Abstract:
A cord organizer is provided. The cord organizer is used for storing, handling and transporting cords or the like, such as electrical extension cords. The cord organizer includes a base for coiling a cord around by forming successive loops of the cord about the base. A flexible strap is provide for securing the coiled cord onto the cord organizer and to secure the individual loops of the coil to prevent the loops from becoming entangled during transportation or storage. In alternate embodiments, the base of the organizer is telescopic to be adjustable in length, cord end clips are provided to restrain free movement of the cord ends, means to positively lock the base is provided and a latch to releasably secure the strap within the slot is provided. An extension cord can also be provided having an integrally molded cord adaptor for attachment to a cord end clip.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/805,058, filed Mar. 22, 2004. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to organizing a cord. More particularly, relating to organizing and storing a coiled cord, such as an electrical extension cord so that the cord does not become entangled. 
     Storing or handling cords, such as electrical cords can be a tedious and frustrating task. This is especially true when the cord is of great length and must be coiled to facilitate the transport, handling or storing of the cord. Typically, the cord is coiled into many loops and then bundled together by either attaching a tie wrap or the like or even by wrapping one end of the cord about a mid point of the coil in an attempt to secure the coil and prevent unraveling. The mere looping of the cord into a coil itself presents a challenge of trying to coil the cord without overlapping and crisscrossing successive loops that can result in entanglement of the cord and present a tedious task of detangling the cord before use. In addition, the loops of coiled cords tend to migrate together with out restraint, which often results in entanglement of the cord. 
     In addition to the challenges presented in coiling a cord and retaining the cord in a coiled configuration, challenges are presented in maintaining the ends of the cords free from damage and entanglement with the coil. Quite frequently, the ends of a cord will become damaged in transport, handling or storage because the ends are not restrained from free movement resulting in the ends becoming damaged from colliding with objects. To prevent damage to the ends resulting from the ends being free of restraint is has become a common practice to interweave the ends of the cord through the loops of the coiled cord to restrain the movement of the ends. While this had been proven to be effective in minimizing damaged cord ends, the interweaving of the ends into the coil leads to entanglement of the coiled cord. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved cord organizer and method of using the same that can be used for aiding in the act of coiling a loose cord for maintaining a cord in a coiled configuration and free from entanglement, and for restraining free movement of the ends of the cord. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the cord organizer and method of using the same according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing for a cord organizer that facilitates easy coiling of a cord, maintains the cord in a coiled configuration and prevents damage to the ends of the cord. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a cord organizer and method of using the same is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the cord organizer essentially includes a base having a first end and a second end. A strap having one end attached to the first end of the base with the second end of the strap free from permanent attachment. A slot is formed through the second end of the base and the second of the strap is adapted to be securely received by the slot. In use, a cord is looped around the base to create a coil, which is then secured from movement by passing the free end of the strap through the slot so that the strap engages the loops of the coil and restrains the loops from moving, thereby preventing entanglement. 
     In additional embodiments the base may be adjustable in length to accommodate a wide range of cord lengths, cord end clips may be provided, and a latch for releasably securing the second end of said strap in the slot may be provided. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. 
     Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of the cord organizer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a cross sectional view of the cord organizer taken through the slotted end illustrating the engagement of the strap with the base; 
         FIG. 2   b  is the cross sectional view of  FIG. 2   a  illustrating an alternate embodiment of the cord retaining clip; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the cord organizer taken through the base thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the cord coupling clip attached to the cord end adaptor; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the cord organizer in use; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the cord organizer including a looped handle; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial side elevation view the cord organizer illustrating an alternate means of securing and end of a cord to the base of the cord organizer; 
         FIG. 9  is the partial cross section view of  FIG. 2  illustrating an alternate means for securing an end of the strap; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the cord organizer illustrating the addition of a cord retaining clip positioned along the side of the base of the cord organizer, and an alternate means including a U-joint for securing an end of a cord to the base of the cord organizer; 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the alternate means of securing the end of a cord to the base of the cord organizer shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial side elevation of the cord retaining clip shown in  FIG. 10 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a partial side elevation showing a means for retaining a strap end. 
     
    
    
     The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to  FIGS. 1-3  a preferred embodiment of the cord organizer of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . The cord organizer  10  includes a base  12  having a first end  14  and a second end  16 . Preferably, the ends  14  and  16  extend perpendicularly from the base  12  to provide sidewalls  18  and  20  to prevent a cord coiled around the base from slipping off of the ends of the base. The base  12  can include a first base member  22  that is telescopically received by a second base member  24 . The first base member  22  can be slid into and out of the second base member  24  to adjust the length of the base  12  to accommodate cords of various lengths. The first base member  22  can be in frictional engagement with the second base member  24 . Preferably, the base  12  includes a positive locking means, described in detail below, for releasably securing the first base member  22  to the second base member  24  so as to prevent inadvertent adjustment of the length of the base. 
     A flexible strap  26  is attached at a first end  28  to the first end  14  of the base with the second end  30  free from permanent attachment and which is adapted to be securely received by a slot  32  formed through the second end  16  of the base  12 . 
     Turing to  FIG. 2   a , which is a cross section taken through the second end  16  of the base  12 . The second end  30  of the strap  26  can be retained within the slot by frictional engagement with a latch  34 . Preferably, a plurality of female pawl elements  36  are formed into the strap  26  and a male pawl element  38  is formed into the latch  34 , which is received by an adjacent female pawl element to secure the second end  30  of the strap within the slot  32 . Most preferably, the latch  34  includes a lever  40 , which when pulled in a direction away from the strap will disengage the male pawl element  38  from the female pawl elements  36  so that the strap is free to be pulled out from the slot  32 . In addition, the latch  34  can be integrally formed with the base  12 . Even more preferably, the female pawl elements  36  are upwardly faced so that the second end  30  of the strap  26  is free to be passed through the slot  32  but is restricted from being pulled out from the slot by engagement of the male pawl element  38  with the female pawl elements. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , which is a cross section taken through the base to illustrate the positive locking means  42 . The positive locking means  42  is for releasably securing the first base member  22  to the second base member  24  so as to prevent inadvertent adjustment of the length of the base  12 . The positive locking means  42  does not require a user to manipulate a lever or any other interface to engage or disengage the means to allow the sliding of the first base member  22  relative to the second base member  24 . Rather is it designed so that when a predetermined force is applied to push the first base member  22  into the second base member  24  or to pull the first base member from the second base member the positive locking means automatically disengages and then subsequently reengages. 
     In one example, the positive locking means  42  can include a tab  44  integrally formed with the second base member  24  towards a distal end  46  thereof. A projection  48  extends from the interior surface of the tab  44 , which is received by one of a plurality of recesses  50  formed into the adjacent surface  52  of the first base member  22 . The tab  44  is resilient and deflects in a direction away from the surface  52  of the first base member  22  when a large enough push-pull force is applied to the first base member, thereby disengaging the projection  48  from one recess  50  and reengaging the projection in an adjacent recess. Preferably, the projection  48  is of a generally triangular shape and the recesses  50  are of a generally triangular cross-section. 
     Turning back to  FIGS. 1 and 2   a , the cord organizer  10  can also include a cord retaining clip  54  attached to the base  12  for securing the end of a cord to the base. A cord retaining clip  54  can be attached to either side of the base  12  or can be attached to only one side of the base. Preferably, the cord retaining clip  54  is integrally formed with the base  12  and is resilient. 
     A cord coupling clip  56  can also be provided for securing an end of a cord to the cord organizer  10 . Preferably, the cord coupling clip  56  is constructed from a resilient material and is removably attached to the cord organizer  10  at the base  12  by a swivel connector  58 . Ideally, the cord coupling clip  56  is used to secure the male connection end of a cord and the swivel connector  58  allows for the end to be easily positioned to be inserted into an electrical outlet without requiring the removal of the end from the cord coupling clip. Most preferably, a cord adaptor  60  is provided which is clamped to the end of the cord and the cord coupling clip  56  clips to the cord adaptor. The addition of the cord adaptor  60  prevents the cord coupling clip  56  from wearing the surface of the cord from repeated attachment and detachment. In addition, the cord adaptor  60  provides for a non-slip attachment of the cord coupling clip  56  to the end of a cord. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2   b  which illustrates an alternate embodiment of the cord retaining clip  54 . In this embodiment, the cord retaining clip  54  in pivotally attached at point  55  to the end  16  of the base  12  and includes a lever  57  to facilitate the opening of the clip. The cord retaining clip  54  is constructed from a resilient material having a high fatigue rating so that the clip can withstand repeated flexing without failure. In this embodiment, as like the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a cord coupling clip  56  could be secured to the cord end retaining clip  54  and can be used in conjunction with a cord adaptor  60  to secure an end of a cord to the side  16  of the cord organizer  10 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the cord adaptor  60  is generally cylindrical in shape and is of a two-piece construction. A longitudinal bore  62  is formed into the cord adaptor  60  for receiving a length of cord  64  therein, which is securely clamped between the two halves of the cord adaptor. Once the cord adaptor  60  is clamped to the length of cord it will not slide along the cord and provides for a non-slip attachment point for the cord coupling clip  56 . The cord adaptor  60  can also include raised edges  66  and  68  which act as restraint walls to preclude the cord coupling clip  56  from sliding off the ends of the cord adaptor  60 . Preferably, the exterior diameter  70  of the cord adaptor  60  is slightly greater then interior diameter  72  of the cord coupling clip  56  so as to provide a tight intermittent so that the cord coupling clip not prone to slipping off the cord adaptor. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 , the cord organizer  10  is illustrated in use holding a coiled cord  74  with the loops  76  of the cord securely retained to the cord organizer between the base  12  and the strap  26 . One end  78  of the cord  74  is attached to the cord organizer  10  by a cord retaining clip  54  and the opposite end of  80  of the cord is attached to a cord coupling clip  56 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an alternate embodiment of the cord organizer  10  is illustrated. In this embodiment, a handle  82  is attached at one end of the base  12  which can be used to either carry or hang the cord organizer  10 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , an alternate embodiment of the cord organizer  10  is illustrated. In this embodiment, an extension cord  90  is provided with a cord adaptor  60 ′ integrally molded into a section of the cord. Preferably, the cord adaptor  60 ′ is integrally molded into the cord  90  towards an end  92  thereof. The cord adaptor  60 ′ includes two enlarged ends  66 ′ and  68 ′, and a longitudinal center section  94  which is of a diameter greater then the diameter of the cord  90 . In this embodiment, a cord coupling clip  56  (not shown) or a ring  96  can be secured around the longitudinal center section  94  to secure the cord  90  to the cord organizer  10 . The longitudinal section  94  prevents a cord coupling clip  56  or a ring  96  from damaging the cord  90 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , a partial cross section of the end  16  is shown and an alternate means for securing the strap  26  to the end  16  of the cord organizer  10  is illustrated. In this alternate means, female pawl elements  36 ′ are arrange along an outward surface  27  of the strap  26 . The female pawl elements  36 ′ are engaged by male pawl elements  100  which extend outwardly from an end  102  of a latch member  104 . The latch member  104  is pivotally coupled to end  16  at pivot point  106  and is spring biased by spring  108  such that the male pawl elements  100  are biased into engagement with the female pawl elements  36 ′, thereby preventing withdrawal of the strap  26  from end  16 . The strap  26  is withdrawn from end  16  by disengaging the male pawl elements  100  from the female pawl elements  36 ′ by pressing end  110  of the latch member  104  in a direction inward of the cord organizer  10 . Once the male pawl elements  100  are disengaged from the female pawl elements  36 ′, the strap  26  can be withdrawn from end  16  of the cord organizer  10 . Preferable, the female pawl elements  36 ′ are faced in a direction opposite of the direction of insertion of the end  30  of the strap  26  into the end  16 , thereby allowing insertion of the end  30  into end  16  without manipulation of latch member  104 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the cord organizer  10  having an alternate cord retaining clip  54 ′ which is positioned along the side of the base  12  and an alternate cord end retaining means  120  for securing an end  65  of cord  64  to the cord organizer. With reference to  FIG. 11 , the cord end retaining means  120  includes an articulated joint  122 , such as a U-joint. End  124  of the articulated joint  122  is adapted to engage a section of the cord  64  and can be fixedly engaged therewith or can be engaged such that the cord is free to rotate along its axis without becoming disengaged. Opposite end  125  is attached to the cord organizer  10 . In the latter, the end  124  can be restrained from sliding along the cord by pair of opposed end stops  126  and  128  which encircle the cord. Additionally, end  124  of the articulated joint  112  can include a through bore (not shown) of a diameter less then that of the cord  64  such that the cord is clamped by the end  124  or of a diameter greater then that of the cord such that the cord is free to slide and twist within the through bore. Further, end  124  can be pivotally coupled to the articulated joint  122 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of the alternate cord retaining clip  54 ′ engaged with a section of the cord  64  for holding or otherwise releasably securing the cord to the cord organizer  10 . The cord retaining clip  54  preferably extends outward from a side of the base  12  of the cord organizer  10  and is biasable such that when a section of the cord is inserted into the clip, the cord is securely and frictionally retained thereby, but is otherwise releasably secured by pulling on the cord in a direction outward and away from the clip. 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , the cord organizer  10  is shown including an additional aspect of a strap end retaining means  130  for retaining the free end  30  of the flexible strap  26  from dangling when the free end is not received by end  16  of the base  12 . The strap end retaining means  130  releasably retains end  30 . For exemplary purposes, the strap end retaining means  130  can comprise a slot  132  through which the end  30  can be unrestrictedly inserted through and removed from. It is contemplated the strap end retaining means  130  could include a mechanism acting upon the end  30  to retain the end within the slot  132 . Such mechanism may include a spring biased element which engages a surface of the end  30  to retain the end within the slot. The spring biased element may engage with the pawls elements  36 . 
     In use, it can now be understood that a loose cord is looped around the base  12  of the cord organizer  10  so that the cord is coiled around the base with sides of adjacent loops in abutment. The second end  30  of the strap is inserted into the slot  32  and pulled therethrough so that the strap engages the surface of each outward most loop, thereby securely retaining the loops of the coiled cord in place and securing the coiled cord to the cord organizer  10 . If the base  12  of the cord organizer is adjustable, after the strap  26  is secured by inserting the second end  30  thereof into the slot  32 , the base is adjusted so that the loops of the coiled cord are pressed together so that the surface of each outward most loop of the coiled cord abuts and presses into the strap and forms and acruate path  75  therewith. Once the cord is secured to the cord organizer  10 , the loops of the coil will not migrate and will maintain the coiled cord free from entanglement. In addition, the ends of the cord can be attached either to a cord end clip  54  or a cord adapter  60  can be secured to the end of a cord and then clipped to a cord coupling clip  56  so that the ends of the cords are restrained from movement. 
     While a preferred embodiment of the cord organizer and method of using the same has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.