US20090302148A1

US20090302148A1 - Organization device for winding a coilable item

Info

Publication number: US20090302148A1
Application number: US12/157,105
Authority: US
Inventors: William Auclair
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Hubbell Power Systems Inc
Priority date: 2008-06-06
Filing date: 2008-06-06
Publication date: 2009-12-10

Abstract

An organizing device for supporting a coilable item which includes an elongated rack with a row of notches along the rack for receiving a segment of a loop of a coilable item. An arm may extend transversely from the rack to be engaged by a segment of the lower portion of the loop of the coilable item so that the item is looped between the arm and a notch. A locking arm has one end pivotally attached to the rack and its other end provided with a latching mechanism to secure it to the rack, the arm extending over said notches when secured to the rack. A second embodiment includes two rows of notches meeting each other at their top with the bottom ends spread to form an inverted V or U. A third embodiment includes a plurality of moveable blocks adjustably mounted on an elongated rack, with adjacent blocks defining a notch between them for reception of a segment of a loop of a coilable item.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a storage device for coilable items such as cords, hoses, ropes or the like, and more particularly to such a storage device that helps prevent tangling of a coilable item when stored.

BACKGROUND

It is typical for users to store a coilable item by continuously wrapping it around a single protrusion so that segments of the coilable item overlap other segments. However, winding in this manner often results in the coilable item tangling and makes accessing the item difficult. There is a need for a device whereby a user can wind a coilable item, such as an electrical extension cord or hose, prevent the item from becoming entangled and, when needed, release and access the item easily.

SUMMARY

It is an object to provide an improved storage device with multiple notches for receiving segments of a coilable item. Tangling of the coilable item that is commonly caused by wrapping the item continually around a single protrusion is avoided.
In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure there is provided an organizing device for supporting a coilable item that comprises at least one elongated rack of notches with a top end and a bottom end. Each notch has a top surface and a bottom surface whereby a coilable item can be wrapped in continuous loops with segments of the item inserted into successive notches along the rack.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure there is provided an organizing device for supporting a coilable item that comprises two elongated rows of notches. Each row has a plurality of notches positioned between a top end and a bottom end. The rows form an inverted V or U-shape and meet at a vertex located proximate the top ends of the rows. Each notch is positioned along the rows at substantially the same distance from the vertex as a corresponding notch in the other row. A coilable item can be wrapped in continuous loops with segments of the item inserted into successive notches along the rows.
In accordance with still another aspect of the disclosure there is provided an organizing device for supporting a coilable item that comprises at least one elongated rod with a top end and a bottom end. A plurality of moveable blocks is adjustably mounted on the rod. Adjacent blocks define a notch between them for reception of a segment of a loop of a coilable item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an organization device;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the organization device of FIG. 1 engaged with an electrical cord in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the organization device of FIG. 2 in a closed position for storage;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are enlarged views of an embodiment of a latching mechanism employed with the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an organization device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 engaged with a garden hose;

FIG. 7A is a top plan view of the housing of an adjustable embodiment of an organization device;

FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along the lines 7B-7B of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is an end view of the housing of FIG. 7A; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustable embodiment of the organization device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 depict an embodiment of the organization device for supporting a coilable item. As used throughout, a “coilable item” could be a hose, cord, wire, rope or any other like object that can be wrapped continuously or “coiled”. As can be seen, the organization device 10 according to this embodiment is relatively linear in shape and comprises a rack 12 with a top end 12 a and a bottom end 12 b. The device 10 further includes a row of notches 14 positioned relatively uniformly spaced from each other extending along the length of the rack 12 from a location near the top end 12 a to a location near the bottom end 12 b. In this embodiment, the rack 12 is generally linear in shape. However, the device can employ a rack of virtually any shape that is capable of supporting a row of notches.
The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3 also includes a handle 16 proximate the top end 12 a of rack 12 for grasping the device. The handle 16 also serves as a means for hanging the device on a fixed body such as a beam, shelf or the like. While the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3 employs a handle 16, the means for hanging may be anything that enables the device to be mounted to a fixed surface, including a strap, hole, or even an adhesive material. Generally, the device is mounted on a surface with the notches 14 facing outward from the surface.
Each notch 14 in the device comprises a bottom surface 14 a, a top surface 14 b and a rear surface 14 c. The size of each notch 14 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the coilable item, but it is also possible that for some applications the notches 14 could be significantly larger. Also, in the case of certain coilable items, for example a hose, the width of the notch may be slightly less than the diameter of the item so that the item is slightly compressed when inserted into the notch. The bottom surface 14 a, top surface 14 b and rear surface 14 c of the notches 14 form a relatively round inner surface that corresponds generally with the shape of the outer surface of the coilable item. However, the device can ultimately be practiced with inner surfaces of any shape, including bottom surface 14 a and top surface 14 b being physically separated by a gap.
The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3 also features an extension 13 with top end 13 a and bottom end 13 b. The top end 13 a can be rigidly attached to rack 12 proximate the bottom end 12 a of the rack. However, the device 10 need not comprise two separate pieces. The device can also be formed with the rack 12 and extension 13 as an integral one-piece structure.
A wrapping arm 18 is rigidly attached to extension 13, preferably near bottom end 13 b. In this embodiment, the arm 18 is generally linear and extends transversely from the extension 13. The arm 18 may be generally perpendicular to the extension 13. In another embodiment, (not shown), the extension 13 may be slidably engaged with rack 12 so that the distance between the wrapping arm 18 and the notches 14 can be adjusted as the user desires. Alternatively, the wrapping arm 18 can be slidably engaged with the extension 13 to affect the same adjustability. While not depicted in FIGS. 1-3, extension 13 can further comprise additional attachment means such as a hook, hole, adhesive or the like.
The embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 also includes a pivotable locking arm 20 having one end connected to the top end 12 a of the rack 12 by a pivot pin 22. The other end of the locking arm 20 is adapted to be connected or latched to the rack 12 at a point below the notches 14 by a releasable latching mechanism 24. In the pictured embodiment, the length of arm 20 generally corresponds to the length of rack 12, but it is not essential. However, the arm should be of a length that it covers the notches 14 when latched to the rack 12.
FIGS. 4A and 4B depict enlarged views of the latching mechanism 24. FIG. 4A depicts the opened position and FIG. 4B depicts the closed (locked) position. The latching mechanism 24 includes a flexible finger or detent 23 proximate the bottom end 12 b of the rack 12. The finger or detent 23 is provided with a notch 25 that is adapted to receive a lip 26 on the locking arm 20 when the locking arm 20 is in the closed position, as depicted in FIG. 4B. The finger or detent 23 includes a tapered extension portion 27 which is adapted to be engaged by the lip on the locking arm 20 as the locking arm is moved into the closed position. The tapered extension portion 27 moves the finger or detent 23 out of the way so that the lip 26 on the locking arm 20 can move over the finger or detent 23 until the lip 26 is engaged within the notch 25. The extension portion 27 also provides a means for grasping the finger or detent 23 to move it out of engagement with the lip 26 to permit the locking arm to be moved into its open position.
It is understood that other arrangements for latching the locking arm 20 in the closed position may be used. Such other arrangements may include, but are not limited to, a locking mechanism on the extension 13 or providing the finger or detent 23 on the locking arm 20 and the lip 26 or the equivalent on the rack 12 or extension 13.
As depicted in FIG. 2, the organization device allows one to efficiently wrap a coilable item 28, in this depiction an electrical cord, around the wrapping arm 18 and insert a segment of the cord 28 into successive notches 14 along the length of the rack 12 instead of continuously wrapping the cord around a single protrusion. The notches 14 are configured to hold the inserted segment in place with the bottom surface 14 b of each notch 14 supporting the mass of the inserted segment of the coilable item 28. After the coilable item 28 is sufficiently wrapped around the wrapping member 18 and the notches 14, the device is locked for storage of the coilable item. This is accomplished by the user pivoting the locking arm 20 about pivot pin 22 and latching it in the closed position as depicted in FIG. 3.
The rack 12, extension 13 and wrapping member 18 can be made from a completely rigid material like plastic or metal. However, a more malleable material like rubber can also be employed, so long as the material is rigid and strong enough so that the device 10 is capable of supporting the mass of the coilable item.
FIGS. 5 and 6 depict another preferred embodiment that is especially useful for use with a larger coilable item such as a garden hose. Like the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 comprises rows of notches 14. Each notch 14 has a top surface 14 a, a bottom surface 14 b and a rear surface 14 c. The notches 14 are spaced relatively uniformly along the length of racks 12. However, the FIGS. 5 and 6 embodiment features two racks 12 of notches 14 configured in an inverted V or U-shape with the top ends 12 a of the rows of notches 14 meeting proximate a vertex 30. This embodiment further includes a brace 32 connected between the two racks 12 toward their bottom ends 12 b. The brace 32 provides the device 10 with additional rigidity.
As shown in FIG. 5, the device may include means for permitting the device to be supported on a wall. Such means may be in the form of holes 34 in the vertex portion 30 and the brace 32 as shown.
It should be noted that while the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 features two separate racks in an inverted V-shape, other embodiments can exist so long at least two rows of notches are provided. One example of such an embodiment can include a relatively planar rack with a series of protrusions that define notches arranged in a relatively V-shaped configuration.
A user can employ the inverted V embodiment much like the linear embodiment of FIG. 1—by wrapping a coilable item 28 (in FIG. 6, a garden hose) and inserting segments of the item into successive notches 14 along the racks 12. The additional row of notches provides added support for larger, heavier and/or stiffer coilable items.
Though not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, this embodiment can include extensions with wrapping arms extending from the bottoms of each of the rows of notches 14 similar to the extension 13 shown in FIGS. 1-3. Alternatively, the embodiment can include an extension extending from proximate the vertex 30 to below the bottom ends of the rows of notches 14, with a wrapping arm positioned at the lower end thereof below the rows of notches.
These additional embodiments can be operated just like the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. A coilable item 28 is wrapped around the wrapping arm(s) and segments of the item are inserted into successive notches 14.
Further, a pivotable locking arm or arms can be employed to “lock” the coilable item 28 in the grooves 14 in a similar manner as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3.
FIGS. 7A-7C and 8 show an embodiment of an adjustable organization device with housing. In this embodiment, the location of each notch upper and lower surface 14 a and 14 b along rack 15 is adjustable. Consequently, the size of each notch 14 and distance between successive notches 14 can be adjusted as appropriate for different coilable items.
This particular embodiment includes a housing 36 with walls 36 a, 36 b, 36 c, 36 d and 36 e (rear wall; not pictured in FIG. 8) which substantially encloses the rack 15 such that notches 14 lie to the exterior of the housing. This housing 36 provides the device with increased stability and allows the device to be more easily attached to a fixed body like a wall or shelf. Alternatively, the rack 15 can be removably fixed inside housing 36 after a coilable item is wrapped with segments inserted into successive grooves.
The rack 15 is in the form of a rod and the notches 14 are formed between adjacent moveable blocks 37. The moveable blocks 37 are mounted on the rod with a friction fit so that spacing between adjacent blocks can be adjusted and the blocks will maintain their adjusted position until moved.
While various embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto. Accordingly, it is understood that the present embodiments have been described by way of illustration and not of limitation.

Claims

1. An organizing device for supporting a coilable item, comprising at least one row of notches with a top end and a bottom end, each notch having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein a coilable item can be wrapped in continuous loops with segments of the coilable item inserted into successive notches along the row.

2. The organizing device of claim 1 further including an extension extending from the bottom end of said row of notches, said extension having a wrapping arm extending transverse from said extension and adapted to have a segment of the bottom of a loop of the coilable item engaging said arm.

3. The organizing device of claim 2 wherein said wrapping arm extends substantially perpendicular to said extension.

4. The organizing device of claim 2 wherein said at least one row of notches and said extension are an integral one-piece structure.

5. The organizing device of claim 2 wherein said at least one row of notches and said extension are slidable with respect to each other to provide for adjustment of the distance between the wrapping arm and notches.

6. The organizing device of claim 2 wherein said wrapping arm is slidably engaged with said extension to provide for adjustment of the distance between the wrapping arm and notches.

7. The organizing device of claim 1 further including a locking arm having two ends, one end being pivotally attached to said at least one row of notches and the other end provided with a latching mechanism to releasably secure the end to said at least one row in the closed position, said arm extending over said notches when secured to maintain said coilable item within said notches.

8. The organizing device of claim 7 wherein said latching mechanism includes a flexible detent on said at least one row having a notch and a lip on said locking arm, said lip being received in said notch when said locking arm is secured in said closed position.

9. 9, The organizing device of claim 2 further including a locking arm having two ends, one end being pivotally attached to said at least one row of notches and the other end provided with a locking mechanism to releasably secure it to said at least one row, said arm extending over said notches when locked to maintain said coilable item within said notches.

10. The organizing device of claim 1 further including a handle at the top end of said at least one row of notches.

11. An organizing device for supporting a coilable item, comprising two rows of notches, each row having a top end and a bottom end and being relatively equivalent in length, wherein

the rows form an inverted V or U-shape and meet each other at a vertex located proximate the top ends of said rows;

each notch is positioned in each row at substantially the same distance from the vertex as a corresponding notch in the other row; and

a coilable item can be wrapped in continuous loops with segments of the coilable item inserted into successive notches along the rows.

12. The organizing device of claim 11 further including a brace connected between the two rows of notches adjacent the bottom ends thereof.

13. The organizing device of claim 11 further including an extension extending from the bottom end of each row of notches, each said extension having a wrapping arm extending transverse from said extension and adapted to have a segment of the bottom of a loop of the coilable item engaging said arm.

14. The organizing device of claim 11 wherein the width of said notches is less than the diameter of said coilable item so that the coilable item is slightly under compression when inserted into a notch.

15. The organizing device of claim 11 further comprising an extension positioned between said rows of notches and extending below the bottom ends of said rows, the extension having a wrapping arm extending transverse from said extension and adapted to have a segment of the bottom of a loop of the coilable item engaging said arm.

16. An organizing device for supporting a coilable item, comprising:

at least one elongated rack with a top end and a bottom end;

a plurality of moveable blocks adjustably mounted on said rack, with adjacent blocks defining a variably dimensionable notch between them for reception of a segment of the coilable item.

17. The organizing device of claim 16 wherein said elongated rack is an elongated rod, said moveable blocks being press fit on said rod so the spacing between adjacent blocks can be adjustable and said blocks maintain their adjusted position until moved.

18. The organizing device of claim 17 further including a housing, said elongated rod being mounted in said housing.