Take-up reel for tape containing conductors

• US 4,646,987 A
• Filed: 08/30/1985
• Issued: 03/03/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Retractable Cord Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: Edwin R. Peterson
• Inventors: Peterson, Edwin R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Levy, Stuart S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Werner, David
• Application Number:
  US06/776,672
• Time in Patent Office: 550 Days
• Field of Search: 242/107.1, 242/107.11, 242/107.12, 242/107, 242/100.1, 242/86.1, 191/12.2 R, 191/12.4, 179/178, 179/155
• US Class Current: 242/378.3
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 11/02 using take-up reel or drum
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/15 Protecting or guiding telephone cords

Abstract

A tape containing communication conductors, such as telephone wires, or conductors for other purposes, is connected at mid-length to the hub of a spring operated takeup reel so that the reel winds in the opposite end portions of the tape one on top of each other in a single roll of tape. The reel, including its housing, is supported by the opposite ends of the tape.

Claims

1. A take-up reel unit including a tape containing a conductor extending within the tape from end to end thereof, connector fittings for said conductor on opposite ends of said tape.

a pin interconnecting end flanges on a reel in a hub portion of the reel, said tape being looped at mid length around said pin to secure the tape to the reel,

a housing comprising a cylindrical frame enclosing said reel for rotation therein, separate openings in said housing for opposite end portions of said tape, said reel and housing being supported by said end portions of said tape,

an end wall on said cylindrical frame having a pair of ears projecting radially therefrom adjacent said openings, and pins in said ears supporting rollers for the tape,

said hub portion of said reel comprising a cylindrical tape winding member, a thickened central portion in said end wall of said frame having a cylindrical shoulder projecting into one end of said reel member and providing a supporting bearing for the reel, a cover plate for said housing mounted on said pins, and a thickened central portion in said cover plate having a cylindrical shoulder projecting into the opposite end of said reel and providing a second supporting bearing for the reel,

a coil spring for rotating said reel to wind opposite end portions of said tape on top of each other in a single roll of tape on the reel,

an axial stem on said end wall of said frame for anchoring an inner end of said spring within the hub of the tape reel, and a pair of shells covering said end wall and cover plate.