DESCRIPTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/368,654 filed July 17, 2022, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present subject matter relates to a cord storage device, and more particularly, to a low-profile cord storage device that remains connected to the cord at all times.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Cord storage devices are known in the art. While such devices according to the prior art provide a number of advantages, they nevertheless have certain limitations. The present disclosure seeks to overcome certain of those limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features not heretofore available. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present disclosure is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the disclosed subject technology relates to a cord storage device that can remain connected to the cord during usage and storage of the cord.

[0005] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device comprising: a longitudinally extending main body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface, a bore extending through the longitudinally extending main body from the first end to the second end to create a sidewall between the bore and the outer surface, a longitudinal slit extending through the sidewall from the outer surface to the bore, the slit extending from the first end of the main body to the second end of the main body; a first pivot arm pivotally connected to the main body adjacent the first end of the main body, the first pivot arm pivoting between a first stop position generally linear with the longitudinally extending main body and a second stop position at an angle to the longitudinally extending main body, and wherein at least a portion of the first pivot arm can subsequently pivot angularly past the second stop position upon manipulation of the cord storage device; and, a second pivot arm pivotally connected to the main body adjacent the second end of the main body, the second pivot arm pivoting between a first stop position generally linear with the longitudinally extending main body and a second stop position at an angle to the longitudinally extending main body, and wherein the second pivot arm is prevented from pivoting angularly past the second stop position at all times.

[0006] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device comprising: a longitudinally extending main body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface, a bore extending through the longitudinally extending main body from the first end to the second end to create a sidewall between the bore and the outer surface, a longitudinal slit extending through the sidewall from the outer surface to the bore, the slit extending from the first end of the main body to the second end of the main body; a first pivot arm pivotally connected to the main body adjacent the first end of the main body, the first pivot arm pivoting between a first stop position generally linear with the longitudinally extending main body and a second stop position at an angle to the longitudinally extending main body; and, a second pivot arm pivotally connected to the main body adjacent the second end of the main body, the second pivot arm pivoting between a first stop position generally linear with the longitudinally extending main body and a second stop position at an angle to the longitudinally extending main body, and wherein the second pivot arm is prevented from pivoting angularly past the second stop position at all times.

[0007] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device comprising: a longitudinally extending main body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface, a bore extending through the longitudinally extending main body from the first end to the second end to create a sidewall between the bore and the outer surface, a longitudinal slit extending through the sidewall from the outer surface to the bore, the slit extending from the first end of the main body to the second end of the main body; a first pivot arm pivotally connected to the main body adjacent the first end of the main body, the first pivot arm pivoting between a first stop position generally linear with the longitudinally extending main body and a second stop position at an angle to the longitudinally extending main body; a second pivot arm pivotally connected to the main body adjacent the second end of the main body, the second pivot arm pivoting between a first stop position generally linear with the longitudinally extending main body and a second stop position at an angle to the longitudinally extending main body, and wherein the second pivot arm is prevented from pivoting angularly past the second stop position at all times; and, wherein the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm have integral stops to prevent pivoting of the first and second pivot arms, respectively, past the second stop position.

[0008] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device further comprising a slide lock connected to the longitudinally extending main body of the cord storage device and axially moveable on the longitudinally extending main body between a lock position and an unlock position, the slide lock having a tab that engages the first pivot arm when the slide lock is in the lock position to prevent the first pivot arm from pivoting beyond the second stop position.

[0009] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device wherein the slide lock has a longitudinal slot extending through a sidewall of the slide lock.

[0010] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device wherein the slide lock is also rotatable about the outer surface of the longitudinally extending main body.

[0011] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device wherein the first pivot arm has a first lower edge, wherein the second pivot arm has a second lower edge, wherein the first lower edge of the first pivot arm is positioned a first distance from a pivot point of the first pivot arm, wherein the second lower edge of the second pivot arm is positioned a second distance from a pivot point of the second pivot arm, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0012] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device further comprising a third pivot arm pivotally connected to the main body adjacent the first end of the main body, and a fourth pivot arm pivotally connected to the main body adjacent the second end of the main body.

[0013] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device further comprising a slide lock connected to the longitudinally extending main body of the cord storage device and axially moveable on the longitudinally extending main body between a lock and an unlock position, the slide lock engaging the first pivot arm and the third pivot arm in the locked position to prevent the first pivot arm and the third pivot arm from pivoting to a position generally linear with the longitudinally extending main body.

[0014] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device wherein the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm have integral stops to prevent pivoting of the first and second pivot arms, respectively, past the second stop position.

[0015] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device wherein the pivot axis of the first pivot aim crosses a vertical axis of the bore of the longitudinally extending main body.

[0016] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device wherein the pivot axis of the first pivot arm does not cross a vertical axis of the bore of the longitudinally extending main body.

[0017] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device wherein the first pivot arm has a flexible portion to allow a portion of the first pivot arm to be bent.

[0018] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device wherein the second pivot arm has a flexible portion to allow a portion of the second pivot arm to be bent.

[0019] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device wherein at least a portion of the first pivot arm can subsequently pivot angularly past the second stop position upon manipulation of the cord storage device.

[0020] The disclosed technology further relates to a cord storage device further comprising a slide lock connected to the longitudinally extending main body of the cord storage device and axially moveable on the longitudinally extending main body between a lock position and an unlock position, the slide lock having a tab that engages the first pivot arm when the slide lock is in the lock position to prevent the first pivot arm from pivoting beyond the second stop position.

[0021] It is understood that other embodiments and configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] To understand the present disclosure, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the disclosures are illustrated and, together with the descriptions below are incorporated in and constitute a pail of this specification, and serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cord storage device in a closed configuration according to the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the cord storage device of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the cord storage device of FIG. 2 in an open configuration according to the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a slide lock for the cord storage device of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a first pivot arm for the cord storage device of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a second pivot arm for the cord storage device of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure. [0029] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the cord storage device of FIG. 2 in an open configuration and with a cord wrapped on the cord storage device according to the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the cord storage device of FIG. 2 in an open configuration and with the slide lock slid down to allow the cord to be removed from the cord storage device according to the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of another cord storage device in a closed configuration according to the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the cord storage device of FIG. 9 in an open configuration according to the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 11 is partial view of the first end of the main body of the cord storage device of FIG. 9 with the pivot arms removed according to the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 12 is partial view of a pivot arm for the cord storage device of FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the cord storage device of FIG. 9 in an open configuration and with a cord wrapped on the cord storage device according to the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of another cord storage device in an open configuration according to the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the cord storage device of FIG. 14 in the open configuration according to the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of another cord storage device in an open configuration according to the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the cord storage device of FIG. 16 in the closed configuration according to the present disclosure. [0040] FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of another cord storage device in an open configuration according to the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the cord storage device of FIG. 18 according to the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the cord storage device of FIG. 18 with the pivot arms bent to retain cords according to the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view of the cord storage device of FIG. 18 with the pivot arms straight according to the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 22 is partial view of a pivot arm for the cord storage device of FIG. 18 according to the present disclosure.

[0045] In one or more implementations, not all of the depicted components in each figure may be required, and one or more implementations may include additional components not shown in a figure. V ariations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as one of ordinary skill in the relevant art would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Further, descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the present disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law.

[0047] Generally, this disclosure describes various embodiments of a storage device 10 for storing ropes, cords, cables, wires, hoses, strings of lights, computer cables, headphone cables or any other elongated flexible member 12. In one embodiment the storage device 10 has an elongated main body 14, a first pivot arm 16 and a second pivot arm 18.

[0048] As shown in the figures, various embodiments of the storage device 10 comprise a longitudinally extending main body 14 having a first end 20, a second end 22 and an outer surface 24. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the main body 14 is circular, however, other geometries arc also acceptable. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the main body 14 could be a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, or polygonal shape of many sides. There are some advantages to a square, hexagon or octagon shape as the edges along the length of the faceted main body may be preferred for better grip or different aesthetic look.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a bore 26 extends through the longitudinally extending main body 14 from the first end 20 to the second end 22 to create a sidewall 28 between the bore 26 and the outer surface 24. Further, a longitudinal slit 30 extends through the sidewall 28 from the outer surface 24 to the bore 26. The slit 30 extends from the first end 20 of the main body 14 to the second end 22 of the main body 14. The width of slit 30 should be sufficiently wide to allow for different cord thicknesses. Additionally, in one embodiment the material of the main body 14 is such that it can flex slightly to allow for different cord thicknesses to pass through the slit 30. In another embodiment, not shown, an elastomeric or resilient material is over molded, inserted or adhered to the slit 30, including such as a wiper seal, in order to provide flexibility for different diameter cords to pass through the slit 30 while providing resistance to retain the cord within the bore 26. In a preferred embodiment, the cord 12 is positioned within the bore 26 of the main body 14 and the cord storage device 10 is retained on the cord 12 during use of the cord 12 as well as during storage of the cord 12 when the cord 12 is wound around the cord storage device 10. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, once the cord 12 is fitted in the cord storage device 10, the cord storage device 10 is not removed from the cord 12.

[0050] The cord storage device 10 also has at least one pivot arm 16 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the first end 20 of the main body 14, referred to herein as the first pivot arm 16, and at least one pivot arm 18 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the second end 22 of the main body 14, referred to herein as the second pivot arm 18. In one embodiment, the first pivot arm 16 and the second pivot arm 18 are each shorter in length than the main body 14. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first pivot arm 16 is pivotally attached to the main body 14 at pivot axis 32, and the second pivot arm 18 is pivotally attached to the main body 14 at pivot axis 34. In one embodiment, the pivot arms 16 and 18 are pivotally connected to the main body 14 at pivot axes 32 and 34, respectively, using a common fastener like a rivet, screw, axle or molded snap feature such that the pivot arms arc allowed to rotate around their respective pivot axis. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, the pivot axis 32, 34 for the pivot arms 16, 18 are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal aspect of the main body 14. Further, in one embodiment, the pivot axis 32 of the first pivot arm 16 crosses a vertical axis of the bore 26 of the longitudinally extending main body 14.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first pivot arm 16 pivots between a first stop position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, generally linear with or in-line with the longitudinally extending main body 14, and a second stop position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, at an angle to the longitudinally extending main body 14. Preferably the angle of the first pivot arm 16 in the second stop position is less than 90° as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. When the first pivot arm 16 is at the second stop position a first recess 36 is created. Further, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, at least a portion of the first pivot arm 16 can subsequently pivot angularly past the second stop position upon manipulation of the cord storage device 10.

[0052] Similarly, in one embodiment, the second pivot arm 18 pivots between a first stop position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, generally linear with or in-line with the longitudinally extending main body 14, and a second stop position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, at an angle to the longitudinally extending main body 14. Preferably the angle of the second pivot arm 18 in the second stop position is less than 90° as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. When the second pivot arm 18 is at the second stop position a second recess 38 is created. On difference, however, between the first pivot arm 16 and the second pivot arm 18, in one embodiment, is that the second pivot arm 18 is prevented from pivoting angularly past the second stop position at all times. This is shown in FIG. 7 where the first pivot arm 16 pivots past its second stop position while the second pivot arm 18 is maintained at its second stop position.

[0053] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the first and second pivot arms 16 and 18 pivot away from the main body 14 in opposite directions. In the extended position when the pivot arms 16 and 18 are at their second stop positions the main body 14 and first and second pivot arms 16 and 18 form a K-shaped frame which is used to wrap up the cord in the upper and lower recesses of the K-shaped frame. In FIG. 7, the cord 12 drawn in phantom lines is held onto the K-shaped frame when the length of cord 12 is wrapped around the cord storage device 10 as the user repeatedly positions the cord 12 in the first and second recesses 36, 38 between the first and second pivot arms 16, 18.

[0054] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8 includes a slide lock 42, as shown in FIG. 4, that is connected to the longitudinally extending main body 14 of the cord storage device 10 and is positioned between the first and second pivot arms 16, 18. The slide lock 42 has an inner surface 44 that preferable mates with the outer surface 24 of the main body 14, and an outer surface 46. The slide lock 42 also has a longitudinal slot 48 through a sidewall of the slide lock 42 to allow a cord 12 to pass therethrough and into the bore 26 of the main body 14 when the slot 48 is aligned with the slit 30 in the main body 14. The slide lock 42 is generally axially moveable on the longitudinally extending main body 14 between a lock position, shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, and an unlock position shown in FIG. 8. In one embodiment, there is a tight fit between the slide lock 42 and the main body 14 so that the slide lock 42 holds its position on the main body 14 until manipulated by the user. In another embodiment, the slide lock 42 has a raised surface 50 extending from its inner surface 44 that is approximately the same width and engages with the slit 30 in the main body 14 so that the raised surface 50 rides in the slit 30 of the main body 14 when axially moving the slide lock 42 on the main body 14, without rotating. However, when sufficient rotational force is applied by the user to the raised surface 50 rides up and out of slit 30 of the main body 14 so that slide lock 42 is allowed to rotate on the main body 14. Thus, the slide lock 42 is rotatable about the outer surface 24 of the longitudinally extending main body 14. To insert a cord 12 into the bore 26 of the main body 14 the slide lock 42 is rotated such that the slot 48 of the slide lock 42 mates with the slit 30 in the main body 14. Once the cord 12 is within the bore 26 of the main body 14, the slide lock 42 can be rotated so that the raised surface 50 is positioned in line with slit 30 of the main body 14 to allow the slide lock 42 to slide up and down without rotation. In one embodiment, the slide lock 42 also has a tab 52 extending up from the body of the slide lock 42. Further, in an alternate embodiment the slide lock 42 has two opposing tabs 52, approximately 180° apart. In one embodiment, at least one of the tabs 52 line up with the raised surface 50 of the slide lock 42.

[0055] The first pivot arm 16 is shown in FIG. 5, and the second pivot arm 18 is shown in FIG. 6. The first pivot arm 16 has a first end 54 adjacent the first pivot axis 32, and a second end 56 opposite the first end 54. The first pivot arm 16 also has a first lower edge 58 that is a first distance from the first pivot axis 32 of the first pivot arm 16. Similarly, the second pivot arm 18 has a first end 60 adjacent the second pivot axis 34, and a second end 62 opposite the first end 60. The second pivot arm 18 also has a second lower edge 64 that is a second distance from the second pivot axis 34 of the second pivot arm 18. In one embodiment, the first distance of the first lower edge 58 from the first pivot axis 32 is greater than the second distance of the second lower edge 64 from the second pivot axis 34. Accordingly, the first pivot arm 16 is able to pivot beyond the second stop position because the first distance between the first lower edge 58 of the first pivot arm 16 is further from the first pivot axis 32 as compared to the second distance between the second lower edge 64 of the second pivot arm 18 and the second pivot axis 34. However, when the slide lock 42 is positioned up under the first pivot arm 16 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, the slide lock 42 prevents the first pivot arm 16 from pivoting beyond the second stop position. In one embodiment, the first lower edge 58 of the first pivot arm 16 and the second lower edge 64 of the second pivot arm 18 are integral stops for each pivot arm, respectively, preventing the pivot arms from pivoting past the second stop position. However, as explained herein, in one embodiment the first pivot arm 16 can pivot past the second stop position when the slide lock 42 is moved.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the slide lock 42 is rotated 90° the slide lock 42 closes the slit 30 in the main body 14. Further, the tab 52 of the slide lock 42 will align with the first lower edge 58 of the first pivot arm 16. The user can slide the slide lock 42 up toward the first pivot arm 16 into what is referred to as the lock position. When the slide lock 42 is slid up toward the first pivot arm 16 the slide lock 42, and in one embodiment the tab 52 of the slide lock 42, will engage the first end 54 of the first pivot lock 16 as shown in FIG. 2 in the lock position of the slide lock 42 to retain the first pivot arm 16 in the second stop position and prevent the first pivot arm 16 from pivoting beyond the second stop position. Then, when the user wants to utilize the cord storage device 10 to wrap the cord 12, the user pivots the first pivot arm 16 and the second pivot arm 18 away from the main body 14 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0057] In one embodiment, when the slide lock 42 is rotated to close the slit 30 in the main body 14 and is further positioned against the first end 54 of the first pivot arm 16, and then the first pivot arm 16 is pivoted away from the main body 14 as shown in FIG. 3, the first pivot arm 16 is held at an acute angle to the main body 14 because of the interference of the tab 52 against the first lower edge 58 of the first pivot arm 16. In one embodiment, the point of interference between the tab 52 and the first lower edge 58 of the first pivot arm 16 is below the first pivot axis 32 of the first pivot arm 16. Conversely, when the second pivot arm 18 is pivoted away from the main body 14 as shown in FIG. 3, the second pivot arm 18 is held at an acute angle to the main body 14 because of the interference of the second lower edge 64 against the outer surface 24 of the main body 14. This is because the second lower edge 64 is closer to the second pivot axis 34 of the second pivot arm 18 than the first lower edge 58 of the first pivot arm 16 is to the first pivot axis 32 of the first pivot arm 16.

[0058] In order to remove the cord 12 from the storage device 10, it is not necessary to unwind the entire cord from the device 10. Rather, when the user desires to remove the wound up coils of cord 12 the user slides the slide lock 42 down away from the first pivot arm 16 as shown in FIG. 8. Because the distance between the first pivot axis 32 and the first lower edge 58 is increased, when the slide lock 42, and specifically the tab 52 of the slide lock 42 is removed from being between the first pivot arm 16 and the main body 14, the first pivot arm 16 is able to pivot to an increased angle beyond the second stop as shown in FIG. 8, which may be beyond 90°. Put another way, because the first pivot arm 16 does not engage the main body 14 in the second stop position, but rather engages the slide lock 42, when the slide lock 42 is slid down the first pivot arm 16 can pivot to a greater angle. Conversely, the second lower edge 64 of the second pivot arm 18 interferes with the main body 14 at the second stop position and therefore cannot pivot to a great angle.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, when the first pivot arm 16 is positioned angularly past the second stop position the coils of wound cord 12 are allowed to slide off the first and second pivot arms 16, 18 as a group, and in one motion, because the distance between the second end 56 of the first pivot arm 16 and the second end 62 of the second pivot arm 18 is reduced in relation to the size of the cord loops. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 7, before the first pivot arm 16 is pivoted past the second stop position, the acute angles of the first pivot arm 16 and the second pivot arm 18 with respect to the main body 14 allows the cord storage device 10 to hold the cord 12 onto the frame close to the main body 14.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment the main body 14 has apertures 66 to allow for a cable tie or wire to attach the main body 14 to the cord 12 if desired. The cord storage device 10 could be attached toward one end of a cord 12 or in the middle of the cord 12. If the cord storage device 10 is attached to the middle of a cord (like an electrical extension cord) then both the front half and back half of the cord could be grabbed and wrapped around the cord storage device 10 at the same time thereby cutting the time to wrap the cord in half. Further, in one embodiment, the cord storage device 10 has a slot 68 in the main body 14, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, that could be used to store a Velcro® strap or wire that would be used to wrap around the bundle of cord lengths stored on the cord storage device 10. Another benefit of this cord storage device 10 is that if only a portion of the cord 12 is needed for use, most of the cord 12 could stay wrapped on the cord storage device 10 while only the portion that is needed could be unwrapped. Although the main body 14 is shown as one piece, the main body 14 could be split into two or more pieces that are allowed to telescope between each other and lock into place so that the length of the main body 14 could be longer or shorter depending on user needs. Likewise, the first and second pivot arms 16, 18 are shown as one piece, but the first and second pivot arms 16, 18 could be each made of multiple pieces so that the length of the pivot arms could be made longer or shorter.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 9-13, another embodiment of a cord storage device 10 is shown. The cord storage device 10 of this embodiment has similar structure to the first embodiment, however, this cord storage device 10 has four separate pivot arms. For example, the cord storage device 10 has a main body having a first end 20, a second end 22 and an outer surface 24. A bore 26 extends through the longitudinally extending main body 14 from the first end 20 to the second end 22 to create a sidewall 28 between the bore 26 and the outer surface 24. Further, a longitudinal slit 30 extends through the sidewall 28 from the outer surface 24 to the bore 26. The slit 30 extends from the first end 20 of the main body 14 to the second end 22 of the main body 14. In a preferred embodiment, the cord 12 is positioned within the bore 26 of the main body 14 and the cord storage device 10 is retained on the cord 12 during use of the cord 12 as well as during storage of the cord 12 when the cord 12 is wound around the cord storage device 10. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, once the cord 12 is fitted in the cord storage device 10, the cord storage device 10 is not removed from the cord 12.

[0062] With respect to the pivot arms, in this embodiment the cord storage device 10 has a first pivot arm 16 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the first end 20 of the main body 14, a second pivot arm 18 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the second end 22 of the main body 14, a third pivot arm 70 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the first end 20 of the main body 14 on the opposite side of the main body 14 as the first pivot arm 16, and a fourth pivot arm 72 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the second end 22 of the main body 14 on the opposite side of the main body 14 as the second pivot arm 18.

[0063] FIGS. 10 and 13 shows all four pivot arms in the extended position where all four pivot arms are positioned at an acute angle to the main body 14 forming an elongated X-shaped frame where the top and bottom portions of the X are used to store the cord 12. Conversely, FIG. 9 shows all four pivot arms in the retracted position where all four pivot arms are in-line with the main body 12. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13, the coils of cord 12 are shown wound around the pivot arms and held in the first recessed area between the first and third pivot arms 16, and 70, and in the second recessed area between the second and fourth pivot arms 18 and 72. In this embodiment all four pivot arms 16, 18, 70 and 72 rotate 180° from the retracted position as shown in FIG. 9 to the extended position as shown in FIG. 10.

[0064] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 1 , the main body 14 has a separate recess 74 with an angled surface 76 at each joint for connection with the four pivot arms 16, 18, 70, 72, respectively. The angled surface 76 of each recess 74 is preferably provided at an acute angle to outside surface of the main body 14. Further, each pivot arm has a mating raised angled surface 78 at the end thereof. The mating raised angled surface 78 is provided at an acute angle to the inside surface 80 of each pivot arm, respectively. The raised angled surface 78 on the pivot arms 16, 18, 70, 72 mates with the angled surface 76 in the respective recesses in the main body 14 such that both angled surfaces 76 and 78 are contacting when the pivot arms 16, 18, 70, 72 are pivotally attached to the main body 14 with a fastener. The pivot axis 80 between the arms 16, 18, 70, 72 and the main body 14 is generally perpendicular to the angled surfaces 76 of the recesses 74 and the angled surfaces 78 of the pivot arms 16, 18, 70, 72 such that each pivot axis 80 is at an acute angle to the main body 14. Because of the acute angle of each pivot axis 80, the pivot arms 16, 18, 70, 72 flare out and away from the main body 14 as they rotate through 180° of rotation from their first retracted position, as shown in FIG. 9, to their second extended position, as shown in FIGS 10 and 13. The position of the pivot arms 16, 18, 70, 72 is therefore generally adjacent to and in-line with the main body 14 in the first retracted position and at an acute angle away from the main body 14 in the second extended position when viewed from the front. The angle between the pivot arms 16, 18, 70, 72 and the main body 14 is generally equal to the angle of the angled surface 76 of the recesses added to the angle of the angled surface 78 of the pivot arms 16, 18, 70, 72. Further, the pivot arms may have protrusions 82 on the angled surfaces 78 that mate with depressions 84 in the recesses 74 at the 0° position (the first retracted position of FIG. 9) and the 180° position (the second extended position of FIGS. 10 and 13) to assist in retaining the pivot arms 16, 18, 70, 72 in each of the retracted and extended positions.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 14-17, another embodiment of a cord storage device 10 is shown. The cord storage device 10 of this embodiment has similar structure to the first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, the cord storage device 10 has four separate pivot arms. Like the earlier embodiments, this embodiment of the cord storage device 10 has a main body having a first end 20, a second end 22 and an outer surface 24. A bore 26 extends through the longitudinally extending main body 14 from the first end 20 to the second end 22 to create a sidewall 28 between the bore 26 and the outer surface 24. Further, a longitudinal slit 30 extends through the sidewall 28 from the outer surface 24 to the bore 26. The slit 30 extends from the first end 20 of the main body 14 to the second end 22 of the main body 14. Tn a preferred embodiment, the cord 12 is positioned within the bore 26 of the main body 14 and the cord storage device 10 is retained on the cord 12 during use of the cord 12 as well as during storage of the cord 12 when the cord 12 is wound around the cord storage device 10. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, once the cord 12 is fitted in the cord storage device 10, the cord storage device 10 is not removed from the cord 12.

[0066] With respect to the pivot arms, and like the pivot arms of the second embodiment, in this embodiment the cord storage device 10 has a first pivot arm 16 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the first end 20 of the main body 14, a second pivot arm 18 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the second end 22 of the main body 14, a third pivot arm 70 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the first end 20 of the main body 14 on the opposite side of the main body 14 as the first pivot arm 16, and a fourth pivot arm 72 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the second end 22 of the main body 14 on the opposite side of the main body 14 as the second pivot arm 18.

[0067] FIGS. 14 and 15 shows all four pivot arms in the extended position where all four pivot arms are positioned at an acute angle to the main body 14 forming an elongated X-shaped frame where the top and bottom portions of the X are used to store the cord 12. Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 9-13 where the pivot arms rotate 180° between the retracted and extended positions, in this embodiment the pivot arms pivot about an arcuate angle similar to the pivot arms of the first embodiment. Further, the pivot axis 86 for each of the four pivot arms is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body 14 of the cord storage device 10. The first and third pivot arms 16 and 70 at the first end 20 of the main body 14 can be positioned in-line with the main body 14 or pivoted away from the main body 14 at an acute angle as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Similarly, the second and fourth pivot arms 18 and 72 at the second end 22 of the main body 14 can be positioned in-line with the main body 14 or pivoted away from the main body 14 at an acute angle as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0068] Further, a slide lock 42 is provided to retain the first and third pivot arms 16 and 70 in the second locked position during retention of the cord 12, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, and the slide lock 42 can be slid down the main body 14 to allow the first and third pivot arms 16 and 70 to pivot down beyond 90° to release the coils of cords 12 that would be held between the first and third pivot arms 16 and 70 at the first end 20 of the main body 14. The slide lock 42 engages the first pivot arm 16 and the third pivot arm 70 in the locked position to prevent the first pivot arm 16 and the third pivot arm 70 from pivoting to a position generally linear with the longitudinally extending main body 14. Additionally, in this embodiment a secondary stop 88 extends from the main body 14 adjacent the second end 22 of the main body 14 to assist in keeping the second and fourth pivot arms 18 and 72 in the second locked position (i.e., the extended position).

[0069] FIGS. 16 and 17 disclose another embodiment of the cord storage device 10 that has a similar motion and slide lock structure to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, except that all four pivot arms are only attached on the front side of the main body 14. FIG. 16 illustrates all four pivot arms in the extended or second locked position away from the main body at an acute angle, and FIG. 17 illustrates all four pivot arms positioned in-line with the main body in the first retracted position.

[0070] Another embodiment of the cord storage device 10 is shown in FIGS. 18-22. In this embodiment, cord storage device 10 generally comprises a longitudinally extending main body 14 having a first end 20, a second end 22 and an outer surface 24. A bore 26 extends through the longitudinally extending main body 14 from the first end 20 to the second end 22, and a longitudinal slit 30 extends through a sidewall 28 of the main body 14 to provide side access to the bore 26. The slit 30 extends from the first end 20 of the main body 14 to the second end 22 of the main body 14. In a preferred embodiment, once the cord 12 is fitted in the cord storage device 10, the cord storage device 10 is not removed from the cord 12.

[0071] The cord storage device 10 also has a first pivot arm 16 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the first end 20 of the main body 14, and a second pivot arm 18 pivotally connected to the main body 14 adjacent the second end 22 of the main body 14. As shown in FIGS. 18-20, the first pivot arm 16 is pivotally attached to the main body 14 at pivot axis 32, and the second pivot arm 18 is pivotally attached to the main body 14 at pivot axis 34. In the embodiment of FIGS. 18-20, the pivot axis 32, 34 for the pivot arms 16, 18 are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal aspect of the main body 14, however, unlike other embodiments, the pivot axis 32, 34 for the pivot arms 16 and 18 of this embodiment are outside the main body 14, and therefore do not cross a vertical axis of the bore 26 of the main body 14. [0072] In one embodiment, the first pivot arm 16 pivots between a first stop position generally linear with or in-line with the longitudinally extending main body 14 (not shown), and a second stop position, as shown in FIGS. 18-21, at an angle to the longitudinally extending main body 14. Preferably the angle of the first pivot arm 16 in the second stop position is less than 90° as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. When the first pivot arm 16 is at the second stop position a first recess 36 is created. In this embodiment, the first pivot arm 16 has an integral stop 90 to prevent further pivoting of the first pivot arm 16 past the second stop position.

[0073] Similarly, in one embodiment, the second pivot arm 18 pivots between a first stop position as shown generally linear with or in-line with the longitudinally extending main body 14 (not shown), and a second stop position, as shown in FIGS. 18-21, at an angle to the longitudinally extending main body 14. Preferably the angle of the second pivot arm 18 in the second stop position is less than 90° as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. When the second pivot arm 18 is at the second stop position a second recess 38 is created. In this embodiment, the second pivot arm 18 has an integral stop 90 to prevent further pivoting of the second pivot arm 18 past the second stop position.

[0074] In one embodiment a portion of the first and second pivot arms 16 and 18 are flexible and can be bent as shown in FIG. 20 to assist in retaining the wrapped coils of cord 12. Further, in one embodiment, the pivot arms comprise an internal metal wire 92 with an external hard plastic component 94 at the first end 54 and 60, respectively, that may taper away from the first end, and a softer more resilient plastic 96, such as PVC, TPU or TPE, molded around the second end 56 and 62 respectively of the pivot arms 16 and 18. The smaller wall thickness of the harder plastic and softer material toward the second ends of the pivot arms allow the pivot arms 16 and 18 to be bent as shown in FIG. 20. The internal metal wire 92 will allow the pivot arm to hold its shape when bent until it is moved by a user. The pivot arm can be bent in generally any direction to allow for removal of the cord 12.

[0075] It is understood that the scale of the cord storage device 10 could be very small for use with smaller cords like headphone earbud cords or increased to be used for larger diameter hoses hundreds of feet long. Further, the cord storage device 10 could be used on any long flexible member whether it is separate from an appliance, such as an electrical extension cord, or attached to an appliance, such as an electric hair dryer with attached cord.

[0076] In addition to being pivotally attached to the main body, the first and second pivot arms, also called upper and lower arms, could be plugged into sockets, or threaded onto screws or otherwise attached to the main body.

[0077] In one embodiment, the cord storage device includes a longitudinal main body and upper and lower arms that are allowed to pivot away from the body at an acute angle to create upper and lower recesses between the arms and the main body to hold a wound length of cord or other elongated flexible member. When the upper and lower arms are both positioned at an acute angle to the main body they create recesses (winding regions) between the arms and the main body to hold coils of wound cord. Releasing the upper arm from its locked position to pivot, including beyond 90 degrees in relation to the main body, allows the wound length of cord to be released all at once for immediate use. The upper and lower arms can also be held in a position in line with the tubular body and length of cord so as to not impede the normal use of the elongated flexible member.

[0078] The cord storage device 10 assists in neatly storing long lengths of cords, cables, ropes, wires, string of holiday lights, corded headphones, USB cords, power cords. The storage device is allowed to stay on the cord with a very low-profile rigid device along a short portion of the cord such that it doesn’t impede the normal use of the cord in the retracted position. The upper and lower arms can be extended to create a K or X shaped frame which is used to wrap up the cord to store neatly on a compact frame. The cord is wrapped around the upper and lower recesses between the pivoting arms and the main body. After wrapping the cord around the frame, the free end of the cord could be tucked into the tight coils of the cord that are wrapped around the frame or a secondary Velcro® type strap could be used to hold the free end of the cord to the cord bundle. Another option is that if only a portion of the cord is needed for use, most of the cord could stay wrapped on the device while only the portion that is needed could be unwrapped from the device.

[0079] The embodiments detailed hereinabove may be combined in full or in part, with any alternative embodiments described. [0080] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the subject technology. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

[0081] Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0082] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” as used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Further, the term “plurality” as used herein indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Additionally, the term “having” as used herein in both the disclosure and claims, is utilized in an open-ended manner.

[0083] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of’ preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of’ does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0084] To the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases.

[0085] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the subject technology. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.”

[0086] While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of particular implementations of the subject matter. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0087] The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0088] It will be understood that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, arc to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the Claims are not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the disclosure and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

[0089] Further, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.