Abstract:
A cable organizer apparatuses and related methods are disclosed herein. A cable organizer can include a holding chamber configured to hold at least a portion of a cable therein. The cable organizer can also include a first retaining assembly disposed adjacent the holding chamber. The first retaining assembly can be configured to hold a first end of the cable therein. Similarly, the cable organizer can include a second retaining assembly adjacent the holding chamber. The second retaining assembly cab be configured to hold a second end of the cable therein. The use of separate retaining assemblies, each isolated from the holding chamber, enables the user to avoid creating knots in the cable (or rope, hose, etc.).

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The presently disclosed subject matter claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/172,001, filed Jun. 5, 2015; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present subject matter relates to cable organizer apparatuses and related methods. In particular, the present subject matter relates to cable organizer apparatuses that can be used primarily to facilitate the storage of cables, such as extension cords, hoses, ropes, or the like, in a manner that prevents the knotting of the cable. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is a common problem with cables, such as cords, hoses, ropes, or the like, for them to become tangled upon themselves during storage. For example, there is a tendency to wrap an extension cord around an arm of a user and then tied off at one end. However, if the ends of the extension cord are not maintained and are allowed to dangle, the likelihood of an end of the extension cord passing through a loop of the wrapped extension cord and the extension cord becoming knotted increases. 
         [0004]    While different devices have been developed to maintain the integrity of a long cable, such as an extension cord, for storage, a need still exists for a device that can cheaply and effectively maintain the integrity of a looped cable to allow for easy maintenance and storage as well as easy distribution of the cable in times of use without causing the cable to become twisted or knotted. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present subject matter provides cable organizer apparatuses and related methods. In particular, the present subject matter relates to cable organizer apparatuses that can be used primarily to facilitate the storage of cables, such as extension cords, hoses, ropes, or the like, in a manner that prevents the knotting of the cable. Methods related to the manufacture and use of the cable organizer apparatuses disclosed herein are also provided. 
         [0006]    Thus, it is an object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide cable organizer apparatuses as well as methods related thereto. While one or more objects of the presently disclosed subject matter having been stated hereinabove, and which is achieved in whole or in part by the presently disclosed subject matter, other objects will become evident as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter including the best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a cable organizer apparatus according to the present subject matter having a securement strap closing a holding chamber of the cable organizer apparatus; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1D  illustrates an end view of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 1E  illustrates a top perspective view of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 1A  including an embodiment of a securement strap used to hold a cable within the holding chamber; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a top perspective view of an additional embodiment of a cable organizer apparatus according to the present subject matter; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2D  illustrates a vertical cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 2A  showing interior surfaces in hatched lines; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2E  illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus holding a cable within a holding chamber of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of a cable organizer apparatus according to the present subject matter; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  illustrates an exploded side view of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3C  illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3D  illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment of a base of the cable organizer apparatus with an enclosure arm removed according to  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3E  illustrates a bottom front perspective view of an embodiment of an enclosure arm of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3F  illustrate perspective views of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus holding a cable within a holding chamber of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a top perspective view of a further embodiment of a cable organizer apparatus according to the present subject matter; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment of the body of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4D  illustrates an end plan view of an embodiment of an enclosure arm of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4E  illustrate perspective views of the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus holding a cable within a holding chamber of the cable organizer apparatus according to  FIG. 4A . 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present subject matter. 
         [0030]    Other documentation and related information are provided herewith to further illustrate these and other aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and to further provide disclosure that is enabling to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Reference now will be made to the embodiments of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of an explanation of the present subject matter, not as a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present subject matter without departing from the scope or spirit of the present subject matter. For instance, features illustrated or described as one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present subject matter, which broader aspects are embodied in exemplary constructions. 
         [0032]    Although the terms first, second, right, left, front, back, etc. may be used herein to describe various features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature, element, component, region, layer or section from another feature, element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first feature, element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second feature, element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure herein. 
         [0033]    Similarly, when a feature is being described in the present disclosure as “on” or “over” another feature, it is to be understood that the features can either be directly contacting each other or have another feature or space between the features, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Thus, these terms are simply describing the relative position of the features to each other and do not necessarily mean “on top of” since the relative position above or below depends upon the orientation of the apparatus to the viewer. 
         [0034]    Embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure are described herein with reference to schematic illustrations of embodiments that may be idealized. As such, variations from the shapes and/or positions of features, elements or components within the illustrations as a result of, for example but not limited to, user preferences, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Shapes, sizes and/or positions of features, elements or components illustrated in the figures may also be magnified, minimized, exaggerated, shifted or simplified to facilitate explanation of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, the features, elements or components illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes and/or positions are not intended to illustrate the precise configuration of the subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. 
         [0035]    “Holding chamber” as used herein means a geometric shape that can hold at least a portion, such as loops, of a cable with the holding chamber forming sides of a closed figure surrounding an opening when the outline of the device or apparatus is projected onto a plane essentially perpendicular to the intended direction of the cables passing through the device apparatus. 
         [0036]    “Cables” as used herein includes but are not limited to cords, electric cords, hoses, ropes, or the like. 
         [0037]    “Permanent attachment” as used herein means an attachment in which the manufacturer has integrated the cable retaining assembly with the cable in such a way that the cable cannot be separated from the retaining assembly without damaging both the cable and the retaining assembly which, for example, can include but is not limited to a retaining assembly molded on to the cable to become an integral part of the cable. 
         [0038]    “Semi-permanent attachment” as used herein means an attachment in which the cable can be removed from the retaining assembly without damaging the cable, but such removal causes damage to the retaining assembly which would require replacement parts or other repairs to restore the retaining assembly to its original state. 
         [0039]    The primary motivation for the development of the cable organizer apparatuses described herein is to solve the problem with coiled cables developing knots when they are deployed. The technology relies on a topological property: if both ends of a length of cable (hose, rope, etc.) are captured relative to each other, then while they are so captured no new knots can form in the cable between the captured points. 
         [0040]    In practical use, it is intended that the user will use a cable organizer apparatus to capture one end of the cable in a first retaining assembly, then wind up coils of cable into the holding chamber between the holding walls of the cable organizer apparatus, and then capture the other end of the cable into a second retaining assembly. In some embodiments as described below, the user can then wrap a Velcro™ strap over the coils, securing them in place within the holding chamber between the holding walls. To remove the cable, the user simply removes one end from the second retaining assembly, releases the strap, and pulls coils off from the holding chamber. The user should be careful not to allow the free end of the cable to pass through any of the loops that are being released. If the user obeys this simple rule, there will be no knots in the cable as it is removed. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments as described below, structural integrity can be enhanced for embodiments that use a securement strap, by having the strap pass underneath the central section of the cable organizer apparatus and come up through two insertion apertures on either end of the cable organizer apparatus. However, alternative arrangements that may or may not use a securement strap, as described below, can be just as effective. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 3F and 4E  illustrate embodiments of cable organizer apparatuses generally designated  160  and  220 , respectively, that are each holding a cable C, such as an extension cord, for storage and prevent knotting of the cable C from occurring. Referring to  FIG. 3F , the cable organizer apparatus  160  can comprise a holding chamber HC which can hold at least a portion of a cable C, therein for maintenance and storage. For example, portions of coils of the cable C to be maintained and stored are placed in the holding chamber HC. The cable organizer  160  can also comprise a first retaining assembly FRA 1  and a second retaining assembly FRA 2  for holding or retaining a first end E 1  and second end E 2  of a cable C being held by the cable organizer apparatus  160 . By holding the first and second ends E 1 , E 2  of the cable C, the first retaining assembly FRA 1  and a second retaining assembly FRA 2  can help to prevent the knotting and entangling of the cable C from occurring. To hold the ends, the first and second retaining assemblies FRA 1 , FRA 2  can comprise retainers that allow the first and second ends E 1 , E 2  of the cable C to be inserted and removed from the first and second retaining assemblies FRA 1 , FRA 2 . 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, the ends of the cable are “removably” held in retaining assemblies FRA 1  and FRA 2 , which means that the ends of the cable can be inserted and held in the retaining assemblies FRA 1  and FRA 2  until the user intentions removes the ends without damage to any portion of the retaining assemblies FRA 1  and FRA 2  or the cable as shown in the embodiment of the cable organizer apparatus  160 . However, in some embodiments, it may be preferable to make a semi-permanent attachment or a permanent attachment of an end of the cable to one of the retaining assemblies. For purposes of this disclosure, a permanent attachment, as defined above, is one in which the manufacturer has integrated the cable retaining assembly with the cable in such a way that the cable cannot be separated from the retaining assembly without damaging both the cable and the retaining assembly (for example, the retaining assembly is molded on to the cable to become an integral part of the cable). For purposes of this disclosure, a semi-permanent attachment, as defined above, is one in which the cable can be removed from the retaining assembly without damaging the cable, but such removal does cause damage to the retaining assembly which would require replacement parts or other repairs to restore the retaining assembly to its original state. The following discussion of  FIG. 4A  describes one embodiment of a “semi-permanent attachment of a retaining assembly to the cable. 
         [0044]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A , the cable organizer apparatus  220  can also comprise a holding chamber HC as well as a first retaining assembly FRA 1  and a second retaining assembly FRA 2  for holding or retaining a first end E 1  and second end E 2  of a cable C being held by the cable organizer apparatus  220 . The first retaining assembly FRA 1  can comprise retainers that allow the first end E 1  of the cable C that includes the female end to be inserted and removed from the first retaining assembly FRA 1 , while the second retaining assembly FRA 2  can comprise a detent in which the second end E 2  of the cable C that can include the male connection of the cable C can be securely attached by straps T, such as plastic ties, that hold the cable organizer apparatus  220  to the cable C. In this manner, the cable organizer apparatus  220  can remain with the cable C even when the cable C is unraveled from the holding chamber HC of the cable organizer apparatus  220 . The cable organizer apparatus  220  can thus be used to hold and maintain a cable, such as an extension cord, for storage and prevent knotting of the extension cord from occurring. The cable organizer apparatuses  160  and  220  as well as other embodiments of cable organizer apparatuses are described in more detail below. 
         [0045]    A similar embodiment of a cable organizer apparatus, generally designated  60 , is shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E . Cable organizer apparatus  60  can comprise a centrally located elongate body  62  that has a first end  64  and a second end  66 . The elongate body  62  can also comprise a receiving side  68 A that forms a base of a holding chamber HC for holding a portion of a cable therein and a back side  68 B. First and second holding walls  70 A,  70 B can extend upward from the respective first end  64  and second end  66  of the elongate body  62  to form the sides of the holding chamber HC. In particular, the first and second holding walls  70 A,  70 B can have an interior side  74 A,  74 B that forms the sides of the holding chamber HC. 
         [0046]    The cable organizer apparatus  60  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D  can comprise first and second retention assemblies FRA 1 , FRA 2 , which can comprise one or more upper retention members and one or more lower retention members. For example, upper retention members can comprise hooks  78 A and  78 B that extend outward from exterior sides  76 A and  76 B of the first and second holding walls  70 A and  70 B. The hooks  78 A and  78 B can face downward toward the one or more lower retention members. For example, hooks  78 A can be positioned proximal to and face downward toward a base extension  80 , while hooks  78 B can be positioned proximal to and extend downward toward a head extension  90 . Ends of a cable being maintained and stored on the cable organizer apparatus  60  can be placed between the respective hooks  78 A,  78 B and the respective base extension  80  and head extension  90  to hold the ends in the first and second retention assemblies FRA 1 , FRA 2 . Thus, an end of the cable, such an extension cord, can be placed under the hooks  78 A and overtop of a retention surface  82  of the base extension  80  so that the end extends through a path CE and the other end of the cable can be placed under the hooks  78 B and overtop of a retention surface  92  of the head extension  90  so that the end extends through a similar path CE as seen in  FIG. 1C . The first and second retention assemblies FRA 1 , FRA 2  can hold the ends of the cable until a user removes the ends from the first and second retention assemblies FRA 1 , FRA 2 . 
         [0047]    Each of the first and second holding walls  70 A and  70 B can have an interior side  74 A and  74 B, respectively. The first and second holding walls  70 A and  70 B along with the elongate body  62  can provide the base and sidewalls of the holding chamber HC. In particular, the receiving side  68 A of the elongate body  62  can form the base of the holding chamber HC and the interior sides  64 A and  64 B can form the sides of the holding chamber HC. In some embodiments, the first and second holding walls  70 A and  70 B can extend outward radially from the elongate body  62  to form extension arms  75 A and  75 B, respectively, on each side of the elongate body  62 . Thereby, the first and second holding walls  70 A and  70 B can form a semi-circular plate. 
         [0048]    The first retaining assembly FRA 1  can comprise a plurality of retention members that can be spaced apart from each other and positioned such that the cable to be stored can have an end placed between and then held by the retention members. Similarly, the second retaining assembly FRA 2  can comprise a plurality of retention members that can also be spaced apart from each other and positioned relative to each other such that an end of a cable to be stored can be placed between and held by those respective retention members. In the embodiment shown, two upper retention members can extend outward from an exterior side  76 A of the first holding wall  70 A. These upward retention members can be in the form of hooks  78 A. The retention members can also comprise a lower retention member in the form of the base extension  80  that can extend outward from the first end  64  of the body  62 . For example, in some embodiments, the base extension  80  can extend from the exterior side  76 A of the first holding wall  70 A. An end of a cable can be placed under the downward facing hooks  78 A and on top of a retaining surface  82  of the base extension  80  to hold the end of the cable in place while portions of coils of cable are placed within the holding chamber HC. 
         [0049]    Similarly, the plurality of second retention members can comprise upper retention members in the form of downward facing hooks  78 B that extend outward from an exterior side  76 B of the second holding wall  70 B. The plurality of retention members can also comprise a lower retention member in the form of a head extension  90  that can extend outward from the second end  66  of the body  62 . For example, in some embodiments, the head extension  90  can extend outward from the second holding wall  70 B below the hooks  78 B. A second end of the cable being stored can be placed under the hooks  78 B and on top of a retention surface  92  of the head extension  90  to retain the second end of the cable either before the portions of coils of the cable are placed within the holding chamber HC or after the portions of coil of the cable are placed within holding chamber HC. In this manner, by holding or retaining both ends of the cable, the cable is prevented from knotting after the coils are placed within the holding chamber HC. In particular, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the hooks  78 A and  78 B can extend outward from the extension arms  75 A and  75 B formed by the first and second holding walls  70 A and  70 B. While the hooks  78 A and  78 B can face downward toward the one or more lower retention members, these hooks  78 A and  78 B do not have to extend back underneath the upper portion of the respective hook  78 A,  78 B. 
         [0050]    In such embodiments as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the first and second holding walls  70 A and  70 B can extend outward radially from the elongate body  62  to form extension arms  75 A and  75 B, respectively, on each side of the elongate body  62 . Thereby, the first and second holding walls  70 A and  70 B can form a semi-circular fan-shaped plate. Due to the fan shape of the first and second holding walls  70 A,  70 B, support ribs  69  can extend from the receiving side  68 A of the elongate body  62  at the first and second ends  64 ,  66  and up the respective first and second holding walls  70 A,  70 B. For example, the support ribs  69  can extend up the interior sides  74 A,  74 B of the respective first and second holding walls  70 A,  70 B. The support ribs  69  can fan outward from the elongate body  62  upward toward the top surface or the outward edges of the respective first and second holding walls  70 A,  70 B on the extension arms  75 A,  75 B. In this manner, the first and second holding walls  70 A,  70 B can be supported and strengthened to allow them to hold the portions of the coiled cable and support the weight of the cable as needed within the holding chamber HC. 
         [0051]    To secure the portions of coils, such as loops, of the cable within the holding chamber HC, a securement strap  50  can be provided to secure the portions of coils of the cable within the holding chamber HC of the cable organizer apparatus  60  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . The securement strap  50  can be provided that wraps over a top portion of the first and second holding walls  70 A and  70 B as shown in  FIG. 1E . For example, the first and second holding walls  70 A and  70 B can define respective guide indentions, or guide wells,  72 A and  72 B (see  FIG. 1A ) that can receive portions of the securement strap  50  that can be wrapped over the top of the holding chamber HC to enclose the holding chamber HC after the portions of coils of the cable are placed therein. Thus, the securement strap  50  can extend around a portion of the cable organizing apparatus  60  to create a loop. In such embodiments, a strap aperture  84  can be formed in the base extension  80  and a strap aperture  94  can be formed in the head extension  90 . The securement strap  50  can have a first end that is inserted through the base strap aperture  84  and a second end that is inserted through the head strap aperture  94 . The first end of the strap  50  can then be brought up around the top portion of the first holding wall  70 A and placed within the guide well  72 A while the second end of the strap  50  can be inserted through the head strap aperture  94  and placed within the guide well  72 B of the second holding wall  70 B. The first and second ends of the strap  50  can then be secured together as shown in  FIG. 1E . In some embodiments, the securement strap  50  can comprise a hook and loop fastener at least on a portion of the strap, such as the first and second end, so that the first end and the second end fasten when pressed together. In such embodiments, a middle portion of the securement strap  50  can be secured to a bottom side of the elongate body  62  so as to prevent the strap  50  from being easily lost as a separate member from the rest of the cable organizer apparatus  60 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the head extension  90  can also comprise a hanger  96  that permits the cable organizer apparatus  60  to be hung on a hook or nail on a wall for storage. In the embodiment shown, the hanger  96  can be in the form of a loop that has an aperture  98  therethrough for receiving a hook or nail. In some embodiments, the hanger  96  can comprise some other construction, such as a hook. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 2A-2D  show another embodiment of a cable organizer apparatus, generally designated  110 . As with the previous embodiments, the cable organizer apparatus  110  can comprise an elongate body  112  having a first end  114  and a second end  116  as well as a receiving side  118 A. The cable organizer apparatus  110  can also comprise a slender wall structure  120 A that can extend upward from the first end  114  and a similar slender wall structure  120 B can extend upward from the second end  116  of the elongate body  112 . As above, interior sides  124 A and  124 B of the first and second holding walls  120 A and  120 B and the receiving side  118 A of the elongate body  112  can form the holding chamber HC for receiving the cable, such as an extension cord. The first holding wall  120 A can comprise an exterior side  126 A which has a pair of guide walls  127 A that extend about perpendicular to the exterior side  126 A and about parallel to each other. Similarly, the second holding wall  120 B can comprise an exterior side  126 B that has a pair of guide walls  127 B that extend outward from the exterior side  126 B of the second holding wall  120 B. The guide walls  127 B can also extend about perpendicular to the exterior side  126 B and about parallel to each other. In this manner, the first guide walls  127 A can form a first guide well  122 A and the second guide walls  127 B can form a second guide well  122 B. The guide well  122 A that are formed by the guide walls  127 A can extend down to an insertion aperture  134  that is formed by a base extension  130  as shown in  FIGS. 2B and 2D . Similarly, the guide well  122 B formed by the guide walls  127 B can extend downward to an insertion aperture  144  that is formed by a head extension  140  as shown in  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2D . 
         [0054]    The base extension  130 , for example, can extend outward from the first end  114  of the elongate body  112 . The base extension  130  along with hooks  128 A form a plurality of retention members that can hold an end of the cable to be maintained by the cable organizer apparatus  110 . For example, the base extension  130  can comprise a lower retention member and the downward facing hooks  128 A can form upward retention members. An end of the cable, such an extension cord, can be placed under the hooks  128 A and overtop of a retention surface  132  so that the end extends through a pathway CE as seen in  FIG. 2C . The hooks  128 A can be supported on either side of the base extension  130  by wing supports  125 A. Similarly, the head extension  140 , for example, can extend outward from the second end  116  of the elongate body  112 . The head extension  140  and hooks  128 B can form a second set of retention members for holding a second end of a cable, such as an extension cord therebetween. For example, the head extension  140  can form a lower retention member and the downward facing hooks  128 B can form upper retention members with a cable end fitting under the downward facing hooks  128 B and extending above a retention surface  142  of the head extension  140 . The hooks  128 B can be supported on either side of the head extension  140  by wing supports  125 B. The shape of the bracing hooks  128 B and the position of the retention surface  132  of the head extension  140  can form a pathway CE through which the end of a cable can extend and be held therein. The clearance and size of the pathways CE can be such that an end of the cable place therein will be held by the respective retention members through a frictional engagement. 
         [0055]    Once coiled portions of the cable are place within the holding chamber HC formed by the receiving side  118 A of the elongate body  112  and the interior sides  124 A and  124 B of the first and second holding walls  120 A and  120 B, a securement strap  150  can be place around the holding chamber HC to enclose the holding chamber HC and hold the portions of the coiled cable therein. The securement strap  150  similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1E  can be placed such that a first end can be inserted through the insertion aperture  134  and up through the guide well  122 A and a second end can be inserted through the insertion aperture  144  and within guide well  122 B such that the securement strap  150  can be held securely by the cable organizer apparatus  110 . The securement strap  150  can be secured together (as shown in  FIG. 1E ) over the opening of the holding chamber HC. By having the guide wells  122 A and  122 B aligned and feeding into the respective insertion apertures  134 ,  144 , the strap  150  can be placed completely around the exterior of the portion of the cable organizer apparatus  110  that forms the holding chamber HC. In such an embodiment, the strap  150  does not extend around the ends of the cable that are held within the retention members at either end of the cable organizer apparatus  110 . In such an embodiment, the guide wells  122 A,  122 B and the elongate body  112  form a securement strap chamber within which the securement strap  150  can extend. As with the previous embodiments, the securement strap  150  can be secured to the elongate body  112  so that the securement strap  150  is not a separate piece of the apparatus  110  and therefore is less likely to be lost. 
         [0056]    Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the head extension  140  as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D  can also comprise a hanger  146  that permits the cable organizer apparatus  110  to be hung on a hook or nail on a wall for storage. In the embodiment shown, the hanger  146  can be in the form of a loop that has an aperture  148  therethrough for receiving a hook or nail. In some embodiments, the hanger  146  can comprise some other construction, such as a hook. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3F , another embodiment of a cable organizer apparatus generally designated  160  is provided. The cable organizer can comprise a base  160 A (shown separately in  FIG. 3D ) and an arm  160 B (shown separately in  FIG. 3E ). The cable organizer apparatus  160  is different from the previous cable organizer apparatuses presented in that arm  160 B, which in the embodiment shown comprises an enclosure arm  200 , is provided that can enclose a holding chamber HC. The base  160 A of the cable organizer  160  can comprise elongate body  162  having a first end  164  and the second end  166  as well as a receiving side  168 A. The base  160 A of the cable organizer  160  can also comprise a first holding wall  170 A can curve upwards from the elongate body  162  at the first end  164  of the elongate body  162 . The first holding wall  170 A can form an interior side  174 A that forms one side of the holding chamber HC. Further, the first holding wall  170 A can have receiving walls  177 A that form a knuckle for receiving a hinge end  202  of the enclosure arm  200 . The hinge end  202  can engage the knuckle formed by receiving walls  177 A of the first holding wall  170 A such that the hinge end  202  of the enclosure arm  200  can pivot within the knuckle. The enclosure arm  200  can have an L-shape that can comprise an enclosure arm top wall  218  with the hinge end  202  being pivotally secured to the knuckle of the receiving walls  177 A for movement of the enclosure arm  200  from an open position to a closed position as shown in  FIG. 3C  and an enclosure arm sidewall  214  that extends at an angle from the enclosure arm top wall  218  having a latch end  204  of the enclosure arm  200 . When in a closed position, the enclosure arm top wall  218  and the enclosure arm sidewall  214  along with the interior side  174 A of the first holding wall  170 A and the receiving side  168 A form the holding chamber HC. Between the enclosure arm top wall  218  and the arm enclosure sidewall  214 , the enclosure arm  200  can comprise a flexing portion  210  that allows the enclosure arm sidewall  214  to flex inward when the latch end  204  is inserted and removed from a latch receiver of the cable organizer  160  shown in a partial cross-sectioned view SV in  FIG. 3B  and as explained further below. 
         [0058]    A plurality of retention members can be provided at either end of the cable organizer apparatus  160  to securely hold the ends of the cable that is to be held and maintained by the cable organizer apparatus  160 . For example, the plurality of retention members can include a lower retention member in the form of a base extension  180  that extends outward from the first end  164  of the body  162 . For example, in some embodiments, the base extension  180  can extend outward on the exterior end of the first end  164  of the body  162 . Arms  175 A can extend outward from a side of the first holding wall  170 A. A plurality of upward retention members in the form of downward facing hooks  178 A can extend outward from the arms  175 A on either side of the base extension  180 . Similarly, a lower retention member in the form of a head extension  190  can extend from the second end  166  of the body  162  on the other side of the receiver shown in the partial cross-sectioned view SV in  FIG. 3B . Arms  175 B can extend from the side of the second end  166  of the body  162  as seen in  FIG. 3D . 
         [0059]    The plurality of upward retention members can extend outward from the side arms  175 A,  175 B. These upward retention members can comprise hooks  178 B which extend outward from the arms  175 B and point downward on either side of the head extension  190 . As with the embodiments described above, the hooks  178 A,  178 B can be positioned and spaced apart relative to the respective base extension  180 , and head extension  190  to create a frictional engagement once an end of a cable is placed under the respective hooks  178 A,  178 B and on top of a retention surface  182  or  192  of the respective base extension  180  or head extension  190 . For example, to help hold ends of a cable by the retention members, retention ridge  184  can reside on the base extension  180  in front of the retention surface  182 , while retention ridge  194  can reside on the base extension  190  in front of the retention surface  192 . 
         [0060]    Thus, as shown in  FIG. 3F , an end E 2  of the cable C, such an extension cord, can be placed under the hooks  178 A and overtop of the retention surface  182  of the base extension  180  so that the end E 2  extends through a path CE. Similarly, an end E 1  of the cable C can be placed under the hooks  178 B and overtop of the retention surface  192  of the head extension  190  so that the end E 1  extends through a similar path CE as seen in  FIG. 4C . In particular, the clearance and size of the pathways CE can be such that an end of the cable place therein will be held by the respective retention members through the frictional engagement mentioned above. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3D , the head extension  190  can form a hanger portion  196  that can form an opening that allows the cable organizer apparatus  160  to be hung from a wall. The hanger portion  196  can form an enclosure loop that forms an aperture  198  that allows the cable organizer apparatus  160  to be placed on a hook or nail within a wall of a garage or the like. Alternatively, the hanger portion  196  can be in the form of a hook that allows for the same purpose. 
         [0062]    To allow for retention and placement of the cable within the holding chamber HC, the enclosure arm  200  can be pivoted from an open position to a closed position as shown in  FIG. 3C . To create the hinge at the hinge end  202  of the arm  200 , the hinge end  202 , as mentioned above, which can fit within the receiving walls  177 A of the first holding wall  170 A. The hinge end  202  of the enclosure arm  200  can have a pivot aperture  205 . The receiving walls  177 A can form a knuckle into which the hinged end  202  can fit. The receiving walls  177 A can have hinge apertures  173  that extend therethrough and that are aligned with each other. When the hinge end  202  of the enclosure arm  200  is inserted within the knuckle formed by the receiving walls  177 A, the pivot aperture  205  aligns with the hinge apertures  173  of the receiving walls  177 A so that a pivot pin  207  (see  FIGS. 3B and 3C ) or some other mechanism can be inserted through the pivot aperture  205  and the hinge apertures  173  to hold the hinge end  202  of the enclosure arm  200  in place and allow the enclosure arm  200  to pivotably move between an open position and a closed position. 
         [0063]    To secure the enclosure arm  200  in a closed position to form the holding chamber HC, the latch end  204  of the enclosure arm  200  that is at the end of the enclosure arm wall  214  can engage a portion of body  162  at the end  166 . For example, the end  166  of the body  162  can comprise a latch receiver having a receiver aperture  172  therein. The receiver can also comprise an engagement ridge  203  for engaging the latch end  204  in the receiver aperture  172  upon the latch end  204  on the enclosure arm  200  being inserted into the receiver aperture′ 172  (see  FIG. 3B ). The enclosure arm wall  214  of the enclosure arm  200  can have a release  206  thereon that allows the latch end  204  to be released from the latch receiver in the body  162 . The latch end  204  can have a latch engagement lip  208  (see  FIGS. 3B and 3E ) that extends and points outward from the latch end  204  away from the holding chamber HC. The latch engagement lip  208  can lock the arm  200  in place when the enclosure arm  200  is rotated and pushed to a closed position by engaging an engagement ridge  203  (see  FIG. 3B ) of the latch receiver that extends into and forms a portion of the perimeter of the latch receiver aperture  172 . 
         [0064]    When rotating the enclosure arm  200  into the closed position, the latch end  204  is inserted into the receiver aperture  172 , the slanted bottom portion of the latch end  204  can contact the slanted top portion of the engagement ridge  203  so that the flex portion  210  allows the enclosure arm sidewall  214  and the latch end  204  to flex inward so that latch end  204  moves into the receiver aperture  172 . The latch end  204 , including the latch engagement lip  208 , can have a width WL. The aperture  172  can have an outer width WLR that is wider than the width WL, such that the width WLR is wide enough to receive the latch end  204  including the engagement lip  208 . An inner width of the aperture  172  below the engagement ridge  203  can be wider than the outer width WL, so that, once the latch engagement lip  208  clears the end of the engagement ridge  203 , The flexing portion  210  of the enclosure arm  200  moves forward so that the engagement lip  208  securely engages the engagement ridge  203 . The latch end  204  can comprise tapered sides  216  as shown in  FIG. 3E  that narrows the tip of the latch end  204  to provide easier insertion of the latch end into the latch receiver aperture  172 . 
         [0065]    When rotating the enclosure arm  200  from the closed position to an open position, a user can press the release  206  inward toward the first holding wall  170 A. The width WLR of the receiver aperture  172  is wide enough to allow the engagement lip  208  to clear the engagement ridge  203  and allow the latch end  204  to be pulled outward from the receiver aperture  172 . 
         [0066]    In some embodiments as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C and 3F , the enclosure arm  200  can also operate as a carrying handle. For example, the enclosure arm  200  can include a contoured grip  212  on the underside of the enclosure arm top wall  218 . The contoured grip  212  can be on the top side of the holding chamber HC with extra space between the area in the holding chamber HC where the cable is held and the contoured grip  212  of the enclosure arm  200  so that a user can comfortably place his hand between the portions of cable within the holding chamber HC and the enclosure arm  204 . 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4E , another embodiment of a cable organizer apparatus generally designated  220  is provided. The cable organizer apparatus  220  is similar to the previous cable organizer apparatus  160  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-3F ) and thus the references numerals are the same for many of the same features and will not be described in detail again. The cable organizer apparatus  220  provides an enclosure arm  200  that forms and encloses a holding chamber HC. The cable organizer  220  can comprise elongate body  162  having a first end  164  and the second end  166  as well as a receiving side  168 A. A first holding wall  170 A can curve upwards from the elongate body  162  at the first end  164  of the elongate body  162 . The first holding wall  170 A can form an interior side  174 A that forms a sides of the holding chamber HC. Further, the first holding wall  170 A can have receiving walls  177 A that form a knuckle for receiving a hinge end  202  of the enclosure arm  200 . The enclosure arm  200  can have an L-shape that can comprise an enclosure arm top wall  218  with the hinge end  202  being pivotally secured to the knuckle of the receiving walls  177 A for movement of the enclosure arm  200  between an open position and a closed position as shown in  FIG. 3C  and an enclosure arm sidewall  214  that extends at an angle from the enclosure arm top wall  218  having a latch end  204  of the enclosure arm  200 . When in a closed position, the enclosure arm top wall  218  and the enclosure arm sidewall  214  along with the interior side  174 A of the first holding wall  170 A and the receiving side  168 A form the holding chamber HC. Between the enclosure arm top wall  218  and the arm enclosure sidewall  214 , the enclosure arm  200  can comprise a flexing portion  210  that allows the enclosure arm sidewall  214  to flex inward when the latch end  204  (as seen in  FIG. 3B ) is inserted and removed from a latch receiver of the cable organizer  220 . For example, as with the embodiment described above, the latch end  204  of the enclosure arm  200  that is at the end of the enclosure arm wall  214  can engage a latch receiver at the end  166  of the body  162  to secure the enclosure arm  200  in a closed position to form the holding chamber HC. A release  206  can be provided on the enclosure arm sidewall  214  that allows the latch end  204  to be released from the latch receiver in the body  162 . 
         [0068]    The cable organizer apparatus  220  can comprise different types of retaining assemblies provided on the ends of the cable organizer apparatus  220  to securely hold the ends of the cable that is to be held and maintained by the cable organizer apparatus  220  as mentioned above with the first retaining assembly FRA 1  and the second retaining assembly FRA 2 . For example, the attachment of an end of the cable to the second retaining assembly FRA 2  can be a semi-permanent attachment as shown in  FIG. 4E  and, in some embodiments, the attachment of an end of the cable to the second retaining assembly FRA 2  can be a permanent attachment. As shown in  FIG. 4E , the second retaining assembly FRA 2  can comprise a base extension  222  that extends outward from the first end  164  of the elongate body  162 , for example, on the exterior side of the first holding wall  170 A. The base extension  222  can comprise a recess  226  in which the second end E 2  of the cable C (see  FIG. 4E ) that can include the male connection of the cable C can be securely attached by straps T, such as plastic ties, that hold the cable organizer apparatus  220  to the cable C. In particular, grooves  224  can be provided on the base extension  222  in which the ties T can be securely placed to prevent the ties T from being pulled or slipped off the base extension  222 . The grooves  224  can extend in the base extension  222  transverse to the recess  226 . In some embodiments, the grooves  224  can extend in the base extension  222  about perpendicular to the recess  226 . In this manner, the cable organizer apparatus  220  can remain with the cable C even when the cable C is unraveled from the holding chamber HC of the cable organizer apparatus  220 . 
         [0069]    At the other end  166  of the body  162 , the first retaining assembly FRA 1  can comprise retention members similar to those described above can be provided. For example, a lower retention member in the form of a head extension  190  can extend from the end  166  of the body  162 . Arms  230  can extend from the side of the end  166  of the body  162 . A plurality upward retention members can comprise hooks  228  which extend outward from the arms  230  and point downward on either side of the head extension  190 . As with the embodiments described above, the hooks  228  can be positioned and spaced apart relative to the head extension  190  to create a frictional engagement once a female end E 1  of the cable C is placed under the hooks  228  and on top of a retention surface  192  of the head extension  190 . To help hold ends of a cable by the retention members, a retention ridge  194  can reside on the base extension  190  in front of the retention surface  192 . 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D , the head extension  190  can form a hanger portion  196  that can form an opening that allows the cable organizer apparatus  220  to be hung from a wall. The hanger portion  196  can form an enclosure loop that forms an aperture  198  that allows the cable organizer apparatus  220  to be placed on a hook or nail within a wall of a garage or the like. Alternatively, the hanger portion  196  can be in the form of a hook that allows for the same purpose. 
         [0071]    The size shape and topography of the elongate body can change depending on a number of factors. These factors can include the type of material used to form the elongate body and cable organizer apparatus, the strength of the material used, the flexibility of the material used, and the cost of the material used as well as the weight of the material used. 
         [0072]    These and other modifications and variations to the present subject matter may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, which is more particularly set forth herein above. In addition, it should be understood the aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the present subject matter.