Electrical cord storage systems and methods

Included is a cord storage device. The cord storage device may include an exterior portion that is constructed of a nonconductive material. The cord storage device may also include at least one receiving surface on the exterior portion, the receiving surface configured to define a cord holding aperture. The cord holding aperture may include a cord insertion portion, the cord insertion portion constructed to receive a cord. The cord holding aperture may also include a cord storing portion constructed with at least one dimension being smaller than the cord insertion portion, the cord storing portion being configured to receive the cord from the cord insertion portion. The cord holding aperture may also include a cord locking portion that can be constructed with at least one dimension being smaller than the cord storing portion, the cord locking being configured to removably secure the cord in the cord storing portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for cord storage. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to storage of a marine electrical cord with an eye toward safety.

BACKGROUND

Similar to terrestrial vehicles, marine vehicles such as boats utilize gasoline or diesel fuel as well as electricity for power. Generally speaking most vehicles, whether they be terrestrial or marine, utilize a battery or a plurality of batteries for storing electrical charge. The stored electrical charge can be used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to starting the engine and powering the gauges, lights, and even the radio. Terrestrial vehicles, such as automobiles generally utilize an alternator for recharging the battery or batteries. An alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy generated by the engine into electrical energy that is stored by the battery. The electrical energy can then be utilized as needed.

While a marine vessel generally operates in a similar manner to that of a terrestrial vehicle, there may be important differences. As a nonlimiting example, while a terrestrial vehicle will generally have one battery, a marine vessel may utilize a plurality of batteries. One battery may be designated exclusively for starting the engine, while another may accommodate the electric gauges, air conditioning, etc. As marine vessels will often consume an inordinate amount of energy during and after use, the alternator may often be unable to fully replenish the consumed electricity in the time the marine vessel is in use.

When a marine vessel is not in use, the battery may still be active. As a nonlimiting example, the marine vessel may include a pump to remove water the vessel has acquired. Using the pump for long periods may deplete the stored energy in the battery or batteries, such that the vessel becomes unable to start. Alternatively, depending on the type of battery being used, maintaining the battery charge at a low level may significantly reduce the battery life.

To solve this problem, many marine vessels may be able to connect with a power source for either recharging the batteries or providing power to the vessel while the engine is not running. Generally, this power source can include a 110-Volt, 30-Ampere source, or other power source, depending on the battery and use. The power source may be supplied to the vessel from an electrical outlet at a home or business. Extension cords may be utilized to bring that power to the vessel. The extension cords used in this manner may include a locking mechanism such that when connected to the vessel, there is a reduced risk of the cord becoming accidentally unplugged. As is evident, the use of electrical power sources around water can be dangerous. Safety measures such as the locking mechanism are essential to providing a safe environment for users of the vessel and the area where the vessel is located.

Although some safety measures are employed while the external power is supplied to the marine vessel, problems may occur when the vessel is in use, and not “plugged in” to the power source. Generally, the extension cord that is used to provide this external power is left near the water to be used when a vessel returns. As is evident, leaving an exposed power cord can provide a safety threat both in terms of possible electric shock or even electrocution, and as a physical obstacle to users of the vessel when entering or exiting the vessel.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes a cord storage device. The cord storage device typically includes an exterior portion that is constructed of a nonconductive material. The cord storage device may also include at least one receiving surface on the exterior portion, the receiving surface configured to define a cord holding aperture. The cord holding aperture may include a cord insertion portion. The cord insertion portion may be constructed to receive a cord. The cord holding aperture may also include a cord storing portion constructed with at least one dimension being smaller than the cord insertion portion. The cord storing portion may be configured to receive the cord from the cord insertion portion. The cord holding aperture may also include a cord locking portion that can be constructed with at least one dimension being smaller than the cord storing portion. The cord locking portion may be configured to removably secure the cord in the cord storing portion. The cord storage device may store any type of cord, including electrical cords for marine vessels. The cord storage device may be made of a water-resistant material. The cord storage device may be any appropriate color to denote safety, caution, or danger, such as but not limited to yellow or red.

Additionally included is a method for removably securing a cord in a cord storage device. The method includes inserting at least one end of the cord through a cord insertion portion of the cord storage device. Also included in the method is moving the cord from the cord insertion portion of the cord storage device to a cord storing portion of the cord storage device, wherein the cord storing portion of the cord storage device is configured to removably secure at least a portion of the cord.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an electric power source with electric cable attached. As illustrated inFIG. 1, electric cord1is connected to electric power source7via the male end9of electric cord1. A female end3of electric cord1is resting on the ground. As is evident the male end9of electrical cord1includes a plurality of conductive prongs for insertion into an electrical socket. The female end3of electrical cord1includes a plurality of apertures configured to receive conductive prongs from another electrical cord, a battery, or other electrical destination.

FIG. 2is a bottom view two-dimensional schematic of one embodiment of the cord storage device. As illustrated inFIG. 2, a bottom view cord storage device10is illustrated as a rectangular receiving surface that defines an elongated cord holding aperture8. The cord holding aperture8includes a cord insertion portion12, a cord storing portion14and a cord locking portion16. In one embodiment, the cord insertion portion12is a circular aperture large enough to receive the female end3or male end9of electrical cord1ofFIG. 1. Depending on the type of cord to be stored, the cord insertion portion12may vary in size and shape, and is not limited to a circular configuration as shown inFIG. 2.

Also included in the cord holding aperture8is a cord storing portion14. The cord storing portion14can be an elongated aperture configured to hold the male end9or the female end10of the electrical cord1(or both) within the cord storage device10. The width of cord storing portion14can be configured to be larger than the diameter of the body1of electrical cord2, but smaller than the head3of the electrical cord2(seeFIG. 4). Such a configuration allows for the cord storing portion14to receive the body1of electrical cord2, while securing the electrical cord2in place by not allowing the head3of electrical cord2to fall through the cord storing portion14.

Coupled to both the cord storage portion14and the cord insertion portion12is a cord locking portion16. The cord locking portion16is configured to prevent the electrical cord1from accidentally falling back through cord insertion portion12when the cord storage device10is in use. As shown inFIG. 2, the cord locking portion16is narrower than cord storing portion14. By designing the cord locking portion16in a narrower configuration than cord storing portion14, the electrical cord1will likely remain in cord storing portion14when in use. While the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2shows a tapered transition from the cord storing portion14to the cord locking portion16, this is but one nonlimiting example.

FIG. 3is an alternative bottom view two-dimensional schematic of the cord storage device fromFIG. 2. Similar toFIG. 2, this nonlimiting example illustrates a receiving surface that defines a cord holding aperture8. The cord holding aperture includes a cord insertion portion12, a cord storing portion14and a cord locking portion16. However, unlikeFIG. 2, inFIG. 3the transition from the cord storing portion to the cord locking portion is not tapered. As is evident, there are many alternative variations that may be implemented to achieve a desired result.

FIG. 4is a back view two-dimensional schematic of one embodiment of the cord storage device. As illustrated inFIG. 4, supports4may be implemented to secure the cord storage device10to an object such as a dock, a wall, a pier, or other suitable object. WhileFIG. 4illustrates supports4as apertures, as is evident the cord storage device10may be supported in any of a variety of ways including Velcro®, snaps, tape, glue, or any other conceivable support. Additionally, cord storage device10may be designed such that a user can easily create supports4by piercing the exterior material of the cord storage device10. Further, whileFIG. 4illustrates that there are four supports4, this is but a nonlimiting example as any number of supports may be used. Finally, while supports4are illustrated on the back view diagram ofFIG. 4, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. Any surface of cord storage device10may be utilized for supports4.

FIG. 5is a side view two-dimensional schematic of one embodiment of the cord storage device10. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the female end3of electrical cord1is residing within the cord holding aperture8(FIGS. 2 and 3) in the cord storage device10.FIG. 5illustrates that the cord holding aperture8is designed such that the head3of electrical cord1is larger than the cord storing portion14and the cord locking portion16to secure the electrical cord1within the cord storage device10.

FIG. 6is a three-dimensional schematic view of one embodiment of the cord storage device10fromFIGS. 2-5. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the cord storage device10may be configured in a substantially rectangular configuration. WhileFIG. 6illustrates a generally rectangular configuration, as is evident, cord storage device10may be configured in any shape including, but not limited to both regular and irregular shapes. Additionally, the cord storage device10may be designed to store any number of cords.

Further, the cord storage device10may be constructed using any suitable nonconductive material, including, but not limited to wood, plastic, rubber, bake-a-lite or other nonconductive material that can provide at least some protection from electrical shock. Further, at least a portion of cord storage device10can be constructed of a water resistant material to provide at least some protection from splash. Additionally, the color of the cord storage device can be selected to indicate a potential proximate electrical hazard (e.g., red or yellow to indicate safety, caution, or danger).

Additionally, while the present disclosure discusses the cord storage device10with respect to electrical cords, this is but a nonlimiting example of one embodiment. As is evident, the cord storage device10can be designed and used for any type of cord, hose, wire, conduit, or similar material.

FIG. 7is a block diagram of the electric power source7fromFIG. 1with electrical cord1attached, and implementing one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the male end9of electrical cord1is connected to electric power source7, and the female end3of the electrical cord1is secured in cord storage device10. In this configuration, the electrical cord1is protected from splash and stored in a safe area. Additionally, with power cord1residing within cord storage device10, the risk of electric shock is reduced.

FIG. 8is a functional block diagram of the electric power source fromFIG. 1with electrical cord attached, and implementing another embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 8, the male end9of electrical cord1has been removed from electric power source7. In this representation, both the male end9and the female end3of the electric cord1reside within cord storage device10. As is evident, the electric cord1is no longer “live,” but cord storage device10prevents damage to the electric cord1by removing the electric cord1from foot traffic, as well as protecting the electric cord1from splash.

FIG. 9is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of operating the cord storage device pursuant to a configuration similar to the configuration represented inFIG. 8. In use, when a user wishes to connect an electrical cord to a marine vessel, he or she can remove the female end3of the electric cord1from the cord storage device by sliding the cord from the cord storing portion14along the cord locking position16to the cord insertion portion12of the cord holding aperture8(step22). Then, the user can lower the electrical cord1through the cord insertion portion12(step24). The female end of the electrical cord1may then be connected to the marine vessel (step26). If applicable, a locking collar may be engaged to lock the electrical cord2to the marine vessel (step28). If additional electrical cords are desired, similar procedures may also be implemented (step32).

The user can then remove the male end9of the electrical cord1from the cord storage device10by sliding the electrical cord1along the cord storing portion14along the cord locking portion16to the cord insertion portion12of the cord holding aperture8(step34). The user can lower the electrical cord1through the cord insertion portion (step36). Once the male end9of the electrical cord1is removed from the cord storage device10, the male end9may be connected to the electrical power source7(step38). If applicable, a locking collar may be engaged to lock the electrical cord1to the electrical power source7(step42). The user can repeat these steps for additional electrical cords (step44). Once all desired electrical cords are correctly connected, the user may turn on the electrical source via an on/off switch or electrical circuit breaker (step46).

FIG. 10is a flow chart illustration of another embodiment of operating cord configured in a manner similar to the configuration illustrated inFIG. 8. After use of the external power is no longer desired, the user may disconnect the electric cord1from the electrical power source by turning the electricity off via an on/off switch or electrical breaker (step52) and removing the male end9of the electrical cord(s)1from the electrical power source7(step54). The user can hold the male end9of the electrical cord1in an upright position under the cord storage device. The user can insert the male end9of the electrical cord1into the cord insertion portion12of the cord storage device10(step56), and slide the electrical cord1along the cord locking portion16and the cord storing portion14of the cord holding aperture8(step58). The user can check for additional cords and repeat the above steps, if necessary (step62).

The user can then disconnect and remove the female end3of the electrical cord(s)1from the marine vessel (step64). The user can do this by holding the female end3of the electrical cord1in an upright position under the cord storage device10. The user inserts the female end3of the electrical cord1into the cord insertion portion12of the cord holding aperture8(step66), and slides the electrical cord1along the cord locking portion16into the cord storing portion14(step68). The user can then check for additional cords (step70). If there are additional cords, the user may return to step64. Otherwise the process is complete.

As shown,FIG. 9illustrates that the female end3of the cord1is connected first. Similarly, inFIG. 10the male end9of the electrical cord1is removed first. As is evident, this process can be reversed. Similarly, any variation of the steps disclosed herein are considered part of the present disclosure.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.