Cord Spooler Device

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/663,713, which was filed on Jun. 25, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to the field of cord and hose winding devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cord spooler device that can be used to easily wind a cord or a hose in a manual or powered fashion. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

Many worksites, especially those involved in construction, manufacturing, or maintenance, rely heavily on a variety of extension cords to connect power tools, lights, and other electronic devices to a distant electricity source. Additionally, hoses are often used to supply air to various pneumatic tools and equipment. As the work progresses throughout the day, these cords and hoses can become entangled and scattered across the work area. At the end of the workday, it is crucial that these cords and hoses are properly rolled up and stored to prevent them from being left out in the open. If not stored properly, they can be susceptible to damage from heavy machinery or foot traffic and pose a significant tripping hazard to workers, leading to potential accidents and injuries.

The task of manually rolling up extension cords and hoses by hand at the end of a long workday can be particularly time-consuming and labor-intensive. Workers must often unwind and disentangle the cords and hoses before carefully coiling them up for storage. This repetitive task not only delays the cleanup process but also contributes to physical exhaustion and muscle fatigue, especially after a full day of strenuous labor. The physical strain involved in bending, pulling, and winding these heavy-duty cords and hoses can result in sore muscles and, over time, may lead to more serious repetitive strain injuries.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used to wind extension cords and hoses. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a cord spooler device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a cord spooler device that can be used to easily wind an extension cord or a hose via manual or electric power. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a cord spooler device that can be used to easily wind an extension cord or a hose via manual or electric power, wherein the device also secures a cord or hose during the winding process to prevent the cord or hose from becoming tangled.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a cord spooler device. The device is comprised of a cylindrical body that facilitates the organized winding of a power cord or hose. The body, which can rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis on an axle attached to a base, may include a tapered design for enhanced cord management. The device allows for manual rotation through a hand crank or powered rotation via a motor or can be adapted for use with a drill or electric rotary tool. The body features a recessed area with a fastener to secure a first end of a cord or hose prior to/during winding. During winding, the power cord or hose is neatly wound around the body, wherein the cord or hose can then be removed from the body in a wound state.

In this manner, the cord spooler device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a device that can be used to wind extension cords and hoses. The device can be used to easily wind an extension cord or a hose via manual or electric power. While doing so, the device also secures a cord or hose during the winding process to prevent the cord or hose from becoming tangled.

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a cord spooler device. The device is comprised of a body that facilitates the organized winding of a power cord around the body. The body rotates 360 degrees around the vertical axis of at least one axle that is attached to a base. In one embodiment, the axle can be manually rotated (to in turn rotate the body) via at least one manual hand crank. In another embodiment, the axle is rotated via at least one motor. In this embodiment, the rotation of the motor (i.e., on/off) can be controlled by at least one button positioned anywhere on the device. In a further embodiment, the axle and/or crank may be shaped to be received by a drill or other electric rotary tool that can be used to spin the axle.

To secure a first portion of a hose/cable to the body prior to winding, an area of the body may be comprised of a recessed area that receives the hose/cable. The recessed area may also be comprised of an additional fastener that further secures the hose/cable. The base may further be comprised of at least one opening that allows a fastener to be driven through the base to secure the base to a surface to reduce movement of the device during use. In a different embodiment, a bottom surface of the base may be comprised of a grip area with a raised or recessed texture made from a non-slip material such as but not limited to rubber.

The present invention is also comprised of a first method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body attached to an axle, the axle attached to a base, wherein the body is comprised of a recessed area and a fastener. Next, a first end of a hose or a cable can be placed into the recessed area and secured into said area via the fastener. Next, the axle can be rotated via a hand crank or electric rotary tool to spin the body such that the hose or cable is wound around the body. In an embodiment wherein the axle is powered by a motor, the axle can be rotated to spin the body such that the hose or cable is wound around the body via pressing a button to activate the motor. Finally, the hose or cable can be removed from the body (via undoing the fastener) in a wound configuration.

Accordingly, the cord spooler device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used to wind extension cords and hoses. The device can be used to easily wind an extension cord or a hose via manual or electric power. While doing so, the device also secures a cord or hose during the winding process to prevent the cord or hose from becoming tangled. In this manner, the cord spooler device provides a solution to easily winding cords and hoses in an organized manner.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used to wind extension cords and hoses. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a cord spooler device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a cord spooler device that can be used to easily wind an extension cord or a hose via manual or electric power. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a cord spooler device that can be used to easily wind an extension cord or a hose via manual or electric power, wherein the device also secures a cord or hose during the winding process to prevent the cord or hose from becoming tangled.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a cord spooler device comprised of a body that facilitates the organized winding of a power cord around the body. The body rotates 360 degrees around the vertical axis of at least one axle that is attached to a base. In one embodiment, the axle can be manually rotated (to in turn rotate the body) via at least one manual hand crank. In another embodiment, the axle is rotated via at least one motor. In this embodiment, the rotation of the motor (i.e., on/off) can be controlled by at least one button positioned anywhere on the device. In a further embodiment, the axle and/or crank may be shaped to be received by a drill or other electric rotary tool that can be used to spin the axle.

To secure a first portion of a hose/cable to the body prior to winding, an area of the body may be comprised of a recessed area that receives the hose/cable. The recessed area may also be comprised of an additional fastener that further secures the hose/cable. The base may further be comprised of at least one opening that allows a fastener to be driven through the base to secure the base to a surface to reduce movement of the device during use. In a different embodiment, a bottom surface of the base may be comprised of a grip area with a raised or recessed texture made from a non-slip material such as but not limited to rubber.

The present invention is also comprised of a first method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body attached to an axle, the axle attached to a base, wherein the body is comprised of a recessed area and a fastener. Next, a first end of a hose or a cable can be placed into the recessed area and secured into said area via the fastener. Next, the axle can be rotated via a hand crank or electric rotary tool to spin the body such that the hose or cable is wound around the body. In an embodiment wherein the axle is powered by a motor, the axle can be rotated to spin the body such that the hose or cable is wound around the body by pressing a button to activate the motor. Finally, the hose or cable can be removed from the body (via undoing the fastener) in a wound configuration.

Accordingly, the cord spooler device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used to wind extension cords and hoses. The device can be used to easily wind an extension cord or a hose via manual or electric power. While doing so, the device also secures a cord or hose during the winding process to prevent the cord or hose from becoming tangled. In this manner, the cord spooler device provides a solution to easily winding cords and hoses in an organized manner.

Referring initially to the drawings,illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a cord spooler deviceof the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The deviceis comprised of a body. The bodyis preferably cylindrical in shape and may be made from any material. In one embodiment, the bodyis tapered to facilitate the organized winding of a power cord around the body. The bodyrotates 360 degrees around the vertical axis of at least one axlethat is attached to a base. The axlemay be any type of spinning rotation structure known in the art. The bodymay be fixedly or removably attached to the axlevia at least one fastenersuch as but not limited to a bolt, a pin, etc.

In one embodiment, the axlecan be manually rotated (to in turn rotate the body) via at least one manual hand crankof any style and configuration. In one embodiment, the crankis comprised of at least one grip. The gripmay be made from a non-slip material such as but not limited to a rubber and may also be comprised of a raised and/or recessed texture to improve grip. In another embodiment, the axleis rotated clockwise and/or counterclockwise via at least one motor. The motormay be any style of motor such as but not limited to a gas, diesel, or electric motor. In an electric embodiment, the motorcan receive power via at least one power cordof any style and configuration. In this embodiment, the rotation of the motor(i.e., on/off) can be controlled by at least one buttonpositioned anywhere on the device. In one embodiment, the buttonis in the form of a foot-activated button and/or foot-activated switch. In a further embodiment, the axleand/or crankmay be shaped to be received by a drill or other electric rotary tool that can be used to spin the axle. The axleand/or crankmay be rotated in any direction. In one embodiment, the axlecan be comprised of a ratcheting axle that prevents the axlefrom unspooling. Locking of the axlein this embodiment can be controlled by the button.

To secure a first portion of a hose/cableto the bodyprior to winding, an area of the body(preferably but not limited to a top wallof the body) is comprised of a recessed areathat receives the hose/cable. The recessed areamay also be comprised of an additional fasteneron/in/near the recessed areathat further secures the hose/cablesuch as but not limited to a female power plug receptacle (that a male end of a cordcould be plugged into), a male or female hose connection (that a hosecould be attached to), a clip, a clamp, a male or female threaded fastener, a notch, a cutout, a spring, a ratchet, a spring and ratchet fastener, etc. as seen in.

The basemay further be comprised of at least one openingthat allows a fastener to be driven through the baseto secure the baseto a surface to reduce movement of the deviceduring use. In a different embodiment, a bottom surfaceof the basemay be comprised of a grip areawith a raised or recessed texture made from a non-slip material such as but not limited to rubber. The basemay be comprised of a wheeled base comprised of at least one wheelof any type, or a non-wheeled stationary base.

The devicemay also be comprised of at least one counting device. The devicemay be any type of digital or analog counting device that measures the amount of cablebeing wound around the bodyand/or pull from the body.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of usingthe device, as seen in. First, a deviceis provided comprised of a bodyattached to an axle, the axleattached to a base, wherein the bodyis comprised of a recessed areaand a fastener[Step]. Next, a first end of a hose or a cablecan be placed into the recessed areaand secured into said areavia the fastener[Step]. Next, the axlecan be rotated via a hand crankor an electric rotary tool to spin the bodysuch that the hose or cableis wound around the body[Step]. Finally, the hose or cablecan be removed vertically from the body(via undoing the fastener) in a wound configuration [Step].

The present invention is also comprised of a method of usingthe device, as seen in. First, a deviceis provided comprised of a bodyattached to an axle, the axleattached to a baseand spun by a motor, wherein the bodyis comprised of a recessed areaand a fastener[Step]. Next, a first end of a hose or a cablecan be placed into the recessed areaand secured into said areavia the fastener[Step]. Next, the axlecan be rotated to spin the bodysuch that the hose or cableis wound around the bodyby pressing a buttonto activate the motor[Step]. Finally, the hose or cablecan be removed from the body(via undoing the fastener) in a wound configuration [Step].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “cord spooler device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the cord spooler deviceof the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the cord spooler deviceof the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the cord spooler deviceas shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the cord spooler deviceare well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the cord spooler deviceare important design parameters for user convenience, the cord spooler devicemay be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.