Abstract:
A cord and/or cable structure for electrical cords, extension cords, communication cables or other cords and cables in which an outer insulating sheath is formed with multiple integral anchoring fixtures for affixing decorative elements, such as artificial leaves, to give a pleasing natural vine aesthetic to the cord and/or cable. The anchoring fixtures allow removal and attachment of other decorative elements so that the vine-look can be easily modified to suit a wide variety of tastes.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application derives priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/125,492 filed 25 Apr. 2008. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to electrical cords and cables configured to provide a decorative aesthetic and, more particularly, to a cord and/or cable structure by which decorative elements such as leaves may be secured to convey a decorative aesthetic such as the appearance of vines. 
     2. Description of the Background 
     Electrical cords and cables are well-known commodities and their construction is governed by various organizational standards, depending on their intended applications. For example, extension cords are widely held to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. standards. The UL is an independent product safety certification organization that has been testing products and writing standards for more than 100 years (see UL 817). In addition, the Uniform Fire Code (UFC) implements relevant standards (UFC: Article 85) as does the Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA). 
     Since cables and cords (including extension cords) must typically extend from device to outlet (or device to device), aesthetics can be a significant issue for many consumers. Conventional cords can be fairly unsightly, and there have been many efforts to make cords more aesthetically pleasing. However, any departure from familiar structural configurations may jeopardize compliance with the appropriate regulatory standards as identified above. Consequently, most commercially viable efforts have focused on cord covers that preserve the integrity of the cord. For example, known prior art aesthetic electrical cord covers include U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,496; U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,243; U.S. Pat. Des. 296,332; U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,374; U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,112 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,129. 
     One example of a more aesthetically pleasing configuration is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,288 to Nelson issued Apr. 20, 1999, which discloses a simulated plant power line for making cords of all types appear as a growing plant. The cord itself may have a plurality of simulated leaves extending outwardly from the body, or may be a removable cover with leaves that serves as a sheath for an existing electric cord. With either option, the simulated leaves are integrally formed to the cord insulation or sheath. While these devices may fulfill their aesthetic objectives, it is practically difficult to manufacture. Protruding leaves cannot be economically molded to an elongate cord, or adhered. 
     Thus it would be greatly advantageous to provide a decorative cord including an insulating jacket with multiple anchoring fixtures that provide a point of connection between the cord or cable and the multiple decorative elements that will adorn it. This will allow separate manufacture of the cord pursuant to all applicable standards, and manufacture of the decorative elements which can then be securely attached to the cord insulation or sheath to enhance the aesthetics of the finished product. Examples of decorative elements include, but are not limited to, artificial leaves, artificial flowers, balloons, bulbs, artificial fruit, artificial vegetables, figures, etc. These decorative elements may be permanent, semi-permanent, or detachable/re-attachable decorations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a more aesthetically pleasing cord or cable in a commercially viable configuration. 
     It is another object to provide a decorative cord including an insulating sheath formed with multiple integral anchoring fixtures that provide a point of connection between the cord or cable and the multiple decorative elements that adorn it. 
     It is still another object to provide a decorative cord that achieves an aesthetic as above and yet preserves the integrity and functional structure of the cord so as not to depart from established regulatory standards. 
     It is still another object to provide a decorative cord as above that allows separate manufacture of the cord versus the decorative elements that can then be securely attached to it to enhance the aesthetics of the finished product. 
     In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention is a cord and/or cable structure for electrical cords, extension cords, communication cables and other electrical power and/or signal carrying cords and cables. The cord structure comprises one or more central electrical conductors surrounded by one or more insulating sheaths, including an outmost sheath formed with multiple integral anchoring fixtures that provide a point of connection between the cord or cable and the multiple decorative elements that will adorn it. Examples of adorning elements are also disclosed and include, but are not limited to, artificial leaves, artificial flowers, balloons, bulbs, artificial fruit, artificial vegetables, figures, etc. These decorative elements may be permanent, semi-permanent, or detachable/re-attachable decorations. 
     In these respects, the decorative cord according to the present invention substantially departs from the limited concepts and designs of the prior art by providing new cords and cables that can be easily modified through the addition of decorative elements to make the end product aesthetically appealing to an extremely wide variety of audiences. Further, by providing a means to attach differing decorative elements, the present invention provides an economic advantage over the prior art, which is focused on providing a single type of decorative element. A consumer can use the present invention for multiple purposes or decorative variations instead of purchasing multiple decorative cords or cables as he would have to with the prior art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a side elevation view of a decorative cord according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional view along the line I-II of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a side elevation view of a decorative cord according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view along the line I-II of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  shows an enlarged view of a protrusion attachment  120  as used in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is a cord and/or cable structure for electrical cords, extension cords, communication cables and other electrical power and/or signal carrying cords and cables (collectively “cords”) that includes one or more central electrical conductors surrounded by one or more insulating sheaths, including an outmost sheath formed with multiple integral anchoring fixtures that provide a point of connection between the cord or cable and the multiple decorative elements that will adorn it. Examples of adorning elements are also disclosed and include, but are not limited to, artificial leaves, artificial flowers, balloons, bulbs, artificial fruit, artificial vegetables, figures, etc. These decorative elements may be permanent, semi-permanent, or detachable/re-attachable decorations. 
       FIG. 1  shows a decorative cord  10  with multiple decorative artificial leaves  40  attached to and adorning it. Cord  10  generally comprises an elongated body formed with one or more internal conductors  1  (here obscured) covered by one or more individual insulating sheaths, and all covered by an outermost insulating sheath  11 . Opposing plugs and/or receptacles such as plug  13  are provided, although male plug  13  is merely exemplary. Alternatives to plug  13  may include, but are not limited to, specific connectors associated with electric cables, audio cables, video cables, USB cables, data cables, coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, telecommunication cables, extension cords, electrical power cords, cords fitted with power strips, etc. 
     The outermost insulating sheath  11  is formed with a plurality of integral protrusions  20  extending at any angle outwardly there from. Protrusions  20  are preferably integrally molded exteriorly to the outermost insulating sheath  11  so as not to affect the internal integrity of the sheath or cord  10 . However, the protrusions  20  may alternatively be separate parts that are permanently bonded to the exterior sheath  11  by means of adhesives, epoxy, hot glue, etc., or semi-permanently attached by means of clamps, ties, crimps, pinching, barbs, screw threads, etc. The protrusions may also be thermally bonded to or welded onto the exterior sheath  11 . 
     The protrusions  20  serve as anchoring fixtures that provide a point of connection between the sheath  11  and the multiple decorative components  30  with associated decorative elements such as leaves  40  or other replica botanical appendages that adorn it. The use of anchoring fixtures such as protrusions  20  allows for separate manufacture of the cord pursuant to all applicable regulatory standards, versus manufacture of the decorative components  30  with associated decorative elements  40  which can be separately molded and then securely attached to the sheath  11 . Moreover, this provides for unlimited customer-defined variation in the decorative elements  40  that are attached, as well as interchangeability to suit one&#39;s taste. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , an exemplary cross-section of a protrusion  20  is shown along with the conforming structure of a decorative component  30 . Here each protrusion  20  comprises a hollow cylindrical ferrule, open outward, and leading inward along a smooth interior surface to a step  27  of slightly increased diameter occurring along its length. The connected decorative components  30  including the decorative elements  40  (here artificial leaves) are formed with a short stem  32  leading to a flared conical head  34  defining a rearwardly-facing flange. The stem  32  of each decorative component  30  is inserted into the hollow of a protrusion  20  and is press-fit therein until the conical head  34  submerges beneath the increased diameter step of the protrusion  20 . The rearward flange of head  34  becomes trapped against the step to lock the decorative component  30  in place, effectively anchoring it to the outer sheath  11 . One skilled in the art will readily understand that the cooperating protrusions  20  and stems  32  of each decorative component  30  may be formed in alternate configurations without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, each protrusion  20  may comprise a flared conical head and each stem  32  of the connected decorative components  30  may comprise the hollow cylindrical ferrule. Alternately, the conical head  34  may not be necessary and a simple press-fit configuration may be better-suited to easier removal and interchangeability of the decorative components  30 . Moreover, the stems  32  may be separate components that connect between the decorative components  30  and the protrusions  20 . Virtually any configuration of interlocking connection will suffice. 
     Here the decorative leaves  40  are merely exemplary of the types of ornamentation that may be incorporated into the overall design of the finished cord  10  that will enhance the aesthetics of the finished product. Other examples of decorative elements  40  include, but are not limited to, artificial leaves, artificial flowers, balloons, bulbs, artificial fruit, artificial vegetables, figures, etc. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the incorporated outermost insulating sheath  11  is preferably made of any strong durable and resilient material such as, for example, rubber or any type of suitable plastic. The sheath  11  color and/or texture may be modified as desired to properly accentuate the connected components  30  and decorative elements  40  that are attached to the protrusions  20 . The plug(s)  13  at the ends of the cord  10  may also be color and/or texture-modified to properly accentuate the connected components  30  and decorative elements  40  that are attached to the protrusions  20 . If desired, the sheath  11  may be sectioned lengthwise for retrofit use as a cover to an existing cord. 
       FIG. 3  shows a side elevation view of a decorative cord  100  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, again with multiple decorative ornaments such as artificial leaves  140  attached to and adorning it.  FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view along the line I-II of  FIG. 3 . As before, cord  100  generally comprises an elongated body formed with one or more internal conductors  1  (here obscured) covered by one or more individual insulating sheaths, and all covered by an outermost insulating sheath  111 . Opposing plugs  13 B and/or receptacles  13 A are provided. Alternatives to plug  13 B and receptacle  13 A may include, but are not limited to, specific connectors associated with electric cables, audio cables, video cables, USB cables, data cables, coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, telecommunication cables, extension cords, electrical power cords, cords fitted with power strips, etc. 
       FIG. 5  shows an enlarged view of a protrusion attachment  120  as used in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-4 . 
     A plurality of integral protrusions  120  are adhered to the outermost insulating sheath  111 . Each protrusion including a flexible base  122  for conforming to the tubular insulating sheath  111 , and attached thereto by adhesive bonding or rubber welding (by epoxy, hot glue, thermal bonding or welding onto the exterior sheath  111 ). A stem  124  extends perpendicularly from the base  122 . The integral protrusions  120  are preferably attached at uniform lengthwise increments along the sheath  111 , but are angularly offset such that stems  124  extend at irregular angles outwardly there from. The protrusions  120  serve as anchoring fixtures that provide a point of connection between the sheath  111  and the multiple decorative components  130  with associated decorative elements such as leaves  140  or other replica botanical appendages that adorn it. The use of attached anchoring fixtures such as protrusions  120  allows for separate extrusion molding of the cord and sheath  111 . Other examples of decorative elements  40  include, but are not limited to, artificial flowers, balloons, bulbs, artificial fruit, artificial vegetables, figures, etc., preferably made of flame retardant material. 
     As seen in  FIG. 5 , an exemplary protrusion  120  comprises the base  122  (preferably flat and round), and a cylindrical stem  124  leading outward to a bulbous, preferably frusto-conical head  126 , all of which may be integrally molded. The presently preferred dimensions for each protrusion  120  are 2.22 mm stem  124  outer diameter, 4.75 mm stem  124  height (to head  126 ), 2.4 mm head  126  height, and a 2.5 mm head  126  outer diameter tapering to a tip, yielding a 7.15 mm total height. Referring back to  FIG. 3 , each stem  124  and head  126  anchors a corresponding decorative component  130 , each decorative component including a receptacle  123  similar to that used on the protrusions  20  of  FIGS. 1-2 , e.g., a ferrule, open outward, and leading inward along a smooth interior surface to a step  127  of slightly increased diameter occurring along its length. The connected decorative components  130  including the decorative elements  140  (here artificial leaves) are connected to the stem  124  of protrusion  120  and are removably anchored in place by the flared conical head  126  abutting the step  127 , effectively anchoring the decorative component  130  to the outer sheath  111 . One skilled in the art will readily understand that the cooperating protrusions  120  and stems  124  as well as the receptacle of the decorative components  130  may be formed in alternate configurations without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Virtually any configuration of interlocking connection will suffice. It is also possible to form the decorative element  130  with a base  122  and eliminate the stem  124  and interlocking connection, thereby allowing direct adhesion of the decorative elements  130  to the sheath  111 . 
     With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. In all such cases the result is a more aesthetically pleasing cord or cable in a commercially manufacturable configuration that structures the aesthetics while preserving the integrity and functional structure of the cord so as not to depart from established regulatory standards. 
     Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications thereto may obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with the underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.