WO2010080954A2 - System and apparatus for managing and organizing electrical cords and cables - Google Patents
System and apparatus for managing and organizing electrical cords and cables Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2010080954A2 WO2010080954A2 PCT/US2010/020436 US2010020436W WO2010080954A2 WO 2010080954 A2 WO2010080954 A2 WO 2010080954A2 US 2010020436 W US2010020436 W US 2010020436W WO 2010080954 A2 WO2010080954 A2 WO 2010080954A2
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- electrical
- cables
- cable
- cords
- electrical cables
- Prior art date
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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
- B65H57/00—Guides for filamentary materials; Supports therefor
- B65H57/16—Guides for filamentary materials; Supports therefor formed to maintain a plurality of filaments in spaced relation
-
- 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
- B65H75/36—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 without essentially involving the use of a core or former internal to a stored package of material, e.g. with stored material housed within casing or container, or intermittently engaging a plurality of supports as in sinuous or serpentine fashion
- B65H75/362—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 without essentially involving the use of a core or former internal to a stored package of material, e.g. with stored material housed within casing or container, or intermittently engaging a plurality of supports as in sinuous or serpentine fashion with stored material housed within a casing or container
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- 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
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- 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
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/30—Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings
- H02G3/32—Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings using mounting clamps
-
- 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
- This application relates generally to a system and apparatus for organizing and enclosing substantially from view one or more electrical cables or cords that originate from and are connected to separate electronic devices and appliances.
- the electrical cables or cords that connect electronic devices and appliances to a power source e.g. an AC power outlet, a surge protector or power strip
- a data source e.g. a modem
- another electronic device e.g. an I/O peripheral computer device, a router, a mobile communications device, an iPod®, etc.
- the dangling cables or cords create a cumbersome and unsafe condition as they can easily become tangled on furniture articles, on a person's limbs or with other nearby cables or cords.
- the container prefferably enclose the power or data source where practicable in order to simplify the structural features of the container, to conceal the unsightly appearance of the power or data source, and to ensure that the cables or cords do not have to also exit the container.
- an object of the present invention is to provide a container (or enclosure) that both encloses the power or data source where practicable and organizes, effectively shortens, and substantially conceals from view a number of electrical cables or cords that are plugged into the enclosed power or data source.
- the invention provides a modular mapping system and apparatus for organizing into a single unit and enclosing substantially from view one or more electrical cables or cords that originate from and are connected to separate electronic devices and appliances.
- the system and apparatus can also be made of a suitable size and dimension to house one or more electrical devices whereby the individual electrical cables or cords can be connected to or plugged into the electrical device.
- the electrical device could comprise a power strip, standard or more complex, larger-sized surge protector, cable modem, router, etc. Therefore, the individual electrical cables or cords advantageously never exit the apparatus and the electrical device is also concealed from view.
- a wide variety of electrical cables or cords may be organized and concealed from view by the system and apparatus, including but not limited to, power cables and data cables connected to computer equipment, gaming system equipment, telecommunication devices, electronic household appliances, power strips, surge protectors, cable modems, routers, and home theater devices, etc.
- the system and apparatus can be made of a suitable size and dimension to also secure and contain an AC adapter, voltage appliance controls or other components that are incorporated into various power cables or cords.
- the cables and cords are organized and restrained using wrapping system units whereby the user wraps the cables and cords around the housing of the wrapping system units to shorten them to a desirable and more manageable length.
- a plurality of wrapping system units are mounted in the interior of the apparatus.
- a rail is mounted in the interior of the apparatus and a plurality of cable and cord restraints are removably attached to the rail such that the plurality of restraints can be selected according to the type of cable or cord to be restrained or any other purpose.
- several of the components of the apparatus are modular for accommodation of a variety of electrical devices and cables and cords.
- the apparatus can be extended in size to hold one or more electrical devices of various sizes and shapes.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for organizing and concealing for easy transport the various cables and cords of the AC adapter and/or peripheral devices (e.g. mouse, keyboard, audio/visual equipment) of a computer.
- the system and apparatus comprises a body that is made of a substantially collapsible and flexible material that encloses the cables and cords by being securely folded around the cables or cords in a closed configuration.
- the cables and cords can be restrained using wrapping system units and/or Velcro® wraps.
- Figure Ia is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure Ib is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 2a is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 2b is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 3a is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 3b is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 4a and 4b are a front view and a side view, respectively, of wrapping system units according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 5a is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords in a closed position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 5b is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords in a closed position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are front perspective views of a restraint unit for restraining cables and cords according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are front perspective views of a restraint unit comprising a hook and a clip housing for restraining cables and cords according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d are front perspective views of a restraint unit comprising a hook and a loop housing for restraining cables and cords according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 9a, 9b and 9c are front perspective views of a restraint unit comprising a hook and a fold housing for restraining cables and cords according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 10a, 10b and 10c are front perspective views of a restraint unit comprising a hook and a ring housing for restraining cables and cords according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS 11a, lib, lie, Hd, He and Hf are front perspective views of restraint units comprising an integral hook and housing, such as a clip housing or a vertical loop housing, according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 12a and 12b are front perspective views of an extendible apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords in an open and a closed position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 13 and 15 are top views of an apparatus for organizing and concealing for easy transport of the various cables and cords of the AC adapter cables and/or peripheral devices of a computer in its open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 14 and 17 are front perspective views of an apparatus for organizing and concealing for easy transport of the various cables and cords of the AC adapter cables and/or peripheral devices of a computer in its closed position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 16a and 16b are front and side views of a wrapping system for an apparatus for organizing and concealing for easy transport of the various cables and cords of the AC adapter cables and/or peripheral devices of a computer according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 18a is a front view of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 18b is a front view of a self-securing aperture for an electrical cord or cable incoming into an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 18c is a front view of secured electrical cords and cables in an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords according to one embodiment of the invention having the self-securing aperture seen in Figure 18b.
- Figure 19a is a front view of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords having parallel conduits for routing electrical cords and cables into the apparatus in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 19b is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 19a depicting electrical cords and cables routed into the apparatus through parallel conduits.
- Figure 20 is a side perspective view of the exterior of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords having an external coaxial cord wrapping system unit according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 20b is a front view of a system wrapping unit for wrapping coaxial cable on the exterior of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 20c is a side view of a system wrapping unit for wrapping coaxial cable on the exterior of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 2Od is a side perspective view of the exterior of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords having an external compartment or slot for containing electrical devices such as A/C adaptor fastened to the exterior of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 21a and 21b are front views of an electrical cable wrapping device according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 21c is a side view of an electrical cable wrapping device according to one embodiment of the invention.
- the present invention provides a modular mapping system and apparatus for organizing into a single unit and enclosing substantially from view one or more electrical cables or cords that originate from and are connected to separate electronic devices and appliances.
- the system and apparatus can also be made of a suitable size and dimension to house one or more electrical devices whereby the individual electrical cables or cords can be connected to or plugged into the electrical devices.
- the electrical devices could comprise a power strip, standard or more complex, larger-sized surge protector, cable modem, router, etc. Therefore, the individual electrical cables or cords advantageously never exit the apparatus and the electrical devices are also concealed from view.
- a wide variety of electrical cables or cords may be organized and concealed from view by the system and apparatus, including but not limited to, power cables and data cables connected to computer equipment, gaming system equipment, telecommunication devices, electronic household appliances, power strips, surge protectors, cable modems, routers, and home theater devices, etc.
- the system and apparatus can be made of a suitable size and dimension to also secure and contain an AC adapter, voltage appliance controls or other components that are incorporated into various power cables or cords.
- Fig. Ia depicts an embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration.
- the system and apparatus 1 comprises a body 20 and a top cover 10.
- the top cover 10 covers the body 20 thereby creating a box-like enclosure when the apparatus 1 is in a closed configuration.
- the top cover 10 may be mechanically fastened to or attached to the body 20 such that the top cover 10 and the body 20 are a single unit whether in an open or closed configuration.
- the body 20 and top cover 10 may be comprised of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, nylon, plastic, aluminum or wood.
- the body 20 and top cover 10 of the apparatus 1 can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes
- the body 20 is, in one disclosed embodiment, in the shape of a rectangle having a base 23 and four vertical side walls 22, including front wall 25 and back wall 27, whereby the base 23 and the side walls 22 form a container (or enclosure) of suitable size and dimension to contain the majority of the length of the one or more cables or cords 2 (as seen in Fig. 3a).
- the base 23 and the side walls 22 are also of suitable size and dimension to house electrical devices 3 and 5, such as a surge protector and/or A/C adaptor, whereby the one or more cables or cords 2 are connected or plugged into the electrical devices 3 and 5 (as seen in Fig.
- the apparatus 1 may be made of various sizes and dimensions in order to house larger and/or more complex surge protectors than are currently available or in widespread use and to house the various cables that may be handled by such a surge protector unit.
- a surge protector may incorporate not just standard AC electrical outlets, but may also include jacks or outlets for providing electrical protection for cable, telephone and broadband data line cables in a single surge protection unit.
- Electrical devices 3 and 5 may be secured or otherwise attached to the base 23 of the body 20 in order to prevent electrical devices 3 and 5 from shifting around inside the body 20 during use. Various structural and fastening mechanisms can be used to hold electrical devices 3 and 5 in place.
- Velcro® may be applied to the underside of electrical devices 3 and S and the base 23 of body 20.
- a separate cordoned off compartment area or slot 40 may be formed in the base 23 of body 20 to further contain electrical devices 3 and 5 in place.
- the one or more individual cables or cords 2 are drawn into and enter the body 20 through one or more apertures 31 formed in the upper edge 28 of the one or more vertical side walls 22, for example front wall 25, as shown in Fig. 3a.
- Each aperture 31 may be apportioned to only a single cable or cord 2 in order to prevent the several cables or cords from becoming entangled with one another and to ensure that each cable or cord can be easily mapped to its corresponding electrical device and accessed by the user.
- a conduit 50 may be incorporated into the exterior surface of the body 20 at the upper edge 28 of front wall 25 for further managing and organizing the one or more cables or cords 2, which are first routed through the conduit 50 before entering the one or more apertures 31. Access to the conduit 50 may be provided through a small opening along the conduit or, in the alternative, the conduit 50 may be made to open and close vertically.
- wrapping system units 30 may be provided along the inside surface of the one or more side walls 22, for example front wall 25, proximate to each of the apertures 31.
- wrapping system units 30 are generally comprised of housings 34 that protrude from and are removably attached to or slidingly engaged with side wall 22 whereby the user manually wraps the cable or cord 2 around one or more of the housings 34 such that the length of the cable or cord 2 may be effectively shortened to a desirable and more manageable length.
- the various cables or cords are effectively compartmentalized such that they do not become commingled inside the body 20 of the apparatus 1 as the majority of the length of each cable or cord is wrapped around a separate wrapping system unit(s) 30.
- a convenient mapping system is created whereby a user can easily locate and access a particular cable or cord.
- a single cable or cord may be wrapped around a set of adjacent wrapping system units 30.
- the shape and size, as well as the protruding distance between the wrapping system units 30 and the side wall 22 of the body 20, of the various wrapping system units 30 inside the apparatus 1 may vary in order to accommodate electrical cables or cords of different lengths and thicknesses.
- each cable or cord 2 may be further secured to the inside of the body 20 by one or more locking protrusions 32 and 33 that compressibly engage the cable or cord 2 and hold it in place prior to and/or after the cable or cord is wrapped around the wrapping system units 30.
- the plug portion 4 of each cable or cord is preferably plugged into an electrical device 3 or 5, such as a surge protector, that is also enclosed in apparatus 1.
- an electrical device 3 or 5 such as a surge protector
- one or more apertures or tunnels 21 are provided for the cable or cord 24 of electrical device 3 or 5 to exit apparatus 1.
- one or more wrapping system units 30 may be placed proximate to exit aperture 21, for example on back wall 27 in order for cable or cord 24 of electrical devices 3 and 5 to be similarly wrapped and shortened as described above before exiting apparatus 1 (not shown).
- apparatus 1 may be used with cables or cords 2 that may exit the apparatus 1 at the exit aperture 21 after they are wrapped around one or more wrapping units 30 in order that they may be shortened to the desirable length and organized. Thereafter, the cables or cords 2 can be plugged into AC power receptacles located in a nearby wall or baseboard or a power strip, surge protector, cable modem, or router, etc. that is not enclosed inside apparatus 1.
- the body 20 of the apparatus 1 can be made of a suitable size and dimension to also secure and contain one or more of an AC adapter, voltage appliance control or other component that is incorporated into the midsection of various power cables or cords.
- the body 20 of apparatus 1 can include an assigned and separate space, such as a compartment or slot 40, in which the AC adapter or other electrical device 3 or 5 is captured or contained in place after the corresponding cable or cord is wrapped around the wrapping system units 30.
- the incorporation of the compartment or slot 40 may be accomplished using a holding strip or other suitable mechanism.
- the compartment or slot 40 may be delimited by two or more small vertical walls that can accommodate electrical devices 3 or 5, such as an AC adapter or other component of any length.
- the small vertical walls of compartment or slot 40 may be collapsible or removable in the event that the user does not use the compartment or slot 40 or for accommodating larger electrical devices 3 or 5, such as an AC adapter or other components.
- a Velcro® strap can be used to secure electrical devices 3 or 5, such as an AC adapter or other component, to the base 23 of the body 20. Electrical devices 3 and 5 may be placed in any orientation with respect to each other.
- conduit 50 may be eliminated entirely at the aperture 31 provided specifically for the cord or cable having an AC adapter or other component or, a separate and a larger conduit may be provided.
- apparatus 1 may be adapted to be secured in place to a floor or connected to or hung on a wall, desk, or other type of furniture article.
- a rail is mounted on the interior of apparatus 1 and a plurality of cable and cord restraint units can be removably attached to the rail such that the plurality of restraint units can be selected according to the type of cable or cord 2 to be restrained or any other purpose.
- Fig. Ib depicts one embodiment of this invention in an open configuration.
- the system and apparatus 1 comprises a body 20 and a top cover 10. As shown in Fig. 5b, the top cover 10 covers the body 20 thereby creating a box-like enclosure when the apparatus 1 is in a closed configuration.
- the top cover 10 may be mechanically fastened to or attached to the body 20 such that the top cover 10 and the body 20 are a single unit whether in an open or closed configuration.
- the body 20 and top cover 10 may be comprised of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, nylon, plastic, aluminum or wood. [0061] Turning back to Fig. Ib, although the body 20 and top cover 10 of the apparatus 1 can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, the body 20 is, in one disclosed embodiment, in the shape of a rectangle having a base 23 and four vertical side walls 22, including front wall 25 and back wall 27, whereby the base 23 and the side walls 22 form a container (or enclosure) of suitable size and dimension to contain the majority of the length of the one or more cables or cords 2 (as seen in Fig.3b). As shown in Fig.
- apparatus 1 may be made of various sizes and dimensions in order to house larger and/or more complex surge protectors than are currently available or in widespread use and to house the various cables that may be handled by such a surge protector unit.
- a surge protector may incorporate not just standard AC electrical outlets, but may also include jacks or outlets for providing electrical protection for cable, telephone and broadband data line cables in a single surge protection unit.
- Electrical devices 3 and 5 may be secured or otherwise attached to the base 23 of body 20 in order to prevent electrical devices 3 and 5 from shifting around inside the body 20 during use.
- Various structural and fastening mechanisms can be used to hold electrical devices 3 and 5 in place.
- Velcro® may be applied to the underside of electrical devices 3 and 5 and the base 23 of the body 20.
- a separate cordoned off compartment area or slot may be formed in the base 23 of the body 20 to further contain electrical devices 3 and 5 in place.
- the one or more individual electrical cables or cords 2 may be drawn into and enter the body 20 through one or more apertures 31 formed in the upper edge 28 of front wall 25, as shown in Figs. Ib, 2b and 3b.
- Each aperture 31 may be apportioned to only a single electrical cable or cord 2 in order to prevent the several electrical cables or cords 2 from becoming entangled with one another and to ensure that each cable or cord can be easily mapped to its corresponding electrical device and accessed by the user.
- a conduit 50 may be incorporated into the upper edge 28 of body 20 at the upper edge 28 of front wall 25 for further managing and organizing the one or more cables or cords 2, which are first routed through the conduit 50 before entering the one or more apertures 31.
- Access to conduit 50 may be provided through a small opening along the conduit or, in the alternative, the conduit 50 may be made to open and close vertically.
- an inlet port 49 may be located in the upper surface of the body 20 to allow access by cables and cords 2 to conduit 50.
- a rail 42 may be provided along the inside surface of front wall 25 in close proximity to the apertures 31.
- Restraint units 43 may comprise a hook 44, a slot 45, a protuberance 47 and a housing for restraining cables or cords 2, such as a clip housing 51 as seen in Figs. 7a-7d; a vertical loop housing 61 as seen in Figs. 8a-8d; a fold housing 71 as seen in Figs. 9a-9c; or a circular housing 81 as seen in Figs. lOa-lOc. Any combination of restraint units 43 can be used as desired.
- restraint units 43 can be changed as desired.
- hook 44 may be sized to slide over rail 42 and the desired housing 51, 61, 71 or 81 is attached to slot 45 in hook 44.
- Protuberance 47 can be clipped to the underside of rail 42 to further secure restraint unit 43.
- Restraint units 43 are slid over rail 42 to the spot under the appropriate aperture 31 to restrain an incoming cord or cable 2. Restraint units 43 must be slid onto rail 42 in the order that they are to be situated under apertures 31.
- rail 42 may comprise an upper lip and a lower lip (not shown) in which restraint units 43 may be configured to slide.
- restraint units 43 may be clipped onto rail 42 at any time and in any order of placement, as desired by the user.
- Figs. 7-11 depict examples of restraint units 43.
- Fig. 7 depicts a restraint unit 43 comprising a hook 44 and a clip housing 51.
- Hook 44 comprises a slot 45 and protuberance 47 configured for attachment of arm 46 of clip housing 51.
- Hook 44 is configured to slide over rail 42.
- Clip housing 51 further comprises a clip 52 for directing incoming cable or cord 2.
- Incoming cable or cord 2 is then wrapped using Velcro® 53 after passing through clip housing 51.
- this embodiment is described as using Velcro® to wrap incoming cable or cord 2, this description is not intended to be limiting and any other suitable device or material now known or later developed may be used in place of Velcro®.
- Fig. 7 depicts a restraint unit 43 comprising a hook 44 and a clip housing 51.
- Hook 44 comprises a slot 45 and protuberance 47 configured for attachment of arm 46 of clip housing 51.
- Hook 44 is configured to slide over rail 42.
- Clip housing 51 further comprises a clip 52 for directing incoming
- FIG. 8 depicts a restraint unit 43 comprising a hook 44 and vertical loop housing 61.
- Hook 44 comprises a slot 45 and protuberance 47 configured for attachment of arm 46 of vertical loop housing 61.
- Hook 44 is configured to slide over rail 42.
- Vertical loop housing 61 further comprises a vertical loop 62.
- Incoming cable or cord 2 is wrapped using Velcro® and the wrapped cable or cord 2 is held with vertical loop housing 61.
- Fig. 9 depicts a restraint unit 43 comprising a hook 44 and fold housing 71.
- Hook 44 comprises a slot 45 and protuberance 47 configured for attachment of arm 46 of fold housing 71.
- Hook 44 is configured to slide over rail 42.
- Fold housing 71 further comprises a Velcro® strip 72.
- Incoming cable or cord 2 is wrapped using Velcro® strip 72.
- Fig. 10 depicts a restraint unit 43 comprising a hook 44 and circular ring housing 81.
- Hook 44 comprises a slot 45 and protuberance 47 configured for attachment of arm 46 of circular ring housing 81.
- Hook 44 is configured to slide over rail 42.
- Circular ring housing 81 further comprises housings 89 that protrude from circular housing 81 whereby the user manually wraps the cable or cord 2 around one or more of the housings 89 such that the length of the cable or cord 2 may be effectively shortened to a desirable and more manageable length.
- restraint unit 43 comprises an integral hook 48 which comprises hook 44 and clip housing 51 or vertical loop housing 61 as a single unit. Integral hook 48 with clip housing 51 or vertical loop housing 61 is directly slidably and releasably attached to rail 42.
- the plug portion 4 of each cable or cord is preferably plugged into an electrical device 3 or 5, such as a surge protector, that is also enclosed in apparatus 1.
- an electrical device 3 or 5 such as a surge protector
- one or more ingress and egress slots 26 are provided for the cable or cord 24 of electrical device 3 or 5 to exit apparatus 1.
- cable or cord 24 of electrical devices 3 and 5 may include telephone lines and/or coaxial cables.
- cables or cords 2 may exit the apparatus 1 at the ingress and egress slots 26 after they are restrained by one or more restraint units 43 in order that they may be shortened to the desirable length and organized. Thereafter, cables or cords 2 can be plugged into AC power receptacles located in a nearby wall, baseboard, power strip, surge protector, cable modem, router, phone jack, etc. that is not enclosed inside apparatus 1.
- the body 20 of apparatus 1 can be made of a suitable size and dimension to also secure and contain an AC adapter, voltage appliance control or other component that is incorporated into the midsection of various power cables or cords.
- the body 20 of apparatus 1 can include an assigned and separate space, such as a compartment or slot 40 (not shown), in which the electrical devices 3 or 5, such as an AC adapter or other component, are captured or contained in place after the corresponding cable or cord is wrapped around the wrapping system unit(s) 30.
- compartment or slot 40 may be accomplished using a holding strip or other suitable mechanism.
- compartment or slot 40 may be delimited by two or more small vertical walls that can accommodate an electrical device 3 or 5, such as an AC adapter or other component of any length.
- compartment or slot 40 may be collapsible or removable in the event that the user does not use compartment or slot 40 or for accommodating larger AC adapters or other electrical devices 3 or 5.
- a Velcro® strap can be used to secure electrical devices 3 or 5, such as an AC adapter or other component, to base 23 of body 20. Electrical devices 3 and 5 may be placed in any orientation with respect to each other. In another embodiment, electrical devices 3 and 5 can be positioned as desired by the user and secured to base 23 of body 20 by any fastening means, such as Velcro® or straps.
- conduit 50 may be eliminated entirely at the aperture 31 provided specifically for the cord or cable having an AC adapter or other component or, a separate and larger conduit 35, as seen in Fig. 2b, may be provided.
- apparatus 1 can be extended in size to hold electrical devices 3 and 5 of various sizes and shapes.
- the invention may be modular in design to accommodate electrical devices and cables and cords of various sizes.
- one modular section (not shown) may comprise rail 42, conduit 50, inlet port 49 and apertures 31 and may be configured to be mated to apparatus 1 at upper edge 28 of front wall 25.
- a variety of such modular sections may be provided with varying dimensions to accommodate various incoming cables and cords, and components 6 of cables and cords 2.
- a modular section may comprise one or more wrapping system units 30 for placement proximate to ingress and egress slot 26, for example on back wall 27, to wrap cable or cord 24 of electrical devices 3 and 5.
- wrapping system units 30 for placement proximate to ingress and egress slot 26, for example on back wall 27, to wrap cable or cord 24 of electrical devices 3 and 5.
- a variety of such modular sections may be provided with varying dimensions to accommodate various cables and cords 24 of electrical devices 3 and 5.
- Such a modular section may be configured to slide over back wall 27 and may comprise one or more wrapping system units 30.
- Figs. 13 through 17 depict a second embodiment of the present invention that is suitable for organizing and concealing for easy transport the various electrical cables and cords of the AC adapter cables and/or peripheral devices (e.g. mouse, keyboard, audio/visual equipment) of a computer.
- peripheral devices e.g. mouse, keyboard, audio/visual equipment
- the system and apparatus 101 is comprised of a body 120 that is made of a substantially collapsible and flexible material that encloses the cables or cords 102 by being securely folded around the cables or cords in a closed configuration.
- the body 120 may be comprised of nylon.
- the inside surface of body 120 contains a single wrapping system unit 130 that is comprised of a single or multi-level housing 135 that protrudes from and is removably attached to or slidingly engaged with the inside surface of the body 120.
- Housing 135 may also be made of a flexible material that easily collapses when the system and apparatus 101 is not in use.
- the interior surface of the body 120 of the apparatus 101 can be made of a suitable size and dimension to secure and contain an AC adapter, voltage appliance control, computer peripheral device or other component that is incorporated into or connected to the electrical cables or cords 102.
- the body 120 can include an assigned and separate space 111, such as a compartment or slot 140, in which the AC adapter 103 (as shown in Fig. 15) or other component is captured or contained in place.
- the incorporation of the compartment or slot 140 may be accomplished using a holding strip or other suitable mechanism 112.
- the compartment or slot 140 may be delimited by two or more small vertical walls that can accommodate an AC adapter or other component of any length.
- the small vertical walls may be collapsible or removable in the event that the user does not use the compartment or slot 140 or for accommodating larger AC adapters or other components.
- a Velcro® strap can be used to secure the AC adapter or other component to the inside surface of the body 120 or corresponding Velcro® patches may be applied to the underside of the AC adapter or other component and the inside surface of the body 120.
- the AC adapter 103 or other component In operation, while the apparatus 101 is in an open configuration and the body 120 is in an unfolded position, the AC adapter 103 or other component is placed in its assigned and separate space 111 and is mechanically fastened or secured in place. Thereafter, the one or more electrical cables or cords 102 that originate from or are connected to the AC adapter 103 or other component are manually wrapped around the housing 135 such that the length of the cables or cords 102 may be effectively shortened to a desirable and more manageable length. As mentioned above and as shown in detail in Fig. 16b, the housing 135 may contain multiple levels or parts (e.g. 131 and 133) in order that more than one cable or cord 102 can be wrapped around the housing 135.
- the housing 135 may contain multiple levels or parts (e.g. 131 and 133) in order that more than one cable or cord 102 can be wrapped around the housing 135.
- the cord 104 that exits the AC adapter 103 and is intended to be plugged into a power outlet or AC source may be wrapped around the second level or part 131 and the cord 105 that exits the AC adapter 103 and is intended to be connected to the user's computer may be wrapped around the first level or part 133 in order to advantageously keep the two cords separate in order to ensure that they do not become commingled.
- the multiple levels or parts of the housing 135 also allow the user to wrap one or more of the cables or cords in an opposite direction (i.e.
- the multiple levels or parts of the housing 135 also allow the user to enclose more than one component (e.g. an AC adapter in addition to an USB cable) inside the portable and confined space of the apparatus 101 as each of the several cables or cords 102 can be wrapped around a different level or part of the housing 135.
- a convenient mapping system is created whereby a user can easily locate and access a particular electrical cable or cord.
- each cable or cord 102 may be further secured to the inside of the body 120 by one or more locking protrusions 132 and 134 that compressively engage the cable or cord 102 and hold it in place prior to and/or after the cable or cord is wrapped around the wrapping system unit 130.
- the user may fold the apparatus 101 around the cables or cords 102 such that the cables or cords 102 are fully contained within the apparatus 101 and can be easily transported or stored when not in use.
- a suitable fastening mechanism may be used to keep the apparatus 101 securely closed.
- the apparatus 101 may be kept closed using corresponding Velcro® patches 121.
- the user may leave a portion of the length of the cables or cords 102 unwrapped prior to folding the apparatus 101 such that the cables or cords 102 may exit the apparatus 101 and be connected to AC power receptacles located in a nearby wall or baseboard or a power strip, surge protector, computer, cable modem, or router, etc. that is not enclosed inside the apparatus 101.
- the apparatus 101 is then folded around the cables or cords such that only a portion of the cables or cords is fully contained.
- FIGs 18-20 depict additional embodiments of a system and apparatus for managing and organizing electrical cords and cables.
- aperture 31 of apparatus may comprise a self-securing V-shaped notch capable of accommodating electrical cords and cables 2 of various widths and diameters.
- Electrical cord or cable 2 enters apparatus 1 through conduit 50, whereupon it passes through aperture 31.
- Electrical cord or cable 2 is forced downward into aperture 31 until it is secured.
- Electrical cord or cable 2 can then be wrapped and secured with, for example, Velcro® or any other method for securing folded cords or cables now known or later developed, without the need for additional system wrapping units before being plugged into electrical device 3 or 5.
- FIG. 18b Another view of self-securing aperture 31 is depicted in Fig. 18b.
- Fig. 18c depicts electrical cords and cables 2 entering apparatus 1 through conduit 50 and through self-securing apertures 31. Electrical cords and cables 2 are wrapped and secured with hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®. Plug 4 can then be plugged into electrical device 3 or 5.
- Fig. 19a is a front view of an apparatus 1 for managing and organizing cables and cords 2 having parallel conduits 50 for routing electrical cords and cables 2 into the apparatus 1 in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention. Apparatus 1 works as previously described in connection with Figs.
- apparatus 1 comprises two parallel conduits 50 and can be sized to accommodate electrical devices 3 and 5 having a plurality of rows of electrical outlets.
- Fig. 19b is a side view of the apparatus 1 of Fig. 19a depicting electrical cords and cables 2 routed into the apparatus 1 through parallel conduits 50.
- certain electrical devices 3 and 5, such as A/C adaptor, and certain electrical cords and cables 2, such as coaxial cable, can be mounted and wrapped external of apparatus 1.
- Fig. 20a depicts a side perspective view of the exterior of apparatus 1 having an external coaxial cable wrapping system unit 30 and external compartment or slot 40 for containing electrical device 3 or 5 according to one embodiment of the invention.
- External system wrapping unit 30 may comprise housing 34 substantially similar to that seen in Figs. 4a and 4b. Locking protuberances 32 and 33 may also be used in connection with external system wrapping unit 30.
- the invention further comprises an electrical cable wrapping device that can be used in connection with apparatus 1.
- Electrical cable wrapping device 2100 is depicted in Fig. 21a - 21c.
- Fig.21a depicts a front view of electrical cable wrapping device 8 comprising a handle 2110, a housing 2120, a fastener hook 2130 for securing a fastener such as a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®) and an electrical cord or cable hook 2140 for securing an electrical cord or cable 2.
- Housing 2120 protrudes from electrical cable wrapping device 2100 in a manner similar to wrapping system units 30 depicted in Figs. 4a and 4b.
- Fig. 21b depicts a side view of electrical cable wrapping device 2100.
- Electrical cable wrapping device 2100 operates as follows.
- a suitable fastener such as a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®) is placed across the electrical cable wrapping device 2100 and secured in fastener hook 2130.
- the end of the electrical cord or cable 2 with plug 4 is secured in electrical cord or cable hook 2140.
- a user holds electrical cable wrapping device 2100 by handle 2110 in one hand. With the other hand, the user grasps electrical cord or cable 2 and wraps electrical cord or cable 2 around housing 2120.
- electrical cord or cable 2 is wrapped around housing 2120 and sufficient electrical cord or cable 2 is left unwrapped as desired by the user, the user secures wrapped electrical cord or cable 2 with the fastener by removing the end of the fastener from fastener hook 2130 and securing the fastener around electrical cord or cable 2.
- the wrapped end of electrical cord or cable 2 can then be removed from electrical cord or cable wrapping device 2100 and placed into apparatus 1, for example as seen in Figs. 18a and 18c.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1111633A GB2478885A (en) | 2009-01-08 | 2010-01-08 | System and apparatus for managing and organizing electrical cords and cables |
CA2749203A CA2749203A1 (en) | 2009-01-08 | 2010-01-08 | System and apparatus for managing and organizing electrical cords and cables |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14330209P | 2009-01-08 | 2009-01-08 | |
US61/143,302 | 2009-01-08 | ||
US18213609P | 2009-05-29 | 2009-05-29 | |
US61/182,136 | 2009-05-29 | ||
US25434809P | 2009-10-23 | 2009-10-23 | |
US61/254,348 | 2009-10-23 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2010080954A2 true WO2010080954A2 (en) | 2010-07-15 |
WO2010080954A3 WO2010080954A3 (en) | 2010-10-21 |
Family
ID=42317146
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2010/020436 WO2010080954A2 (en) | 2009-01-08 | 2010-01-08 | System and apparatus for managing and organizing electrical cords and cables |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
CA (1) | CA2749203A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2478885A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010080954A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2017222498A1 (en) * | 2016-06-20 | 2017-12-28 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Cable connections for computing devices |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5652013Y2 (en) * | 1975-03-31 | 1981-12-04 |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060065422A1 (en) * | 2004-09-27 | 2006-03-30 | Kevin Broyles | Power strip safety box |
US7025627B2 (en) * | 2004-01-27 | 2006-04-11 | Leap Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus for connecting and organizing cords and cables |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH0690937B2 (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1994-11-14 | 株式会社ニチフ端子工業 | Single wire type electric wire connector |
-
2010
- 2010-01-08 CA CA2749203A patent/CA2749203A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-01-08 GB GB1111633A patent/GB2478885A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-01-08 WO PCT/US2010/020436 patent/WO2010080954A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7025627B2 (en) * | 2004-01-27 | 2006-04-11 | Leap Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus for connecting and organizing cords and cables |
US20060065422A1 (en) * | 2004-09-27 | 2006-03-30 | Kevin Broyles | Power strip safety box |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2017222498A1 (en) * | 2016-06-20 | 2017-12-28 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Cable connections for computing devices |
CN109154922A (en) * | 2016-06-20 | 2019-01-04 | 惠普发展公司,有限责任合伙企业 | Cable for calculating equipment connects |
US11042188B2 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2021-06-22 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Cable connections for computing devices background |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2478885A (en) | 2011-09-21 |
GB201111633D0 (en) | 2011-08-24 |
WO2010080954A3 (en) | 2010-10-21 |
CA2749203A1 (en) | 2010-07-15 |
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