Patent ID: 7214092
Filing Date: 2007-05-08
Classification: B65H,H01R

Abstract:
1. A one-piece utensil for containing a cord of or for an electrical device, which utensil comprises an elongated tube having: (a) a longitudinal axis, an inner surface, an outer surface, and two opposite, open ends; (b) a substantially uniform wall thickness between the opposite ends; (c) a flared portion at an end of the tube; which flared portion (i) is bell-shaped, (ii) has bell-shaped inner and outer surfaces, (iii) is sufficiently large at its open end to provide a target for and to receive the electric cord when the cord is loosely folded into several loops forming a bundle approximately as long as, or longer than, the utensil, and (iv) is shaped and sized so as to guide and compress such a bundle being moved along the longitudinal axis; and (d) a central portion located between the ends and having a minimum inner diameter which (i) is sufficiently large to permit such a bundle to pass axially through the utensil, (ii) is sufficiently small to permit the utensil to positively and firmly grip the bundle while permitting it to be easily removed from the utensil, and (iii) has a maximum outer diameter which is substantially smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the flared portion.