Abstract:
A cable winding device and method for winding a cable which provides for quick and easy removal of a cable from the cable winder such that the winder may readily be used to wind additional cables without additional parts, and such that the wound cable may be efficiently stored.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to cable winding devices, and more specifically, to a portable, motorized device for winding and securing a cable and a method therefor. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Cable winding devices have long been used in the art, and during such use numerous and varied winders have been developed. Some cable winding devices include portable, recoilable systems, retrievable electric cord reel devices, extension cord/tool carriers, storage reels, cable coiler devices, and retractable cable winders. 
         [0005]    Typically, these and other known cable winding devices include a spool having a flange at both ends of the spool, about which a cable or wire may be wound and subsequently stored wound around the spool and between the flanges. Unfortunately, however, a separate spool is necessary for each cable or wire so wound, which is costly, and storage of the cables on the spools is inefficient due to the large size of the spools. 
         [0006]    Thus, the above mentioned devices fail to allow for the wound cable or wire to be quickly and easily removed from the spool for reuse of the spool and/or for convenient and efficient storage of the wound cable or wire. Therefore, it is clear that what is needed is a cable winding device that provides for quick and easy removal of a cable from the cable winder such that the winder may readily be used to wind additional cables without additional parts, and such that the wound cable may be efficiently stored. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a cable winding device having a generally cylindrical spool and means for rotating the spool, wherein a cable wound around the spool is removable therefrom by sliding the cable over an end of the spool. 
         [0008]    According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a device for winding a cable that allows for easy removal of the wound cable. 
         [0009]    According to one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cord winding device includes a spool having a constant radius such that the wound cable may be removed therefrom by sliding the cable off an end of the spool. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the spool comprises a plurality of resilient tines circumferentially disposed about a longitudinal axis. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the plurality of resilient tines are deformable in a radial direction to reduce the circumference of the spool, at least temporarily, in order to facilitate removal of the wound cable. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, a generally planar collapsible elongated member is retained by ends thereof on pillars operably connected to the cable winder. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the pillars are disposed radially inward of the circumference of the spool. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the wound cable, when removed from the spool, can be secured in the wrapped configuration with the collapsible elongated member. 
         [0015]    According to another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a method by providing a method for securing a cable in a wound configuration comprising the step of contacting at least a portion of the cable in the wound configuration with a generally planar cable tie, wherein the contacting step causes the cable tie to collapse around and at least partially encircle at least a portion of the cable to secure the cable in the wound configuration. 
         [0016]    According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of winding the cable around a spool to place the cable in the wound configuration, the spool having at least one open end, and removing the cable in the wound configuration by sliding the cable over the open end. 
         [0017]    According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the cable tie is removably secured at opposing ends thereof to a cable winding device, and the contacting step includes contacting at least a portion of the wound cable with a medial portion of the cable tie between the secured ends. 
         [0018]    According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the spool includes a plurality of tines arranged about a longitudinal axis and the tines are flexibly disposed allowing for inward radial movement, such that the circumference of the spool may be decreased. 
         [0019]    Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to facilitate easy removal of a wound cable from the spool of a cable winder such that the wound cable may be conveniently stored apart from the spool. 
         [0020]    Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow the wound cable to be secured using a collapsible member for quick and easy securing of the cable in a wound configuration. 
         [0021]    These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reading the following Detailed Description and Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Accordingly, the present invention will be understood best through consideration of, and reference to, the following Figures, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various Figures designate like structure, and in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of a flange of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the flange of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a spool according to the preferred embedment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of a front cover of the housing of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of a back cover of the housing of the preferred embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a front view of a cable tie according to the preferred embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is an end view of the cable tie of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the cable winder of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in use; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the cable winder with a wound cable removed therefrom and positioned to be secured; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the cable wider with the wound cable secured by a cable tie. 
       
    
    
       [0035]    It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the invention to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as such details may be deemed essential to the claimed invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    In describing preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0037]    In that form of the preferred embodiment of the present invention chosen for purposes of illustration,  FIG. 1  generally shows an exploded perspective view of various components comprising cable winding device  100  preferably comprises rotationally mounted spool  110  including a plurality of tines  111 . Each of tines  111  preferably projects generally perpendicularly from a circumferential portion of circular disc member  113 . Flange  130  is preferably slidably engaged with spool  110  such that each of tines  111  protrudes through a respective one of openings  131  disposed through flange  130 . Flange  130  is preferably formed as a generally planar circular disc and is preferably configured and arranged to easily mate with spool  110  and to conform to a shape of housing  120 . Flange  130  preferably combines with spool  110  to form open-ended spool unit  135  having only a single flange, such as flange  130  on first side  112  as is shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0038]    Circular disc member  113  preferably includes opening  115  disposed centrally therethrough for operable engagement with shaft  155  of motor  150 . Motor  150  is preferably an electric motor adapted to rotate shaft  155 , thereby rotating spool  110  and flange  130  connected thereto, but may alternatively be any suitable means for rotating spool  110 , such as a hand crank, or other suitable motor. In addition, motor  150  is preferably mechanically coupled to shaft  155  although other connection methods may be used, such as magnetic, inductive, fluid, or other suitable coupling means. 
         [0039]    Shaft  155  preferably passes through front cover  121  of housing  120  with motor  150  disposed proximate interior surface  121   a,  and with spool  110  disposed proximate opposing outer surface  121   b.  Rear cover  123  is preferably removably connected to front cover  121  defining a substantially completely enclosed interior space. Motor  150  is preferably mounted within the interior space and is preferably securely connected to rear cover  123  by bracket  160 . Power supply means  170  is preferably mounted to back cover  123  proximate opening  124  such that batteries or other power supply may be provided therethrough. Opening  124  is preferably adapted to removably receive lid  125  to prevent undesired infiltration of dust, dirt, liquids, or other harmful substances into housing  120 . Power supply means  170  is preferably operably connected to motor  150  for providing suitable electric power thereto for operation thereof. Switch  180  is preferably operably connected to power supply  170  to selectively electrically connect power supply  170  to motor  150  to selectively engage motor  150  for winding a cable around tines  111  of spool  110 . cable guide  190  is preferably operably connected to housing  120  (such as in front cover opening  121   c  and disposed in groove  123   a  in back cover  123 . 
         [0040]    Preferably, flange  130 , spool  110 , housing  120 , bracket  160 , and other components of cable winder  100  are preferably formed of a material selected from the group including, but not limited to 0.06″ ABS, High Density Polystyrene, or other suitable natural or synthetic material. Other materials from which some or all of the components of cable winder  100  may be formed optionally include lightweight, sturdy materials having high durability, resistance to scratching, denting, discoloration, and/or other forms of wear and/or damage, illustratively such as plastic, wood, cardboard, paper material, metal, rubber, epoxy, glass, resin and/or combinations thereof. Preferably, flange  130 , spool  110 , housing  120 , bracket  160 , and other components of cable winder  100  further preferably have additional beneficial characteristics, such as water-resistance, low cost, ease of workability, and other characteristics as will be understood by one or ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0041]    As best shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , flange  130  preferably has a thickness that is substantially less than a length or width thereof, thereby defining a substantially planar member. Preferably openings  131  are disposed circumferentially about central opening  133 . Central opening  133  is preferably adapted to receive shaft  155  or a mechanical fastening means for removably attaching flange to spool  110  and shaft  155 . Furthermore, flange  130  may, optionally, include a surface, integral therewith or permanently or removably attached thereto, having beneficial characteristics, such as high friction, low friction, soft feel, high durability, water resistance, matte finish, or glossy finish, among others. Front cover  121  preferably comprises the same or similar material as flange  130  and may likewise optionally include a surface covering. The material selected for back cover  123  may optionally include high density plastic, such as 0.080″-0.100″ ABS or High Density Polystyrene, back cover  123  may also optionally include a surface covering. 
         [0042]    The material selected for tines  111  and/or circular disc  113  may optionally include Polyethylene (PE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), Polyamide (PA), Polyester, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and/or Polylactic acid (PLA), among others. 
         [0043]    Now referring to  FIG. 4 , cable tie retaining structure  220  is shown preferably including pillars  221   a  and  221   b.  Pillars  221   a  and  221   b  preferably extend longitudinally from flange  130  and are preferably adapted to removably retain cable tie  222  by retaining means, such as magnets  223 , hook and loop fastener, e.g. VELCRO, adhesive, or other suitable means. Magnets  223  preferably retain cable tie  222  in a ready and convenient position, such as proximate ends  111   a  of tines  111 , for use in wrapping around at least a portion of wound cable  224 . Preferably, cable  224  is an insulated wire cable, such as an electrical cord, stereo cord, or similar cable. Alternatively, however, cable  224  may be a optical cable, a chain, a rope or any other similar elongated wire or tube member. 
         [0044]    Now referring to  FIG. 5 , spool  110  preferably includes tines  111  integrally formed therewith and disposed angularly displaced about the circumference of circular disc  113 . Ends  111   a  of tines  111  are preferably rounded to reduce snagging on nearby objects or cable  224 , but may optionally be square or other suitable shape and configuration. Preferably tines  111  are resilient and deformable at least to some extent in the direction of arrows  501  which point from the circumference of circular disc  113  to central opening  115 . When some or all of tines  111  are so deformed, the circumference of spool  110  is thereby decreased, allowing wound cable  224  to be more easily removed from spool  110  for storage. Preferably, when cable  224  is removed from spool  110 , tines  111  return to their original positions generally perpendicular to circular disc  113 . As will be understood by one skilled in the art, many modifications may be made to spool  110  without deviating from the spirit of the present invention, including modifications to the number, shape, material, arrangement, and/or configuration of tines  111  and/or circular disc  113 . Optionally, tines  111  are not substantially deformable, and preferably include a low friction surface to facilitate removal of cable  224 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  shows a front cover  121  having a relatively small thickness with respect to a length and/or width thereof, thereby generally defining a planar member. Preferably, the size and shape of front cover  121  is similar to and slightly larger than the size and shape of flange  130  such that a peripheral portion of flange  130  does not extend past a peripheral portion of front cover  121 . Such an arrangement protects against inadvertent or undesired contact between flange  130  and a user or nearby objects to protect motor  150  against encountering unnecessary drag and against damage to flange, the user, or other nearby objects as flange  130  is rotated by motor  150 . Specifically, front cover  121  preferably includes peripheral wall  128  projecting out from surface  121   b  whereby peripheral wall  128  at least partially encloses flange  130 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  shows back cover  123  preferably including molded grip portion  129  integrally formed therein whereby a user may conveniently grasp and hold cable winder  100 . Back cover  123  preferably further includes opening  127  disposed therethrough in a region proximate grip portion  129  such that switch  180  may preferably be mounted through opening  127  and preferably be readily accessible to a user holding cable winder  100  by grip portion  129 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 8  shows cable tie  222  preferably formed as a strap having length L in a direction from first end  222   a  to second end  222   b.  Length L is preferably greater than width W in a direction from first side  222   c  to second side  222   d.  Cable tie  222  is preferably formed of metal and preferably has a coating of plastic over substantially all of its exterior surface. Alternatively, however, any suitable materials may be used to form cable tie  222 , such as a resilient plastic, so long as cable tie  222  maintains the ability to perform the cable tie function, as described in more detail below. As shown most clearly in  FIG. 9 , in a first configuration, cable tie  222  preferably has a modest curvature in the direction of width W, and is preferably substantially straight in the direction of length L. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 10-12 , cable tie  222  is preferably removably attached to pillars  221   a  and  221   b  proximate ends  222   a  and  222   b  such that medial portion  222   e  is suspended between pillars  221   a  and  221   b.  Cable tie  222  is preferably removably attached to pillars  221   a  and  222   b  by magnets  223 , which are preferably operably connected to pillars  221   a  and  221   b.  Once cable  224  is placed in the wound configuration, such as by securing first end  225  between two adjacent tines  111  with cable  224  slidably secured in cable guide  190  and operating switch  180  to wind cable  224  onto spool unit  135 , cable  224  in the wound configuration may preferably be slid axially over tines  111  away from flange  130  until cable  224  is substantially separated from cable winder  100 . At least a portion of cable  224  may then preferably be pushed into medial portion  222   e,  thereby causing cable tie  222  to deform out of the plane of the direction of length L. Such deflection preferably causes at least a portion of cable tie  222  to become straight in the direction of width W, thereby causing cable tie  222  to curl in the direction of length L. Thus, cable tie  222  is converted from the first configuration described above to a second configuration, in which cable tie  222  is curled around at least a portion of cable  224 , thereby securing cable  224  in the wound configuration, and substantially preventing uncoiling of cable  224 . 
         [0049]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only to show principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will occur quite often to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all equivalents and relevant modifications may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.