Integral storage assembly for detachable power cords

• US 4,101,089 A
• Filed: 05/23/1977
• Issued: 07/18/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: RCA Licensing Corporation
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Culbertson, Richard, Klucznik, Paul J.
• Primary Examiner(s): McCarthy, Edward J.
• Application Number:
  US05/799,459
• Time in Patent Office: 421 Days
• Field of Search: 242/85.1, 242/85, 191/12.2 R, 191/12.4, 339/119
• US Class Current: 242/400.1
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 75/36 without essentially involving the use of a core or former internal to a stored package of material, e.g. with stored material housed within casing or container, or intermittently engaging a plurality of supports as in sinuous or serpentine fashion
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 11/02 using take-up reel or drum

Abstract

Storage assembly for detachable power cords having male and female ends, constructed integrally with an external surface of a portable electrical device that can be energized either by self contained batteries or by house power, the storage assembly providing convenient storage for the power cord during times when the cord is not in use. The storage assembly comprises a wrapping surface constructed integrally with and extending at approximately right angles to the external surface and arranged in a closed path on the external surface, at least a portion of the wrapping surface having an overhanging extension disposed approximately parallel to the external surface, whereby the power cord can be wrapped around the wrapping surface and held in place between the external surface and the overhanging extension. The storage assembly further comprises means for securing both the male and female ends of the power cord.

Claims

1. A storage assembly for storing on an external surface of a portable electrical device a detachable power cord having male and female ends, comprising:

a. a wrapping surface extending at approximately right angles to said external surface and arranged to provide a closed path on said surface,

b. at least a portion of said wrapping surface having an outwardly projecting overhanging extension disposed approximately parallel to said external surface,

c. first means joined to said external surface for securing the female end of the power cord, and

d. second means joined to said external surface for securing the male end of the power cord, whereby said power cord can be wrapped around said wrapping surface and held in place between said external surface and overhanging extension with its male and female ends secured.

2. A storage assembly as in claim 1 wherein said wrapping surface is composed of the outer surface of a four-sided walled enclosure and the overhanging extension is composed of a pair of flanges joined to the opposite sides of said walled enclosure.

3. A storage assembly as in claim 2 wherein said first means includes outside said walled enclosure at least one pair of parallel rib structures spaced apart by an amount corresponding to a dimension of the female end so as to securely hold said female end in place, said rib structure accommodating different length cords.

4. A storage assembly as in claim 3 wherein three pair of parallel rib structures are provided to the outside of three sides of said walled enclosure.

5. A storage assembly as in claim 4 whrein said second means includes within said walled enclosure as well and a pair of spring loaded grooves for receiving said male end.

6. A storage assembly as in claim 5 that is constructed integrally with the housing of said electrical device.

7. A storage assembly as in claim 1 wherein said wrapping surface and overhanging extension are composed of a plurality of outwardly projecting posts.

8. A storage assembly as in claim 7 wherein said first means includes within said closed path a pair of inwardly projecting L shaped members for grasping said female end.

9. A storage assembly as in claim 8 wherein said second means includes also within said closed path a well and a further pair of inwardly projecting L shaped members for grasping said male end.

10. A storage assembly as in claim 9 that is constructed integrally with the housing of said electrical device.