Electric Cord Reel

This invention relates to electric extension cord storage reels in general and in particular to electric extension cord storage reels which include means for receiving and releasably retaining one end of an electric extension cord.

Electrical extension cords are highly ubiquitous items which are widely utilized in industrial and commercial establishments as well as in residences. The storage of such cords represents a possible safety hazard due to possible tripping or damage to the electric extension cord which may result in future electric shock hazards. Additionally, the unorganized storage of electric extension cords is highly unsightly.

Numerous automatic retraction reels are known in the prior art and are utilized commonly in electrical appliances in which one end of the extension cord is fixedly connected to a particular appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner. Further, several electric cord reels are known which utilize slip rings or movable connectors to maintain electrical connection to the wire wrapped around the reel during rotation of the reel. Simple reels for storage of electric extension cords are also known; however, each of these known reels is deficient in its lack of any means for receiving and releasably retaining one end of the electric extension cord during retraction of the cord in order to assist the operator in winding the cord around the hub of the reel.

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide an improved electric extension cord storage reel.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved electric extension cord storage reel which includes means for receiving and releasably retaining at least one end of an electric extension cord during retraction of the cord.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved electric extension cord reel which may be inexpensively manufactured.

The foregoing objects are achieved as is now described. A rectangular plastic frame which includes means for mounting said frame to a wall or other vertical architectural barrier is provided and utilized to pivotally mount a spool. The spool includes a central hub and opposing end plates. The opposing end plates are tapered inward toward the center of the hub to enhance cord winding during operation. A pair of flexible protuberances are mounted to said central hub section and are utilized to receive and releasably retain either end of an electric extension cord. A hand crank is fixedly mounted to the spool and is utilized to rotate the spool upon operation thereof.

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself; however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the novel electric extension cord storage reel of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 depicts an end view of the novel electric extension cord storage reel of the present invention.

With reference now to the figures and in particular with reference to FIG. 1, there is depicted a perspective view of the novel electric extension cord storage reel of the present invention. The storage reel is comprised of a rectangular frame structure 12 which serves as a pivotal mounting point for spool 13. Spool 13 includes two opposing end plates 14 and 16 which serve to retain the electric extension cord 18 within the spool.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both frame 12 and spool 13 are constructed of a high impact plastic material such as polystyrene and may be injection molded or manufactured by any process well known in the art. Also, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, frame 12 includes means for attaching frame 12 to a wall or other vertical architectural barrier. In the depicted embodiment of the present invention, mounting screws 20 and 22 serve this purpose.

Rigidly mounted to spool 13, through aperture 24, is crank arm Crank arm 26 includes handle 28 which may be rigidly or pivotally mounted to crank arm 26. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, upon actuation of crank arm 26, spool 13 will rotate, causing electric extension cord 18 to be wrapped around spool 13.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is depicted an end view of the novel electric extension cord storage reel of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 2, spool 13 is comprised of end plates 14 and 16 and a central hub 15. End plates 14 and 16 are tapered inward toward the center of central hub 15. This taper is effective to enhance the winding of extension cord 18 around central hub 15 during rotation of spool 13.

An important feature of the novel electric extension cord storage reel of the present invention is clearly depicted in FIG. 2. Retaining clips 30 and 32 are mounted to central hub 15 and serve to receive and releasably retain either the male or female end of electric extension cord 18. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, clips 30 and 32 are mounted radially outward from central hub 15 and are constructed of a flexible plastic material which is preferably molded at the same time as central hub 15, forming an integral portion thereof. Clips 30 and 32 serve an important purpose in the operation of the storage reel of the present invention by serving to retain either end of electric extension cord 18 to allow initial winding of extension cord 18 around central hub 15 of spool 13 during storage operation.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiment as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.