US20070039912A1

US20070039912A1 - Extension cord carrier

Info

Publication number: US20070039912A1
Application number: US11/207,278
Authority: US
Inventors: William Hinkens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-19
Filing date: 2005-08-19
Publication date: 2007-02-22

Abstract

A carrier for a plurality of electric extension cords includes a columnar body with a handle portion proximate one end of the carrier and a base portion proximate the opposite end of the carrier. The carrier has a pair of laterally projecting lobes defining a first storing region and a second storing region. Two or more cords may be simultaneously stored by wrapping on each of the storage regions. Moreover, the handle portion and the base portion enable a user to balance the device against, for example, the user's leg with one arm, which leaves the user's other arm free to wrap an elongated object around one of the storing regions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices and methods for carrying elongated objects, and more specifically to carriers for electric extension cords.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Elongated objects such as cord, rope, wire, string and the like can be employed in variety of private and commercial uses. For example, electrical extension cords are typically used both in private and commercial settings to facilitate the use of electrical tools and devices at desired locations.
A problem with the use and storage of extension cords is that they are easily tangled or knotted unless carefully managed. Typically, cords are gathered by hand into a small, circular, semi-circular or elliptical coil for carrying and storage. Such coils, however, tend to unravel unevenly in use and sometimes simply fall apart during use or transport of the cord, leading to tangles and knots. In addition, the coils must be hung up or secured with ties during storage to avoid tangling.
Another common method of storing cords is to wrap the cord around an object or cord-wrapping device. Various prior devices for storing cords or other elongated objects are described in U.S. Application 2004/0007640, entitled “Units For Storing Flexible Elongated Objects,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,529, entitled “Device For Winding And Storage Of Ropes And The Like,” U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,426, entitled Extension Cord Caddy,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,809, entitled “Gathering And Storing Device For Electric Cable,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,815, entitled “Support For Coiled Articles,” U.S. Pat. No. 3,901,458, entitled “Rope Caddy,” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,035, entitled “Flexible Member Caddy,” all of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein.
All of these prior cord-wrapping devices, however, suffer from the common drawback of being unwieldy and difficult to manage in use, particularly when used with heavy gauge or lengthy extension cords. For example, the device of U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,777 is held on one arm of the user while the cord is wound on the device using the other hand. If such a device is used with lengthy or heavy gauge cord, however, the arm holding the device may be heavily loaded and subjected to a twisting movement, possibly causing strain. Other devices, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,778,125 and 4,177,961 have a laterally extending handle for gripping with one hand while the cord is wound with the other hand. As the cord is wound, however, these devices may place a heavy, twisting, load on the wrist of the hand holding the handle, again causing strain. Devices such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,563 rest on the ground and thereby avoid problems with wrist and arm loading, but may still be awkward to use due to the lateral winding direction of the cord and proximity to the ground of the lower winding area. Still other devices, such as disclosed in U.S. Published Application No. 2004/0007640, have no handle at all, making the device difficult to manage in use. All these devices may be generally difficult to grip, lift, and carry when fully wound with heavy cord.
Moreover, prior cord devices typically do not provide capability for storing more than one cord with the device. Another drawback of some prior cord-wrapping devices is that they enable unwinding of only one end of the extension cord at a time, since one end of the cord is trapped under the wrapped coils of cord. It is often desirable, however, to have either or both ends of the cord simultaneously available for unwinding, depending on whether one requires free cord at the male or female end of the cord.
Moreover, prior cord-wrapping devices often either do not provide means for easily securing the cord to inhibit undesired unwrapping or provide securing structures only at locations proximate the ends. If the cord is wound so that the end of the cord does not coincide with a securing structure, or if the cord is partially unwound, the cord can further unwrap leading to tangles and knots.
A further drawback of prior devices is that a separate structure generally must be employed to prop or hang the device for use or storage. If not propped or hung, the device may rest on the cord itself, inhibiting unwinding of the cord when desired in use. Also, the device may clutter the floor of a storage area when not is use.
What is needed in the industry is a cord carrier that addresses the limitations of prior cord-wrapping devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the need of the industry for an improved cord carrier. In embodiments of the cord carrier of the invention, multiple extension cords are conveniently stored and used with the same carrier. The carrier may enable rapid and easy winding of the cords from a standing position while not imposing undue strain on the wrists and arms of a user. The carrier may be self-supporting on any horizontal surface or may be hung. Further, the carrier includes multiple securing structures to enable the cords to be secured proximate the male and female ends and at virtually any point along the length of the cord.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the carrier may include a generally columnar body portion with a handle proximate one end of the carrier and a base portion proximate the opposite end of the carrier. The body portion has a first storing region and a second storing region which may be configured as a pair of laterally extending lobes or wings on opposing sides of the carrier. The carrier may facilitate storing two or more cords simultaneously in the first and second storing regions. Moreover, the handle portion and the base portion allow a user to brace the device against, for example, the user's leg or hip with one arm, which leaves the user's other arm free to wrap an elongated object around one of the storing regions. In this way, the handle and base portions of the present invention permit an individual to comfortably wrap an elongated object onto the carrier in a standing position without causing undue strain on the wrists, arm, or back. In addition, the base portion allows the storing device to freely stand in an upright position on generally horizontal surfaces such as a table or floor, which can facilitate storage and/or transport of the carrier. In some embodiments, each of the first and second storage regions may accommodate a separate cord up to about 100 feet in length and 12-gauge in diameter, or 200 feet of a single 12 gauge cord wrapped on both storage regions.
The storing devices of the present invention generally include one or more securing structures, which facilitate securing the free ends of elongated objects stored on the storing devices. Securing the free ends of an extension cord may help keep the cord tightly wrapped on the storing device and can prevent the cord from becoming unwrapped and/or tangled. Additionally, securing the free ends of the cord can make it easier to unwind and/or use the cord. If the free ends are secured at desired locations on the carrier, subsequent use of the elongated object can be easier, since the user will not have to invest significant amounts of time locating one of the free ends. The securing structures can be positioned on the handle portion, the base portion, the storage regions, or combinations thereof.
In one aspect, the invention pertains to a carrier for elongated objects including extension cords. The carrier has a handle portion, which may be generally t-shaped, proximate one end of the carrier and a base portion proximate the opposite end of the carrier. The carrier can further include a first storage region positioned between the handle portion and the base portion, wherein the first storage region is further defined by a first recess portion proximate the handle portion and a second recess portion proximate the base portion. In these embodiments, the carrier can further include a second storage region adjacent the first storage region, wherein the second storage region is defined by a plurality of openings positioned along the periphery of the second storage region, and wherein the second storage region is further defined by a first recess portion proximate the handle portion and a second recess portion proximate the base portion. The carrier can further include at least one receptacle having a series of openings adapted to receive and secure the prongs of the male end of an electrical cord.
In a second aspect, the invention pertains to a carrier for storing elongated objects having a handle portion proximate one end of the carrier and a base portion proximate the opposite end of the carrier. In these embodiments, the carrier can further include a storage region positioned between the handle portion and the base portion, wherein the storage region is defined by a plurality of openings positioned along a peripheral portion of the storage region, and wherein portions of the storage region proximate the plurality of openings are angled to facilitate securing the free end of an elongated object in the plurality of openings.
In a third aspect, the invention pertains to a method of storing an electrical extension cord, the method including the step of winding an electrical extension cord around a storage region of a carrier. In these embodiments, the carrier includes a handle portion proximate one end of the carrier and a base portion proximate the opposite end of the carrier. The carrier may further include a first storage region positioned between the handle portion and the base portion, wherein the first storage region is defined by a first recess portion proximate the handle portion and a second recess portion proximate the base portion. In some embodiments, the carrier can further include a second storage region adjacent the first storage region, wherein the second storage region is positioned between the handle portion and the base portion, and wherein the second storage region is defined by a first recess portion proximate the handle portion and a second recess portion proximate the base portion. The carrier can further include at least one outlet having a series of openings adapted to receive and secure the prongs of the male end of an electrical cord.
In another aspect, a carrier for at least one electrical extension cord includes an elongated body portion presenting a pair of opposing ends and having a handle portion proximate one of the opposing ends and a base portion proximate the other of the opposing ends. A pair of lobes project on opposing sides of the elongated body portion, each lobe defining a storage region for winding at least a portion of the electrical extension cord thereon. The carrier further includes at least one cord securing structure defined in the elongated body portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a carrier of the present invention;
FIG. 1 a is a front elevation view of a carrier according to the present invention with two extension cords stored thereon;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the carrier of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the carrier of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 a front elevation view of the columnar body portion of the carrier of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 a is an elevation view of the cross-member portion of the base of the carrier of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the carrier of FIG. 1 depicting the angled portions of a storage region adjacent to an opening along the periphery of the storage region;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a carrier according to an embodiment of the invention depicted in a first step of operation with the molded plug of an electrical extension cord engaged in a securing structure;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 6 depicted in a second step of operation with a portion of the extension cord body wrapped on one of the storage regions of the carrier;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 6 depicted in a third step of operation with the extension cord body intermediate the ends engaged in one of the peripheral securing structures of the carrier;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 6 depicted in operation with the extension cord body fully wrapped on one of the storage regions of the carrier and the extension cord body proximate the end engaged in another of the peripheral securing structures of the carrier;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view of a peripheral securing structure of a carrier according to an embodiment of the invention depicting an extension cord body passing through the channel portion of the securing structure;
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view of the peripheral securing structure of FIG. 10 with the extension cord body fully engaged in the structure;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a carrier according to an embodiment of the invention with an extension cord wrapped thereon and with the body of the extension cord engaged in adjacent peripheral securing structures;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a carrier according to an embodiment of the invention with an extension cord wrapped thereon and with the body of the extension cord engaged in two different securing structures; and
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a carrier according to the present invention with the molded male plugs of two extension cords positioned for insertion in securing structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of a carrier 100 is depicted for storing elongated objects such as, for example, cords, ropes, strings, wires and the like, particularly electric extension cords. As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, carrier 100 generally includes an elongate columnar body 102 having handle portion 104 proximate one end and base portion 106 proximate the opposite end.
Columnar body 102 generally includes two or more laterally projecting lobes 103 a, 103 b, defining storage regions 108, 110, respectively. Storage regions 108, 110, each receive one or more electric extension cords wrapped around neck portions 105 a, 105 b. Cutout regions 136, 138, are defined between tips 112 a, 112 b, of lobes 103 a, 103 b, and edges 113 a, 113 b, of columnar body portion 102. Although FIGS. 1-4 depict an embodiment having two storage regions 108, 110, embodiments having 3-8 storage regions are contemplated, for example by adding additional radially projecting lobes, and are within the scope of the present disclosure.
Neck portions 105 a, 105 b, within first and second storage regions 108, 110, present a length dimension 109, 111, that runs along the longitudinal axis of body 102. In some embodiments, length dimension 109 may be substantially equal to length dimension 111, while in other embodiments these dimensions may be different from each other. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the dimensions of lobes 103 a, 103 b, necks 105 a, 105 b, and cut away portions 136, 138 may be selected to optimally accommodate various lengths and gauges of extension cords. For example, carriers designed to be used with longer and/or heavier gauge cords may have relatively shorter neck portions 105 a, 105 b, in order to maximize the area of cutout region 136, 138, and thus the carrying capacity of the carrier. In an embodiment, the dimensions of these portions may be selected to accommodate up to about 100 feet of 12-gauge electrical extension cord.
As described above, carrier 100 generally includes a handle portion 104 proximate one end of the device, which facilitates holding and/or positioning carrier 100 during use. In general, handle portion 104 can have any appropriate shape that facilitates gripping with the hand. As depicted in FIG. 1-4, handle portion 104 may be T-shaped and have a vertical portion 120 connected to a horizontal portion 122. In other embodiments, vertical portion 120 can be connected to a circular or elliptically shaped knob to form handle portion 104.
Base portion 106 is positioned opposite handle portion 104 for stabilizing carrier 100 and facilitating winding of a cord onto carrier 100 in a standing position or with the carrier braced on the hip of a user. Additionally, base portion 106 may be configured to engage the ground to enable carrier 100 to freely stand in an upright position when not in use, to facilitate storage and/or transport of carrier 100. In an embodiment, base portion 106 includes a stabilization portion 130 connected with lower portion 128 of columnar body 102. As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, stabilization portion 130 may be an X-shaped structure having a first cross-member 132 that intersects a second cross-member 134, thereby defining four laterally projecting legs 135 for providing desired stability during use of carrier 100. Most preferably, first cross-member 132 intersects second cross-member 134 at an included angle from about 45 to about 90 degrees. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, additional cross-members may be provided if desired for additional stability.
In an embodiment, first cross-member 132 of X-shaped stabilization portion 130 is integrally formed with columnar body 102 by, for example, injection or blow molding or the like, while second cross-member 134 is separately formed and mechanically attached to first cross-member 132 in the desired position. First cross member 132 may be provided with notch 135 in lower edge 135 a, and second cross member may be provided with corresponding notch 137 in upper edge 137 a. Notch 137 of second cross member 134 is frictionally engaged in notch 135 of first cross member 132 to form stabilization portion 130. First cross member 132 and second cross member 134 may optionally be secured together with fasteners such as screws, pins or adhesives or may be welded together. Alternatively, stabilization portion 130 may be integrally molded with columnar body 102 in a single piece.
Lower edge 135 a of first cross member 132 may be provided with radiused region 139 and lower edge 141 of second cross member 134 may be provided with radiused region 141 a. The shape and dimension of radiused regions 139 and 141 a may be selected to as to generally conform with the hip and upper leg of a user. Flats 143 may be provided proximate the tip of each laterally projecting leg 135 for engaging a generally flat surface such as a floor. The overall length L of carrier 100 may be selected so as to comfortably accommodate a user in gripping handle 104 with one hand while bracing stabilization portion 130 against the hip or upper leg of the user on the same side. In this regard, overall length L is preferably in a range of between about 16 inches to about 36 inches, more preferably in a range of between about 20 inches to about 30 inches and most preferably about 26 inches. It is also contemplated that carrier 100 may be equipped with any other configuration of base portion 106 enabling support of carrier 100 on a generally flat surface.
One or more elongate apertures 112 may be defined in columnar body 102 between first storage region 108 and second storage region 110. Elongate apertures 112 generally include an enlarged portion 113 and a narrower portion 114. Enlarged portion 113 is sufficiently large to receive the male or female plug end of an electric extension cord therethrough, while narrower portion 114 is sized so as to frictionally engage the cord body. In operation, the plug end of the extension cord is inserted through enlarged portion 113. When it is desired to secure the cord with a certain length free for connecting with an electrical power source or electrical appliance, the cord body is pulled into and lodged in narrower portion 114 to frictionally secure it against further unwinding. In addition to the depicted keyhole shape, it will be appreciated that apertures 112 may have any other appropriate shape such as, for example, a teardrop, elliptical, or irregular shape. Further, in some embodiments, apertures 112 can have substantially the same size and shape, while in other embodiments apertures 112 may have different sizes and/or shapes.
In some embodiments, vertical portion 120 and/or horizontal portion 122 of handle 104 or elongate body portion 102 may include securing structures that facilitate securing the free end of an elongated object, for example one or more electrical receptacles 124 of standard design for receiving the prongs of the male end of the extension cord. In operation, the male ends of the cords may be plugged into receptacles 124, thereby preventing the male end of the cord from being tangled up and/or “lost” during storage of the cord.
Additionally or alternatively, handle 104 can include opening 126 for receiving a hanger (not depicted) to hang carrier 100 from a wall or other structure, or the finger of a user holding handle 104. Further, opening 126 may be adapted to receive the molded end of an electrical cord, which facilitates securing one end of the electrical cord during storage. Opening 126 can have any appropriate shape such as, for example, an elliptical shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape and the like. Alternatively, opening 126 may be shaped so as to conform with the cross section of a molded electrical plug. In such embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the size and shape of opening 126 will be guided by the size and cross-sectional shape of the molded plug end that opening 126 is intended to engage.
The carrier of the present invention may also include other cord securing structures in the form of a plurality of notches 116 defined in the periphery 117 of each lobe 105 a, 105 b, for securing a free end of a cord that has been wound onto first storage region 108 or second storage region 110. Notches 116 may have any appropriate shape such as, for example, elliptical, circular, rectangular and combinations thereof. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, notches 116 have an elliptical-shaped portion oriented along the length of the storage regions 108, 110, and a channel 118 through to periphery 117 of the lobe. Preferably, notches 116 are spaced apart along the periphery 117 of each lobe so as to enable a variety of cord securing locations.
Referring to FIG. 5, inwardly facing surfaces 140 in channel 118 may be anticlinally angled so as to define a narrow portion 231 of the channel 140. The width dimension W of narrow portion 231 may be selected so as to snugly admit a predetermined maximum cord body diameter thereby inhibiting undesired disengagement of the cord body from the notch 116. Surfaces 140 are sloped away on either side of narrow portion 231 to enable the cord to be pulled through channel 118 at least at a slight angle as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, thereby enabling quick and easy engagement of the cord from notch 116 when desired. In embodiments of the invention, angle φ of surfaces 140 is preferably in a range of from about 15 degrees to about 50 degrees.
The carrier of the present invention is preferably blow or injection molded from suitable polymer material such as for example, polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene (PP), poly(vinylchloride) (PVC), polycarbonates, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), polyurethanes, and blends and copolymers thereof. It will be appreciated, however, that the carrier may also be formed from any other material of suitable rigidity, weight, and strength, such as for example, metals, metal alloys, wood and combinations thereof.
In a first mode of operation, a user grips handle portion 104 with the palm and fingers of one hand while bracing base portion 106 against the user's leg or hip on the same side as the hand used to grip handle portion 104. The plug end of an electrical cord can then be inserted through one of openings 112. The body of the cord may then be pulled into narrowed portion 114 of the opening 112 to frictionally secure it in place. The electrical cord can then be wound onto one of the storage regions 108, 110, around the respective neck portion 105 a, 105 b. When the desired length of cord body has been wound, the cord body can be pulled through channel 118 of one of notches 116 to secure that end of the cord against unwinding. Once a first cord has been wound onto carrier 100, a second electrical cord, or other elongated object, can be wound onto the other storage region 108, 110, by repeating the process described above. Alternatively, the receptacle 124 or opening 126 may be used to secure either or both ends of the cord.
In an alternative mode of operation, a user grips handle portion 104 with the palm and fingers of one hand while resting base portion 106 on the ground, floor, table or other generally horizontal surface. With the carrier in this position, one or more cords may then wound onto carrier 100 as described above.
When desired, the extension cord may be disengaged from the securing structure holding it, which may include any of apertures 112, notches 116, receptacles 124 or aperture 126, and the desired length of the disengaged cord may then be unwound from the carrier 100. Once the desired length of cord has been unwound, the cord can then be re-secured in the most proximate free securing structure on carrier 110.
FIGS. 6-9 generally depict an embodiment of carrier 100 of the present invention at various stages of operation. With molded female end 300 of extension cord 302 engaged in aperture 112 as depicted in FIG. 6, cord 302 may be wound onto either of lobes 103 a, 103 b, as depicted in FIG. 7. Once a desired length of cord proximate male end 308 is reached, cord body 306 may be engaged in any of notches 116 as depicted in FIG. 8 to secure the cord in place, preventing unwinding. Alternatively, the remainder of cord 302 may be wound on carrier 100 and cord body 306 secured proximate male end 308 in any one of the securing structures of the carrier. FIGS. 12 and 13 depict the cord secured in various alternate combinations of securing structures.
The embodiments above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Additional embodiments are within the claims. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without the departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A carrier for an electric extension cord comprising:

a handle portion proximate one end of the carrier;

a base portion proximate the opposite end of the carrier;

a first storage region positioned between the handle portion and the base portion, wherein the first storage region is defined by a first recess portion proximate the handle portion and a second recess portion proximate the base portion; and

a second storage region adjacent the first storage region, wherein the second storage region is positioned between the handle portion and the base portion, wherein the second storage region is further defined by a first recess portion proximate the handle portion and a second recess portion proximate the base portion;

wherein the carrier comprises at least one securing structure having a series of openings adapted to receive and secure the prongs of a male end of an electrical cord.

2. The carrier of claim 1 further comprising at least one opening positioned between the first storage region and the second storage region, the at least one opening being sized to receive the plug end of an electrical cord.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the at least one opening further comprises a narrowed portion for frictionally engaging a cable body of the electrical cord.

4. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the handle portion is T-shaped.

5. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the base portion is X-shaped and comprises a first portion operably coupled to a second portion oriented generally transverse to the first portion.

6. The carrier of claim 5 wherein the carrier has a columnar body including at least one receptacle having a series of openings adapted to receive and secure the prongs of a male end of an electrical cord.

7. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the first and second recess portions of the first storage region are adapted to secure up to about 100 feet of 12-gauge electrical cord.

8. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the carrier has a plurality of notches positioned along the periphery of at least one of the first and second storage regions, each notch comprising an inner portion and a channel.

9. The carrier of claim 8 wherein the channel of each notch is defined by a pair of opposing anticlinally shaped surfaces.

10. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the carrier is formed from metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, wood, or combinations thereof.

11. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier is formed from a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene (PP), poly(vinylchloride) (PVC), polycarbonates, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), polyurethanes, and blends and copolymers thereof.

12. A carrier for at least one electrical extension cord, the cord having an elongate cable body portion with at least one plug end, the carrier comprising:

an elongated body portion presenting a pair of opposing ends and having a handle portion proximate one of the opposing ends and a base portion proximate the other of the opposing ends;

a pair of projecting lobes on opposing sides of the elongated body portion, each lobe defining a storage region for winding at least a portion of the at least one electrical extension cord thereon; and

at least one cord securing structure defined in the elongated body portion.

13. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the at least one cord securing structure is an opening defined in the elongated body portion between the pair of projecting lobes, the opening including a portion for receiving the plug end of the electrical extension cord therethrough and a narrowed portion for frictionally engaging a cable body portion of the extension cord.

14. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the carrier includes a plurality of cord securing structures positioned along the periphery of at least one of the first and second storage regions, each notch comprising an inner portion and a channel.

15. The carrier of claim 14, wherein the channel of each notch is defined by a pair of opposing anticlinally shaped surfaces.

16. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the base portion has a radiused lower edge portion for conforming to the hip or upper leg of a user.

17. A method of storing an electrical extension cord, the cord comprising an elongate cable body having a pair of opposing ends with a plug at each end, the method comprising steps of:

providing a carrier comprising a generally columnar body portion presenting opposing upper and lower ends and having a pair of laterally projecting lobes, each lobe defining a storage region for receiving the electrical extension cord wound therein, the carrier further comprising a grippable handle proximate the upper end, a ground engaging base proximate the lower end, and a plurality of cord securing structures;

engaging the base with the ground;

winding the electrical extension cord on the storage region of at least one of the lobes;

securing the cable body of the cord proximate each end in a separate one of the cord securing structures.

18. An electric extension cord and carrier system comprising:

a pair of electric extension cords, each extension cord including an elongate cable portion with a pair of opposing ends and a plug portion at each of the opposing ends; and

a carrier comprising:

an elongate body portion having a pair of opposing ends with a handle portion proximate one of the ends and a base portion proximate the opposite end;

a pair of lobes extending laterally on opposite sides of the body portion, each lobe defining a wrapping region for receiving at least one of the extension cords thereon and presenting an outer edge with a plurality of cord engaging notches defined therein;

the body portion further having a generally columnar portion disposed between the lobes, the columnar body portion including means for receiving and securing at least one of the opposing ends of each of the pair of cords.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the means for receiving and securing at least one of the opposing ends of each cord includes a plurality of elongate apertures, each aperture having an enlarged portion adapted to receive the plug portion of the extension cord therethrough and at least one narrowed portion for frictionally engaging the cable portion of the extension cord.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the means for receiving and securing at least one of the opposing ends of each cord comprises at least one securing structure having a series of openings adapted to receive and secure the prongs of a male end of an electrical cord.