Patent ID: 6216834
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B65H,H02G

Abstract:
An apparatus for keeping an electrical, live cable in a protected, inoperative storage position, the cable having a free end including a first contact means adapted to be received within a second contact means belonging to a device operated by means of electrical power transferred thereto through the cable, the apparatus comprising:a protection container;a biased cable withdrawal device internally positioned within the protection container, the cable withdrawal device adapted to provide an inwardly directed tractive force to withdraw the cable into the protection container whenever the cable occupies an outside position while in a released condition and no external forces are acting thereon, wherein the cable withdrawal device allows the cable and the first contact means to be pulled out of the protection container by an outwardly directed tractive force that overcomes the inwardly directed tractive force generated by the cable withdrawal device;a hatchway formed in a sidewall of the protection container to provide access to the interior of the protection container, wherein the cable can be pulled out of the protection container through the hatchway;a hatch cover cantileveredly mounted at an axial end about a laterally extending horizontal rotational axis extending through an upper portion of the protection container, the hatch cover being pivotable about the rotational axis through a plurality of intermediate, sloping positions between a closed position in which the hatch cover is vertically suspended from the axial end and covers the hatchway and a horizontal, end position in which the hatch cover provides access to the open interior of the protection container through the hatchway, the hatch cover including a ratchet segment; anda combined cable guide pulley member and ratchet wheel member positioned within the protection container adjacent to the hatch cover, the cable guide pulley member guiding the cable, wherein during a portion of the pivotal movement of the hatch cover between the closed position and the horizontal end position, the ratchet segment of the hatch cover is in engagement with the ratchet wheel member such that the hatch cover is locked in one of the plurality of intermediate, sloping positions of use and rotation of the cable guide pulley member is blocked such that cable is prevented from being paid out of the protection container.