) * 1999-10-12 2001-03-06 Alliedsignal Inc. Environment controlled WIP cart
US6260643B1 (en) * 1999-05-18 2001-07-17 Rhino Craft, Inc. Cart puller with retaining cord mechanism
US6626445B2 (en) * 1999-12-02 2003-09-30 Alcon Universal Ltd. Cart for surgical console
US6702608B2 (en) * 2001-05-16 2004-03-09 Bernard A. Brennan, Jr. Electric workstation with power reel cords
US7055833B2 (en) * 2002-01-29 2006-06-06 Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. Computer storage cart
US7130190B1 (en) * 2002-11-18 2006-10-31 Span, Inc. Computer servicing cart
US7461809B1 (en) * 2007-06-21 2008-12-09 Maley William H Mobile wire dispensing apparatus
US20090047826A1 (en) * 2007-08-17 2009-02-19 James Velco Portable surge protected power distribution system

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4976450A (en) * 1988-02-10 1990-12-11 Ellefson Laurence M Mobile tool chest with horizontal pivotal trays
US5113546A (en) * 1990-10-19 1992-05-19 Alternative Resources Corporation Computer servicing cart with structural frame
US5642898A (en) * 1995-07-11 1997-07-01 Wise; Robert W. Tool cart
US6170839B1 (en) * 1999-03-10 2001-01-09 Chris L. Kizewski Tool cart
US6260643B1 (en) * 1999-05-18 2001-07-17 Rhino Craft, Inc. Cart puller with retaining cord mechanism
US6196001B1 (en) * 1999-10-12 2001-03-06 Alliedsignal Inc. Environment controlled WIP cart
US6626445B2 (en) * 1999-12-02 2003-09-30 Alcon Universal Ltd. Cart for surgical console
US6702608B2 (en) * 2001-05-16 2004-03-09 Bernard A. Brennan, Jr. Electric workstation with power reel cords
US7055833B2 (en) * 2002-01-29 2006-06-06 Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. Computer storage cart
US7130190B1 (en) * 2002-11-18 2006-10-31 Span, Inc. Computer servicing cart
US7461809B1 (en) * 2007-06-21 2008-12-09 Maley William H Mobile wire dispensing apparatus
US20090047826A1 (en) * 2007-08-17 2009-02-19 James Velco Portable surge protected power distribution system

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100145160A1 (en) * 2006-08-30 2010-06-10 Jacques Cinqualbre Multimedia, multiservice and connectable mobile assembly for diagnosis, prescriptions, medical checkups and nursing care
CN106081746A (en) * 2015-04-27 2016-11-09 弗莱克斯电子有限责任公司 Removable reel for optical fiber storage

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9876324B2 (en) Retractable wall mounted electrical plug for charging communication devices
US7399201B1 (en) Electronic device charging platform and portable electrical outlet enclosure
US9022329B2 (en) Cable tray and organizer
US20060264094A1 (en) Electric adapter organizer
JP7099780B2 (en) Charging system for mobile broadband devices under cabinet
US8517761B2 (en) Power supply cord storage mechanism
US20120099256A1 (en) Sensor including retractable power adapter cord
US20070159772A1 (en) IV pole attachable retractable cord power outlet
US7984798B1 (en) Electric cord reel
CN203617505U (en) Wire storage box for computer
US20130161067A1 (en) Cable Storage Device and Associated Methods
US9148030B1 (en) Support for a battery charger and battery charger electrical cable
US8134075B1 (en) Cord connector and wire organizer
US20110139919A1 (en) Cart with retractable power cords
EP3270470B1 (en) Retractable wall mounted electrical plug for charging communication devices
CN211633590U (en) Medical trolley
KR20180000372U (en) Multi Charger for Mobile Phones
US20170081146A1 (en) Extension Cord Safety System
US20120006706A1 (en) Take-up device for cable, cord and the like
KR200420672Y1 (en) A portable electric wire reel
CN207234077U (en) Power cord spooler and display device
JP5801581B2 (en) Power adapter
CN203536667U (en) Automatic telescoping junction box with power adapter and flat power line
CN211633573U (en) Medical trolley
CN205687321U (en) Portable secondary test wire containing box

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION