Patent Abstract:
A 360-degree freedom electric cord device system contains and manages automatic extension and retraction of an electric cord/cable supplying power to a push/pull-type electric machine, either self-propelled or not, for intended displacement or steering on a surface by a user. The 360-degree freedom electric cord device system, partly mounted on the electric machine, allows the power cord to clear obstacles on the surface and includes a self-retracting spool to automatically extend and rewind the power cord and continuously keeps physical tension therein, in a straight line and a natural position, during the displacement in any direction of the electric machine. With a ratchet mechanism, the device can also suitably be used independently of the machine as an electric retractable extension cord reel.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    Benefit of U.S. Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 61/330,074 filed on Apr. 30, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to power cord systems, and is more particularly concerned with a 360-degree freedom electric cord system for use with a push/pull-type electric machine displaceable on a surface by a user/operator that contains and manages automatic extension and retraction of the electric cord/cable supplying power thereto. The 360-degree freedom electric cord system, mounted on the electric machine, allows the power cord to continuously power the electric machine while freeing up the operator&#39;s hands to entirely focus on the operation of the machine and includes a self-retracting spool to automatically extend and rewind the power cord and continuously keeps tension therein during the displacement, in any direction, of the electric machine, according to the operator&#39;s desirable intent. 
         [0003]    More specifically, the invention of the 360-degree freedom electric cord system (device) is an electrical retractable cord (cable) reel device system planned, developed and intended to be installed (by the operator) onto existing motorized (or mobile) push machines or installed permanently by the manufacturer on or into newly manufactured motorized (or mobile) or used push machines. The 360-degree freedom electric cord system (device) provides an electric power cord (cable) extension for (any) electric user push (motorized) machines which are directed by the operator&#39;s desired intent, i.e. forwards (push mode), backwards (pull mode), straight, right, left, square, rectangle, circle 360 degrees, spiral, octave, etc. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Most electric machines displaceable by a user on a surface, either push/pull-type (pushed or pulled by a user) or being motorized for self propulsion or the like, which are steered by a user, require an electric cord or cable extension to supply power to the machine for operation thereof. Although these electrical machines, such as lawnmowers, floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, vacuum cleaners, garden &amp; yarn machines, snow blowers, floor working (as industrial scrubbers) and floor finishing machines or the like, are less polluting than corresponding fuel consuming ones or even than battery-powered ones, they have the disadvantage of having an electric cord or wire to supply power thereto, and it is time consuming and cumbersome to take care of the electric wire following the machine by continuously watching and/or holding it to ensure it does not get damaged or stuck to an obstacle lying on the surface. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved electric cord device system. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an improved electric cord device system. 
         [0007]    An advantage of the present invention is that the electric cord device allows a user to freely displace or steer a push/pull-type electric machine on a surface without releasing him from continuously handling the power supply electric cord or cable from side to side while the machine operates and moves in any direction, thus saving operating time without having to stop the machine. 
         [0008]    Another advantage of the present invention is that the cord device allows a 360-degree freedom for the steering (displacement) of the electric machine, with a continuously self-adjusting cord length, in generally straight line, between the electric machine and the region adjacent the power wall outlet, thereby freeing the attention and the hands of the user during operation of the machine. 
         [0009]    A further advantage of the present invention is that the cord device keeps the electric cord or cable into a natural position/orientation under tension above the surface and obstacles thereon without stopping the machine operation, thereby ensuring user safety, and also prevents twisting of the electric cord. 
         [0010]    Still another advantage of the present invention is that the cord device has the electric cord wound around a self-retractable spool to ensure the tension in the electric cord, as well as the automatic extension and retraction thereof while the working electric machine is operating and being displaced on the surface, with the power cord unwinding from the spool when the machine is displaced away from fixed structure and its power outlet, and, reversely, with the power cord rewinding on the spool when the machine approaches the fixed structure, thus enabling any type of movement of the electric machine during operation. 
         [0011]    Another advantage of the present invention is that the cord device can be adapted to any push/pull-type electric machine, and mounted either on the machine (as a retrofit), via a stand holder or directly secured to the machine, or inside the machine, installed by the machine manufacturer. 
         [0012]    A further advantage of the present invention is that the cord device includes a cord holder member that can be adapted to releasably mount on different rigid structures, depending on the location, as in restricted areas, built-up areas, indoors, outdoors, outside or inside of the structure, open area, hallway, corridor with lower ceiling, in/out of the building, or the like, and the use of the electric machine carrying the device. 
         [0013]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the cord device can be configured for indoor and/or outdoor use, have models adapted for different gauge extension cords used on different residential, commercial or industrial push/pull-type electric machines. 
         [0014]    Still a further advantage of the present invention is that the cord device can be serviceable as a standard electric retractable extension cord reel, for other electric hand tools or the like electrical devices, when on or in the electric machine, and can also be serviceable when off a machine, and being adaptable to mount on the ground, on the wall or hanging from a rigid structure in such cases. 
         [0015]    Still another advantage of the present invention is that the cord device prevents accidental unplugging of the power cord from the wall power outlet because of the cord holder member. 
         [0016]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a 360-degree freedom electric cord device for receiving an electric cord and for using with a push/pull-type electric machine displaceable by a user on a surface, said device comprising:
       a housing member mountable on a displaceable electric machine and having a self-retracting spool member for housing a first end portion of an electric cord connectable to the electric machine;   an elongated post member defining a post member axis and first and second post member ends longitudinally opposed from one another, said first post member end connecting to the housing member, said post member having a through bore extending therealong between said first and second post member ends for receiving a central portion of the electric cord therein, said second post member end having a cord guiding member for allowing the electric cord to extend substantially radially therefrom and to freely rotate within a 360-degree span angle about the post member axis; and   a cord holder member connectable to a structure for supporting a second end portion of the electric cord adjacent thereto and away from said post member, said cord holder member including a cord state holder mechanism connectable to the electric cord for preventing torsion twisting thereof.       
 
         [0020]    Typically, the post member is adjustable in length. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, the cord guiding member is an outwardly enlarging diameter of said through bore at said second post member end in a direction extending away from said first post member end. 
         [0022]    Conveniently, the outwardly enlarging diameter of said through bore at said second post member end forms a bell-shaped second post member end. 
         [0023]    Typically, the bell-shaped second post member end includes an outwardly rounded edge. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the cord guiding member includes a cord pulley freely rotatably mounted on a hollow bracket swiveling on said post member about said post member axis, said cord pulley being located radially away from said post member axis and within a pulley plane including said post member axis. 
         [0025]    Conveniently, the cord guiding member includes a pulley cord guide adjacent said cord pulley for maintaining the electric cord circumferentially in contact therewith. 
         [0026]    Typically, the cord pulley is a first cord pulley, the pulley cord guide being a second cord pulley freely rotatably mounted on said hollow bracket adjacent said first cord pulley for operatively receiving the electric cord therebetween such that each said cord pulley being said pulley cord guide for the other said cord pulley, said first and second cord pulleys being within said pulley plane. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, the housing member includes a main housing containing said self-retracting spool member therein and attaching to a mounting bracket, said mounting bracket mounting on a stand holder for attachment to a displaceable electric machine. 
         [0028]    Conveniently, the mounting bracket is pivotally mounted on the stand holder about an axis generally parallel to a spool axis of said self-retracting spool member for angular adjustment relative thereto so as to allow said post member axis to remain in a generally vertical orientation when said stand holder is attached to the displaceable electric machine. 
         [0029]    Typically, the stand holder is adjustable in length for adjusting to actual dimensions of the displaceable electric machine. 
         [0030]    Conveniently, the self-retracting spool member includes a spool freely rotatable on a fixed spool shaft with a torsion spring therebetween, whereby said torsion spring always maintaining a tension into an electric cord wound therearound. 
         [0031]    Conveniently, the self-retracting spool member includes a selectively operable ratcheting mechanism mounted between said main housing and said spool, and connecting thereto, to selectively restrain rotation of said spool into one direction allowing unwinding of an electric cord wound therearound, said ratcheting mechanism selectively preventing operation of said torsion spring. 
         [0032]    Typically, the main housing is a waterproof housing. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, the cord holder member includes a cord clamp member for clamping on an electric cord, and a securing member for releasable securing of said cord holder member to a structure, said cord clamp member connecting to the securing member via the cord state holder member. 
         [0034]    Conveniently, the cord state holder member includes a helical tension spring having opposite ends connecting to said cord clamp member and said securing member. 
         [0035]    Conveniently, the cord state holder member includes a tension limiter having opposite ends connecting to said cord clamp member and said securing member, said tension limiter being mounted in parallel to said helical tension spring. 
         [0036]    Typically, the cord state holder member includes a generally flexible spring cover housing said helical tension spring therein. 
         [0037]    Conveniently, the securing member includes a fastener for releasable fastening to a structure. Typically, the fastener is a hook or a suction cup. 
         [0038]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a 360-degree freedom electric cord system for using with a push/pull-type electric machine displaceable by a user on a surface, said system comprising:
       a housing member mountable on a displaceable electric machine and having a self-retracting spool member housing a first end portion of an electric cord connectable to the electric machine;   an elongated post member defining a post member axis and first and second post member ends longitudinally opposed from one another, said first post member end connecting to the housing member, said post member having a through bore extending therealong between said first and second post member ends receiving a central portion of the electric cord therein, said second post member end having a cord guiding member allowing the electric cord to extend substantially radially therefrom and to freely rotate within a 360-degree span angle about the post member axis; and   a cord holder member connectable to a structure supporting a second end portion of the electric cord adjacent thereto and away from said post member, said cord holder member including a cord state holder mechanism connecting to the electric cord to prevent torsion twisting thereof.       
 
         [0042]    According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a push/pull-type electric machine displaceable by a user on a surface, said electric machine comprising a 360-degree freedom electric cord device, said device including:
       a housing member mountable on a displaceable electric machine and having a self-retracting spool member housing a first end portion of an electric cord to power the electric machine;   an elongated post member defining a post member axis and first and second post member ends longitudinally opposed from one another, said first post member end connecting to the housing member, said post member having a through bore extending therealong between said first and second post member ends receiving a central portion of the electric cord therein, said second post member end having a cord guiding member allowing the electric cord to extend substantially radially therefrom and to freely rotate within a 360-degree span angle about the post member axis; and   a cord holder member connectable to a structure supporting a second end portion of the electric cord adjacent thereto and away from said post member, said cord holder member including a cord state holder mechanism connecting to the electric cord to prevent torsion twisting thereof.       
 
         [0046]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description provided herein, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0047]    Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the description in association with the following Figures, in which similar references used in different Figures denote similar components, wherein: 
           [0048]      FIG. 1  is an elevation illustration of the use of a 360-degree freedom electric cord device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, mounted on a push/pull-type electric machine displaceable by a user on a surface; 
           [0049]      FIG. 2  is a partially broken exploded perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , showing the device mounting bracket adapted on an adjustable stand holder attaching to the electric machine, the holder being alternatively mountable on an optional mounting base; 
           [0050]      FIG. 3  is a partially broken enlarged view taken along line  3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 3   a  is a partially broken enlarged view taken along line  3   a - 3   a  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 4  is a partially broken enlarged view taken along line  4  of  FIG. 1 , showing alternate structure anchors; 
           [0053]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , with components removed for attachment to a ceiling structure or the like; 
           [0054]      FIG. 6  is a partially broken and partially sectioned exploded elevation view of a second embodiment of a 360-degree freedom electric cord device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 7  is a partially broken view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 8  is a partially broken elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  mounted inside a push/pull-type electric machine; 
           [0057]      FIG. 9  is an elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , with components removed for laying on a surface using a mounting base; and 
           [0058]      FIG. 10  is a partially broken enlarged perspective view taken along line  10  of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0059]    With reference to the annexed drawings, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be herein described for indicative purpose and by no means as of limitation. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 5 , there is schematically shown an embodiment of 360-degree freedom electric cord device, shown generally as  20 , for receiving an electric power cord or cable  10 , preferably provided therewith to form a 360-degree freedom electric cord system, and for using with a push/pull-type electric machine  12  displaceable by a user  14  on a surface  16 , which could be the floor, the ground or the like. The push/pull-type electric machine  12  refers to any electric machine intended to be pushed or pulled by a user  14  on a corresponding surface  16 , such as, but not limited to, a lawnmower, floor cleaner, carpet cleaner, vacuum cleaner, garden or yarn machine, snow blower, floor working or floor finishing machine, scrubber or the like. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  20  allows the user  14  to freely displace the electric machine  12  on the surface  16  without having to worry about the power cord  10  by ensuring that the cord  10  always remains in tension, with automatic continuous extension and retraction (as shown by arrow T), at a height generally above any obstacle (not shown), which could be chairs, tables, small trees, plants, fences, racks for goods, or the like, and preferably including the user  14  him/herself, located on the surface  16 , in a substantially horizontal orientation between the electric machine  12  and a fixed structure  18  nearby, and does not twist on itself while randomly displacing the machine  12  during operation. 
         [0062]    The main component  22  of the device  20  is the housing member that includes a main housing  24 , typically made out of two or three parts, that houses a self-retracting spool member  26  receiving a first proximal end portion of the power cord  10  wound there around. As in typical self-retracting spools, the self-retracting spool member  26  includes a spool  28  freely rotatably mounted on a fixed shaft  30  defining a spool axis  31  and fixedly secured to the main housing  24  (see  FIG. 6 ), and is connected thereto via a spiral rewind torsion spring (not shown) used to bias the spool  28  to rotate in a direction to rewind the power cord  10  there around. The size of the spiral spring may vary depending on the type and weight of the electric machine  12 , as well as with the gauge of the power cord  10 , such that the entire device  20 , along with the weight of the machine  12  function as a whole, and the device  20 , and especially the self-retracting spool  28 , does not function and remains stationary when the machine  12  is on hold, not in movement. The proximal end of the power cord  10  is typically connected to a conventional receptacle of a proximal machine power cord  32  connectable to the power cord  34  of the electric machine  12 , via a conventional reel electrical power interface (not shown) which could include an electrical switch (not shown) for selectively close or open the electrical connection there through. 
         [0063]    During normal operation of the electric machine  12  with the present device  20 , the self-retracting spool member  26  is in a normally open configuration in which the spiral spring continuously biases the spool  28  to rewind the power cord  10 . 
         [0064]    Typically, the self-retracting spool member  26  includes a mechanical restraint component system such as a ratchet mechanism  36  selectively activatable, and deactivatable, by the user  14 . The ratchet mechanism  36  typically includes a conventional spring loaded latch pawl (not shown) mounted on the main housing  24  via an axially biased pawl shaft (not shown) and meshable (engageable) with a corresponding conventional ratchet toothed wheel or ring (not shown) mounted on the on the spool  28 . Via a configuration knob  38  extending from the pawl shaft, the user can selectively unlatch the pawl for spring biased engagement with the ratchet wheel to have the self-retracting spool member  26  in a closed configuration, identified by corresponding first mark  38   c  on the main housing  24 , in which the ratchet mechanism  36  is in operation to allow rotation of the spool  28  in a direction to unwind the power cord  10  therefrom while selectively preventing and allowing its rotation in the opposite direction under the biasing action of the spiral spring, depending on the stopping position of the spool (or the pawl angular position relative to the ratchet wheel). When the knob  38  is returned back into the latched position, the pawl is axially displaced and disengaged from the ratchet wheel to allow the continuous self-retracting operation of the spool member  26  in the open configuration, identified by corresponding second mark  38   o  on the main housing  24 . It is noted that the closed configuration would preferably be used when installing the device  20 , especially the cord holder member  62  described hereinafter. 
         [0065]    The main housing  24  typically includes a hollow branch  40  extending therefrom with a cord access opening  41  being generally tangentially oriented relative to the spool  28  to allow the power cord  10  to tangentially unwind therefrom in a generally upward direction into an elongated post member  42  mounted onto the main housing  24 . The elongated post member  42  generally defines a post member axis  44  and first proximal  46  and second distal  48  post member ends longitudinally opposed from one another. The proximal post member end  46  is typically mounted on and inserted into the main housing branch  40  up until it abuts or sits on an inner bulge  40 ′ or the like, preferably annular, and is secured thereto via a fastener such as screw  47  or the like. The post member  42  has a through bore  50  extending therealong between the post member ends  46 ,  48  to receive a central portion of the power cord  10  therein. The post member  42  is typically adjustable in length, such as a telescopic rod, to allow an adjustment of the height of the power cable  10  extending between the fixed structure  18  and the electric machine  12 , especially in the region nearby the machine  12 , as shown by arrow A. Furthermore, the post member  42  is preferably slightly flexible, due to its inherent elongated structure and materials used for its components, to allow small deflections of the distal end  48  in a direction perpendicular to its axis  44  to prevent damages thereto and smooth functioning of the device  20 , as shown by arrow B. 
         [0066]    As shown more specifically in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  3   a , the distal post member end  48  includes a cord guiding member  52 , typically secured thereto via a fastener such as screw  49  or the like, to guide the electric cord  10  in a substantially radial direction relative to the post member axis  44 , which could substantially vary from the horizontal direction as shown by arrow C and the stippled lines, and to freely rotate within a 360-degree span angle about the post member axis  44 , such that the electric cord can freely extend from the post member  42  toward a cord holder member  62  (see below) that is located in any direction over the 360-degree span relative thereto, as represented by arrows D. The cord guiding member  52 , best suited to guide small to medium gauge (low duty—mostly residential grade) power cords, typically includes a first lower cord pulley  54  freely rotatably mounted on a hollow bracket  56  that swivels on the distal post member end  48  about the post member axis  44  via a hollow bearing  58  or the like. The lower cord pulley  54  is located radially away from the post member axis  44  and within a pulley plane that includes the post member axis  44 . A pulley cord guide  60 , here in the form of a second upper cord pulley, adjacent the lower cord pulley  54  maintains the power cord  10  circumferentially in contact therewith. The upper cord pulley  60 , also freely rotatably mounted on the hollow bracket  56  and in the same pulley plane, and the lower pulley  54  operatively receive the electric cord therebetween, such that each cord pulley  54 ,  60  is essentially the pulley cord guide for the other cord pulley  60 ,  54 . 
         [0067]    As shown more specifically in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the 360-degree freedom electric cord device  20  typically includes a cord holder member  62 , also referred to as the electric cord holder multi system since it performs multiple functions, that connects to the fixed structure  18  and that supports a distal second end portion of the power cord  10  adjacent the fixed structure  18  nearby (typically with a distance of 10 feet (3 meters) or less) an electrical power source, such as a conventional convenience wall power outlet  64 , and away from the post member  42 . The cord holder member  62  is typically located at a selected height sufficient to ensure the substantially horizontal orientation of the cord  10  between the cord holder member  62  and the cord guiding member  52  during operation of the device  20 , and substantially ensures a continuous holding of a natural untwisted torsion twisting of the power cord  10  there between. The cord holder member  62  includes a cord state holder mechanism  66  connecting between a cord clamp member  68  to clamp the power cord, and a securing member  70  to secure the cord holder member  62  to the fixed structure  18 . 
         [0068]    The cord state holder member  66 , which maintains natural twist orientation (and substantially prevents torsion twisting) of power cord  10  between the cord guiding member  52  and the cord holder member  62  to keep the cord  10  in a natural position/orientation while also helping in maintaining tension therein (two physical states of the power cord  10  essential to ensure a proper operation of the self-retracting spool member  26 , along with the allowed small deflection B of the post member  42 ), typically includes a helical tension spring  72  having opposite ends, typically fixedly, connecting to the cord clamp member  68  and the securing member  70 , using bolt fasteners  73  or the like, to prevent free (unrestricted) twisting of the spring  72  relative thereto. The cord holder member  62 , and more specifically the cord state holder member  66  allow, in operation, a continuous forward and rearward shaking of the cord  10  (and consequently of the post member  42 ) to ensure the proper functioning of the self-retracting spool member  26 , especially the natural rewinding of the cord  10  on the spool  28 . 
         [0069]    Additionally, the cord holder member  62  prevents accidental unplugging of the power cord  10  from wall power outlet  64 . In order to prevent damages to the helical tension spring  72 , the cord state holder member  66  includes a tension limiter  74 , preferably in the form of a small metallic cable or the like, of a pre-determined length slightly longer than the helical spring  72  when in the released state (to ensure a limited extension thereof), that has its opposite ends connecting also to both the cord clamp member  68  and the securing member  70 , preferably via bolt fasteners  73 , in parallel to the helical tension spring  72 . To protect the helical spring  72  from environmental conditions as well as the prevent injuries with the helical spring  72 , the cord state holder member  66  further includes a flexible (or stretchable) spring cover  76  (shown in stippled lines in  FIG. 4 ) generally housing the helical tension spring  72  therein. 
         [0070]    The cord clamp member  68  is typically in the form of two half-tubular sleeves  78  attachable to one another, via bolt fastener  79  or the like, with the power cord  10  secured in-between and typically curved (of about 90 degrees in the present case, but could be any angle, even zero degree) to properly maintain the power cord  10  in both the substantially horizontal orientation towards the post member  42  and the substantially vertical orientation towards the wall power outlet  64  adjacent the surface  16  and the fixed structure  18 . 
         [0071]    The securing member  70  includes a structure fastener  80  to releasably attach the cord holder member  62  to the fixed structure  18 . The fastener  80  could be in the form of a closable hook directly fastening to the fixed structure  18 , as a hand rail or the like, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Also, the fastener could include an anchor  82  in the form of either a hookable suction cup  82   a  securable to a fixed planar surface structure as a window or the like, or a wall anchor  82   b  fixed to the structure  18 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , although other securing fasteners  80  are possible. 
         [0072]    Now referring more specifically to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing member  22  further includes a mounting bracket  84 , of a generally U-shape, attached to the main housing  24  via fasteners  86  fastening to the fixed shaft  30  between the two sides of the U-shape, and typically mounting on a stand holder  88  via fasteners  90 , such as screws or the like engaging corresponding holder through holes  92  and bracket blind holes  94 , the stand holder  88  being attachable to a push/pull-type electric machine  12 . 
         [0073]    The mounting bracket  84  is preferably pivotally mounted on preferably two respective side plates  89  of the stand holder  88  positioned in superposition onto the corresponding two sides of the U-shape, about an axis generally parallel to a spool axis  31  for angular adjustment relative thereto so as to allow the post member axis  44  to remain in a generally vertical orientation when the stand holder  88  is attached on the an angled component  13  of the electric machine  12 , such as the handles of a lawnmower, as in  FIG. 1 . The angular adjustment, as shown by arrow R, is made possible via a bolt  96  securing to a corresponding bolt hole  98  of one of the two sides of the U-shape and being selectively positionable within a corresponding arcuate slot hole  100  of the stand holder  88 . 
         [0074]    In order to adapt the stand holder  88  for mounting to different component sizes (widths) of different electric machines  12 , the stand holder  88  is preferably adjustable in length, as shown with the screwing knob  102  to block the sliding of an inner rectangular bar  104  inside a rectangular outer bar  106 . Typical two-part clamps  108 ,  110  are provided to attach to respective bars  104 ,  106  are adapted to be secured to tubular sections of the handles  13 , or the like component, of the electric machine  12 . 
         [0075]    Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the embodiment  20  of the 360-degree freedom electric cord device could be detached from the electric machine  12  and suspended from a wall (not shown) or up-side-down from a ceiling using a adaptor fixture  112  connecting to the base of the U-shape of the mounting bracket  84 , or simply standing on the floor using an optional mounting base  114  (see  FIG. 2 ) attachable to the stand holder  88  or the like. In such a configuration, the proximal machine power cord  32  connects to a conventional wall outlet (not shown) using a male-male plug adaptor cord  116 , and the distal end of the power cord  10  connects female-female plug adaptor cord  118  to enable any electric hand tool (not shown) or the like to be connected thereto, and therefore use the device  20  as a standard electric retractable extension cord reel, with the ratchet mechanism  36  (which may be of a different design than the one of the embodiment  20  of  FIG. 2 ) in operation and the spool member  26  in a closed configuration  36   c.  These plug adaptor cords  116 ,  118 , and more specifically the female-female plug adaptor cord  118 , may include internal protective circuit breaker (not shown) well known in the art. The device  20  could also be similarly used as an extension reel even while remaining attached to the electric machine  12  (but electrically disconnected from the power cord  34  thereof), itself positioned adjacent a conventional wall outlet. 
         [0076]    Referring now more specifically to  FIGS. 6 through 10 , there is schematically shown a second embodiment of 360-degree freedom electric cord device, shown generally as  120 , for receiving an electric power cord or cable  10 , and substantially allowing the same freedom represented by arrows A, B, C, D, and T. In this embodiment  120 , a lower section  124   a  of the main housing  124  of the housing member  122  is typically directly mounted onto the stand holder  188 , and an upper section  124   b  of the main housing  124  is typically pivotally mounted on the lower section  124   a  to pivot (as shown by arrow R in  FIG. 7 ) about the axis of coaxial bolts  196  extending through corresponding bores of the lower section  124   a  and of the upper section  124   a,  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         [0077]    In the case the tubular sections of the handles  13 , or the like component, of the electric machine  12  are closer from one another, the stand holder  188  could be used with additional two-part clamps  108   a,    110   a  connectable under the respective free ends of the two rectangular bars  140 ,  106  of the stand holder  188 . 
         [0078]    The hollow cord access branch  140 , with cord access opening  41 , of the main housing  124  is connected thereto using bolt fasteners  141 , and typically includes a pair of parallel rollers  143  freely rotatably mounted thereon and sufficiently spaced form one another to allow the unrestricted passage of the power cord  10  there between. The proximal post member end  146  of the post member  142  includes slot channels  147  extending axially partially there along to clear the rollers  143  when inserted into the cord access opening  41 . 
         [0079]    The distal post member end  148 , best suited to guide medium to large gauge (low and heavy duty—mostly commercial and/or industrial grade) power cords  10 , includes a cord guiding member  152  being an outwardly enlarging diameter of the through bore  150  that extends away from the first proximal post member end  146 . Typically, the outwardly enlarging diameter  152  forms a bell-shaped (as the bell of a trumpet or trombone, or tubate or concave conical shape (one-sheeted hyperboloid shape)) second post member end  148 , and the bell-shape typically includes an outwardly rounded edge  153  to ensure a smooth radial frictional sliding and unrestricted tangential rolling of the power cord  10  thereon as to be continuously oriented towards the cord holder member  62 , as well as to allow a frictionless generally axial sliding of the cord along the internal wall of the bell-shaped end  148 , without altering and/or damaging and/or even causing any wear to the power cord. 
         [0080]    In order to prevent the distal end portion of the power cord  10  from inadvertently entering into the through bore  150  of the post member  142  when detached from the cord holder member  62 , a removable ball-shaped stopper  111  is secured on the power cord  10 . 
         [0081]    Although not specifically described, the embodiments  20 ,  120  can be used either indoor or outdoor depending of the waterproofness or water sealing of the different components thereof, and especially the main housing  24 ,  124 , or the spool member  26 , having the electrical components therein, as the conventional reel electrical power interface (not shown) and the like, as well as the mechanical movable parts, as the self-retracting spool member  26 , the ratchet mechanism  36  and the like. 
         [0082]    Even though the embodiments  20 ,  120  are shown as being retrofitted onto existing on the different push/pull-type electric machines  12 , they could be permanently installed therein by the machine manufacturer or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention, as represented in  FIG. 8  with the main housing  124 ′ being inside a hatched section representing a portion of a section of the body of the machine  12 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 9  represents the embodiment  120  being used as a standard electric retractable extension cord reel, preferably with the ratchet mechanism  36  in operation and the spool member  26  in a closed configuration  36   c,  detached form the electric machine  12 , and in which the post member  142  has been removed from the cord access branch  140  of the main housing  124 , and the removable ball-shaped stopper  111  from the power cord  10 , the latter not being required in this configuration since the pair of rollers  143  prevent either a narrower permanent stopper  113  or even the plug of the distal end of the power cord  10  from getting into the spool  28  (as shown in  FIG. 10 ). In order to prevent the power cord  10  from getting worn out when sliding in and out, and around the cord access branch  140 , a hollow extension adaptor outlet  146 ′ is typically inserted into the cord access branch  140  with notches  143 ′ clearing rollers  143  to allow the power cord  10  to freely roll on partially exposed balls  146   a  located all along the periphery of the free opening thereof. As for the other embodiment  20 , a female-female plug adaptor cord  118 , or the like is required to allow the electrical connection of a typical hand tool (not shown), and a male-male plug adaptor cord  116 , or the like is also required to allow the electrical connection of the proximal machine power cord  32  to a conventional wall outlet  64  (see  FIG. 1 ). In this configuration, the stand holder  188  is typically mounted on the optional mounting base  114 , and further includes a protective side cover  115  securable to a structure wall (not shown). 
         [0084]    Although not specifically illustrated herein, the different components, such as the housing members  24 ,  124 , post members  42 ,  142  and cord guide members  52 ,  152  of the two embodiments  20 ,  120  could be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present invention, as partially schematically represented in  FIGS. 2 and 6 . 
         [0085]    Although the present 360-degree freedom electric cord device and system has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the disclosure has been made by way of example only and that the present invention is not limited to the features of the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1