Patent Publication Number: US-9890012-B1

Title: Cord storage and deployment apparatus

Description:
PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C SECTION 119(E) &amp; 37 C.F.R. SECTION 1.78 
     This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior United States Provisional Patent Application entitled: Cord Storage and Deployment Apparatus, Application No. 62/119,739 filed Feb. 23, 2015, in the name of Michael K. Polen, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to organizational devices, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a cord winding apparatus that is operable to receive, store and dispense cord-like objects such as but not limited to electrical cords, rope, window treatment pulls and other similar objects. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Cord management has been an issue for many years. There are many types of cords and examples include but are not limited to: electrical cords, computer cables, ropes and strings. Depending upon the application, the management of these objects can prove to be challenging. Many individuals struggle with maintaining ropes and electrical cords tangle free and when needed often struggle to deploy these items in an efficient manner. Storage devices are available for these types of objects to assist in the proper storage thereof so as to maintain in an orderly manner but many of these devices do not provide rapid and efficient loading, unloading, winding, and unwinding capability nor the ability to securely stack, lock, or freely rotate when desired. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a cord storage and deployment device that is operable to receive, store and deploy cords, ropes and other similar objects wherein the cord storage and deployment device includes such improved cord management and storage features. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus that is operable to facilitate the improved storage and deployment of cords and similar objects wherein the cord storage and deployment apparatus includes a first embodiment and a second embodiment. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus operable to improve the storage and deployment of cords and similar objects wherein the said first embodiment and second embodiment includes a lower portion and an upper portion that are rotatably secured and form an interior volume therebetween. 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus that is operable to receive, store and deploy cords and similar objects wherein included in the first embodiment and second embodiment thereof the lower portion further comprises a channel that extends across the bottom surface of the lower portion that functions to provide a means to load a cord into the cord storage and deployment apparatus. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a first embodiment and a second embodiment of a cord storage and deployment wherein said channel further includes aligned openings extending up the sides of the lower portion. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus having a first and second embodiment wherein each is operable to receive, store and deploy cords wherein the lower portion includes a centrally positioned aperture and wherein the aperture of the lower portion is coupled with the channel. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus having a first embodiment that is operable to receive, store and deploy cords and similar objects wherein the lower portion includes an upper edge having an outer ridge configured to engage channels formed within the sidewall of the upper portion so as to control the vertical position therebetween. 
     An alternative object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus having a first embodiment that further includes a shaft operable to receive a cord therearound having a first end and a second end with the second end of the shaft being rotatably secured with said centrally positioned aperture of the lower portion. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus having a first embodiment operable to receive, store and deploy cords wherein the first end of the shaft is operably coupled to a centrally positioned aperture of a plate wherein said plate has a circumferential groove. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus wherein the upper edge of the lower portion of the first embodiment further includes an inner portion operable to engage the circumferential groove of the plate. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus having a first embodiment wherein the inner portion of the upper edge of the lower portion further includes at least one notch operable to mateably connect with a protrusion on the plate so as to maintain the plate in a fixed position. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus wherein the shaft of the first embodiment includes a slot centrally located operable to receive a portion of a cord therethrough and the slot is formed so as to direct opposing sides of the cord engaged therewith in opposing directions so as to improve the retention and deployment of the cord. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus having a first embodiment wherein it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the shaft thereof includes contoured protrusions secured to opposing sides of the shaft so as to reduce crimping of electrical cords wherein loaded, stored and deployed in the cord storage and deployment apparatus. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus operable to receive, store and deploy cords and the like wherein the first end of the shaft of the first embodiment is operably coupled with a coupling of the upper portion so as to facilitate the rotating of the shaft as the upper portion is rotated and to enable the upper portion to be vertically movable relative to the lower portion. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus operable to receive, store and deploy cords wherein it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the coupling of the upper portion of the first embodiment that is operable to engage the shaft further includes a keeper member that is operable to assist in the vertical positioning of the lower portion and upper portion with respect to each other. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus wherein the plate of the first embodiment has a plurality of depressions formed in the upper surface in an organized pattern wherein the depressions are operable to engage with protrusions extending downward from the lower surface of the upper portion so as to control the rotation intermediate the upper portion and lower portion dependent upon the level of engagement of the depressions and protrusions. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus operable to receive, store and deploy cords and the like having a second embodiment wherein the second embodiment includes a shaft operable to receive a cord therearound having a first end and a second end with the first end being secured to the lower surface of the upper portion and the second end being rotatable within the centrally positioned aperture of the lower portion. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus having a second embodiment wherein the upper edge of the lower portion includes a plurality of protrusions operable to engage a plurality of depressions located on the lower surface of the upper portion so as to control the rotation resistance between the lower portion and upper portion. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus having a second embodiment operable to store, receive and deploy cords and the like wherein the upper portion includes a ridge configured to engage a groove of the lower portion so as to rotatably secure the lower portion with the upper portion. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus operable to receive, store and deploy cords and the like wherein it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the shaft of the second embodiment includes contoured protrusions secured to opposing sides of the shaft so as to reduce crimping of electrical cords wherein loaded, stored and deployed in the cord storage and deployment apparatus. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus wherein the shaft of the second embodiment includes a slot centrally located operable to receive a portion of a cord therethrough and the slot is formed so as to direct opposing sides of the cord engaged therewith in opposing directions so as to improve the retention and deployment of the cord. 
     An alternative object of the present invention is to provide a cord storage and deployment apparatus having a first and second embodiment wherein the second end of the shaft that is operably coupled with the centrally positioned aperture of the lower portion is configured to engage with a locking member on the upper surface of the upper portion so as to facilitate the coupling of an additional cord storage and deployment apparatus. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side external view of an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom external view of an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is side exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     Referring in particular to  FIGS. 1 and 2  herein the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  includes body  5  having an upper portion  10  and a lower portion  15  that are rotatably coupled. The body  5  is annular in shape and is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The upper portion  10  includes sidewall  11  and top  12  being integrally formed. Top  12  includes an upper surface  3  and a lower surface  1 . Sidewall  11  includes an interior surface  140  and an exterior surface  145 . Integrally formed with top  12  and being generally located in the center thereof is locking member  20 . Locking member  20  is perpendicular with top  12  and extends upwards therefrom. Locking member  20  includes lower portion  21  and upper portion  22  wherein the upper portion  22  of locking member  20  is greater in diameter than the lower portion  21  of locking member  20 . The upper portion  22  of locking member  20  has an outer surface  23  having a radius, which facilitates the releasable securing into entry portion  51  of recessed portion  119  of shaft  50 . The locking member  20  functions to provide a technique allowing a user of the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  to releasably secure multiple cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  in a vertical stack orientation. While a specific locking member  20  has been illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that multiple cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  could be secured in a vertical stack orientation utilizing various types of fasteners and receivers in order to achieve the desired functionality as described herein. 
     The lower portion  15  includes sidewall  16  and bottom  17  being integrally formed to create interior volume  18  wherein interior volume  18  is of suitable size to accommodate a cord or similar objected in a rolled configuration. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  could be manufactured in various different sizes so as to accommodate different applications. More specifically but not by way of limitation, the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  could be sized to accommodate an electrical extension cord or a window blind cord. While an upper portion  10  and lower portion  15  are discussed herein, it should be noted that the terms upper and lower do not reflect any specified orientation and as such the terms upper and lower could be replaced with first and second. The lower portion  15  includes channel  30  formed in the bottom  17  wherein the channel  30  extends across the diameter of the lower portion  15  and includes opening  39  providing access to the interior volume  18 . Integrally formed into the sidewall  16  are a first opening  25  and a second opening  35 . First opening  25  and second opening  35  are formed in sidewall  16  at opposing ends  31  of the channel  30  wherein channel  30  includes a first end  32  and a second end  33 . First opening  25  is defined by opposing lateral perimeter edges  26 , 27  and is rectangular in shape. Second opening  35  is similarly shaped as first opening  25  and includes opposing lateral perimeter edges  36 , 37 . The channel  30  and its opening  39  are operable to receive a portion of a cord or similar object therein wherein the portion of a cord placed therein is an intermediate portion thereof and not an end portion of a cord. The cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  is operable to retrieve and deploy a cord or similar object wherein the ends of the cord or similar object are either operably coupled to an item or need to remain outside of the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  in order to facilitate the operable coupling to an item. By way of example but not limitation, a user utilizing the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  to store a window blind cord would place the body  5  at an approximate midpoint of the exposed window blind cord and insert the window blind cord into the opening  39  of the channel  30  and subsequently rotate the upper portion  10  relative to lower portion  15  as will be further discussed herein. While one channel  30  is discussed and illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the lower portion  15  could have more than one channel  30 . More specifically but not by way of limitation, the lower portion  15  could have a second channel formed perpendicular to the channel  30  and include all of the components thereof. 
     The sidewall  16  of lower portion  15  includes an exterior surface  84 , an interior surface  85  and an upper edge  80 . The lower portion  15  includes indentation  2  proximate upper edge  80 . Indentation  2  extends circumferentially around lower portion  15  and is operable to ensure sidewall  16  and sidewall  11  are aligned once the upper portion  10  and lower portion  15  are operably coupled. Proximate upper edge  80  is outer ridge  82 . Outer ridge  82  extends outward from upper sidewall portion  83  and extends circumferentially around the lower portion  15 . Outer ridge  82  is operable to engage keepers  180  as further discussed herein in order to facilitate and control the movement of the upper portion  10  intermediate a first position, a second position and a third position. Lower portion  15  further includes an inner ridge  87  proximate upper edge  80  wherein inner ridge  87  extends inward towards the interior volume  18  and is disposed circumferentially around the lower portion  15 . Inner ridge  87  is operable to engage groove  95  so as to secure plate member  70  to lower portion  15 . While an outer ridge  82  and keepers  180  are illustrated for providing a technique to control vertical movement of the upper portion  10 , it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternate elements and configurations could be provided to achieve the desired functionality. Additionally, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternatives to the inner ridge  87  could be utilized to provide securing of the plate member  70 . 
     Bottom  17  includes aperture  40  centrally located. Aperture  40  is annular in shape and is operable to receive therein second end  52  of shaft  50 . Shaft  50  is rotatable within aperture  40 . Shaft  50  is centrally located within body  5  and is rotatably movable in order to receive a cord or similar item therearound. The shaft  50  being manufactured from a suitable rigid material such as but not limited to plastic. Shaft  50  includes second end  52  and first end  53  further having exterior surface  54 . Secured to the exterior surface  54  of the shaft  50  are first wing member  60  and second wing member  65 . First wing member  60  and second wing member  65  are secured to shaft  50  utilizing suitable durable techniques. First wing member  60  and second wing member  65  are similarly constructed having face  62  that extends outward from exterior surface  54  and further includes rounded edge  67 . First wing member  60  and second wing member  65  are diametrically opposed on shaft  50 . The shape of the first wing member  60  and second wing member  65  function to provide an increased radius so as to eliminate any potential kinking of a cord during the processing of wrapping around the shaft  50 . This is particularly useful for applications wherein a user will utilize the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  to store electrical cords. While a first wing member  60  and a second wing member  65  have been illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the shaft  50  could have any number of wing members and further it is contemplated that the shaft  50  could have no wing members formed thereon. 
     Shaft  50  further includes slot  120 . Slot  120  is rectangular in shape having recessed portion  119  and is formed in shaft  50  proximate second end  52 . The slot  120  functions to receive and retain a portion of a cord or similar item subsequent the cord being disposed in channel  30  for storage within the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100 . The slot  120  further includes a first wall  121  and a second wall  122 . While one slot  120  is illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that more than one slot  120  could be present. More specifically but not by way of limitation, a second slot could be formed perpendicularly to slot  120 . Slot  120  includes upper surface  199 . Upper surface  199  of slot  120  is angular in manner. The angular manner of upper surface  199  of slot  120  is operable to direct a portion of a cord to the bottom area  198  of the lower portion  15  and a portion of a cord to the top area  197  of the lower portion during the winding process so as to promote efficient storage of a cord within the interior volume  18  of the lower portion  15 . Second wall  122  further includes concave formation  196 . Concave formation  196  is formed within second wall  122  and is operable to releasably secure to the upper portion  22  of the locking member  20 . While not particularly illustrated herein, first wall  121  includes an identical concave formation. The locking member  20  engages with concave formation  196  and concave formation in first wall  121  to provide releasable securing of multiple cord storage and deployment apparatus  100 . 
     Rotatably secured to first end  53  of shaft  50  is plate member  70 . 
     Plate member  70  is an annular shaped disc having a lower surface  71  and upper surface  72 . Circumferentially disposed around edge  73  of plate member  70  is groove  95 . The plate member  70  further includes center aperture  76  that is centrally located and manufactured of suitable diameter to accommodate first end  53  of shaft  50  and shaft  50  is rotatable within center aperture  76 . The groove  95  is operable to engage inner ridge  87  subsequent assembly of the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  and ensuing assembly the plate member  70  remains in a fixed position being secured by the aforementioned elements and technique. Plate member  70  further includes at least one protrusion  77  projecting outward from edge  73  that is operable to engage recess  78 . The protrusion  77  is mateably shaped with recess  78  and functions to inhibit any rotational movement of the plate member  70  ensuing the assembly of the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100 . It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the plate member  70  could have various different quantities of protrusions  77  and recesses  78  in order to achieve the desired functionality as described herein. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the plate member  70  could be integrally formed with lower portion  15 . The upper surface  72  of plate member  70  includes a plurality of depressions  79 . The depressions  79  are annular in shape and organized in a ring pattern on the upper surface  72 . The depressions  79  are operable to engage fingers  90 . Fingers  90  are secured to the lower surface  1  of the top  12  and project downward therefrom. The fingers  90  are rounded in shape and are mateably coupled to the depressions  79  when the upper portion  10  is in its first position and second position as further discussed herein. The fingers  90  function to provide controlled resistance to the rotation of the upper portion  10  relative to the lower portion  15 . While a plurality of depressions  79  and fingers  90  have been illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that any number of depressions  79  and fingers  90  could be utilized to provide resistance to the rotation of the upper portion  10 . 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 4  herein, the upper portion  10  further includes coupling  130 . Coupling  130  is centrally located and is formed with the lower surface  1  of top  12  and extends downward therefrom. Coupling  130  is operable to engage with cavity  150  that is present in shaft  50  proximate the first end  53  thereof so as to enable vertical movement of upper portion  10  relative to lower portion  15 . The coupling  130  is manufactured so as to be mateably engaged with the cavity  150  and is further manufactured of an appropriate length so as to maintain engagement with the cavity  150  of the shaft  50  when the upper portion  10  is in either of its three positions as discussed herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the coupling  130  could be manufactured in numerous different lengths and shapes and be able to achieve the desired functionality as described herein. During use of the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100  as a user grasps and rotates the upper portion  10 , the engagement of the coupling  130  and shaft  50  functions to provide the rotational movement of the shaft  50  and as such facilitating a winding of a cord or similar item therearound. 
     The upper portion  10  further includes a plurality of keepers  180  formed in the interior surface  140  of the sidewall  11 . The keepers  180  are formed in a plurality of groups  170  circumferentially around the interior surface  140 . Keepers  180  are formed so as to mateably engage outer ridge  82  and provide distinct vertical orientation between the upper portion  10  and lower portion  15 . More specifically but not by way of limitation, the keepers  180  engage with the outer ridge  82  to facilitate and control the positioning of the upper portion  10  in a first position, a second position and a third position. While in the illustrations herein the keepers  180  are formed in groups  170 , it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the keepers  180  could be manufactured so as to be continuously formed around the interior surface  140 . It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that as few as two groups  170  of keepers  180  could be formed on the interior surface  140 . 
     As previously mentioned herein the upper portion  10  is movable between a first position, a second position and a third position relative to the lower portion  15 . The outer ridge  82  is engaged with keepers  180  subsequent the assembly of the cord storage and deployment apparatus  100 . In the first position, the upper portion  10  is proximate the lower portion  15  such that the fingers  90  are substantially penetrated into the depressions  79 . In this position the upper portion  10  is fixed relative to the lower portion  15  and is not rotatable with respect thereto. In its second position, the upper portion  10  is moved away from said lower portion  15  such that the fingers  90  are only partially engaged with depressions  79 . In the second position, the upper portion  10  is rotatable with respect to the lower portion and the rotational movement is stepped or calibrated to rotate with some resistance as provided by the aforementioned position of the fingers  90  being at least partially disposed within the depressions  79  wherein the fingers  90  engaging the depressions  79  provide a stepped rotational movement. In its third position, the upper portion  10  is distal to the lower portion  15  such that the fingers  90  do not engage with the depressions  79  and as such the upper portion  10  is rotatable with respect to the lower portion  15  with no resistance and can freely rotate with respect thereto. While a first position, second position and third position are discussed for controlling the engagement degree of fingers  90  and depressions  79 , it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that any number of engagement positions could be configured. Additionally, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternate elements and configurations to control the rotational friction between upper portion  10  and lower portion  15  could be provided. 
     While a plate member  70  has been included and described herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that an alternative embodiment of the present invention could be constructed without the plate member  70  as illustrated in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 . In this alternative embodiment the first end  53  of shaft  50  is secured to the lower surface  1  of top  12  so as to eliminate the need for coupling  130  and cavity  150 . As the upper portion  10  is rotated in this alternative embodiment, the shaft  50  rotates therewith as a result of being secured directly thereto. It is also contemplated within the scope of this alternative embodiment that the depressions  79  could be formed in the upper edge  80  with corresponding fingers  90  formed in the upper portion  10  so as to align and engage therewith to provide stepped rotational movement of upper portion  10  relative to lower portion  15 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the connectors used to create stepped rotational movement of upper portion  10  relative to lower portion  15  are not limited to depressions  79  and fingers  90  and could therefore be a wide variety of shapes and configurations and/or be positioned on aperture  40  and shaft  50  and achieve the same desired functionality as described herein. Additionally, it is contemplated within this alternative embodiment of the scope of the present invention that the upper portion  10  could be configured without keepers  180  and sidewall  11  and only have a first position with respect to the lower portion  15 . In this alternative embodiment, the upper portion  10  includes ridge  182  configured to couple with groove  86  formed in the interior surface  85  of the lower portion  15  so as to rotatably secure upper portion  10  with lower portion  15 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the keepers used to rotatably secure the upper portion  10  with the lower portion  15  are not limited to a ridge  182  and a groove  86  and could therefore be a wide variety of shapes and configurations and/or be positioned on aperture  40  and shaft  50  and achieve the same desired functionality as described herein. 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
     The present invention also offers a variety of new benefits and unexpected results that may not be immediately recognized prior to use:
         When utilized on a window blind cord(s), the locking feature enables the user to conveniently operate the window blind cord(s) from below the cord storage and deployment apparatus, which is not possible with conventional winding devices.   The locking feature prevents the cord storage and deployment apparatus from unwinding itself via unraveling or movement forces which is currently a problem and especially prevalent when storing a wound cord that is in a vertical orientation as the weight of the cord applies unwinding forces onto the vertically suspended wound portion.   When the user places the cord storage and deployment apparatus into the freely rotate position, substantial strain is removed from the engaged cord when unwinding the cord as it only takes gentle pulling of each side of the wound cord to unwind.   The implementation of a shaft rotatably mated to a bottom aperture provides an unexpected result of providing the cord storage and deployment apparatus structural integrity wherein the lower portion having a bottom channel and sidewall openings would not have structural integrity without this combination of elements.   The lower portion bottom channel combined with a shaft having a bottom-loading slot enables an unexpected convenience and visual benefit to the user. The user merely needs to place the cord storage and deployment apparatus over a cord to begin the winding and storage process and the unattractive cord engagement elements are hidden by the surface on which it is subsequently placed or resting against.   An alternate embodiment&#39;s implementation of a lower portion having a bottom channel and sidewall openings in combination with an upper portion with a formed shaft rotatably mated to a bottom aperture in the lower portion provides a cost advantage by reducing the resulting product to two manufactured components.   The leveraging of the shaft slot to also include a recessed cavity provides the unexpected benefit of enabling a convenient stacking functionality without adding a plurality of visual and unattractive connectors to the lower portion.   Releasably securing and efficient stacking of a plurality of cord storage and deployment apparatuses increases efficient use of highly valued countertop space (for example) tremendously and allow for significant space efficient storage of many spare cords wound and stored in a multitude of cord storage and deployment apparatuses.