SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WINDING CABLE

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for winding and collecting fiber or cable, and more particular to an apparatus for winding and collecting fiber or cable for subsequent storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional methods of storing cables such as extension cords, holiday lights, and others often involve haphazard coiling or folding, leading to tangling and knotting. This not only creates frustration for users but also increases the wear and tear on the cable, potentially shortening their lifespan. Additionally, the bulkiness of coiled cables can make storage cumbersome, especially in environments with limited space.

Various attempts have been made in the prior art to address these challenges. Cable organizers and cable ties have been used to bundle cables together, but they do not provide a systematic solution for preventing tangling during storage.

There is a need for a device that allows a user to manually wind cables for easy storage in a space-efficient manner but also allows for seamless winding and unwinding, reducing the time and effort required for cable management. The present invention fulfills this need by providing a cable winder system specifically designed to address the shortcomings of existing cable storage solutions.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This summary is provided to briefly introduce concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In a first aspect, a cable winder system is disclosed herein. The cable winder system having a first plate and a second plate configured to couple along a central axis. The first plate having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first plate having a first oblong slot, along a central axis, intermediate a first wing and a second wing. The second plate having a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the second plate having a second oblong slot, along a central axis, intermediate a third wing and a fourth wing. The cable winder system further comprises a first handle positioned on the first plate offset from the central axis and proximate the second end of the first plate. The cable winder system further comprises a second handle positioned on the second plate along the central axis and proximate the fourth end of the second plate. The first wing of the first plate comprises a first aperture, having a circular shape, at the second end of the first plate; and a second aperture, having an oval shape, at the second end intermediate the first aperture and the central axis.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second wing of the first plate, comprises a third aperture, having a circular shape at the second end of the first plate; and a fourth aperture, having an oval shape, at the second end intermediate the third aperture and the central axis.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the third wing of the second plate, comprises a fifth aperture, having a circular shape at the fourth end of the second plate; and a sixth aperture, having an oval shape, at the fourth end intermediate the fifth aperture and the central axis.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the fourth wing of the second plate, comprises a seventh aperture, having a circular shape at the fourth end of the second plate; and an eighth aperture, having an oval shape, at the fourth end intermediate the seventh aperture and the central axis.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second wing of the first plate, comprises a third aperture, having a circular shape at the second end of the first plate; and a fourth aperture, having an oval shape, at the second end intermediate the third aperture and the central axis; the third wing of the second plate, comprises a fifth aperture, having a circular shape at the fourth end of the second plate; and a sixth aperture, having an oval shape, at the fourth end intermediate the fifth aperture and the central axis; and the fourth wing of the second plate, comprises a seventh aperture, having a circular shape at the fourth end of the second plate; and an eighth aperture, having an oval shape, at the fourth end intermediate the seventh aperture and the central axis.

In a second aspect, a cable winder system is disclosed herein. The cable winder system having a first plate and a second plate configured to couple along a central axis. The first plate having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first plate having a first oblong slot, along a central axis, intermediate a first wing and a second wing. The second plate having a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the second plate having a second oblong slot, along the central axis, intermediate a third wing and a fourth wing. The cable winder system further comprises a first handle positioned on the first plate offset from the central axis and proximate the second end of the first plate. The cable winder system further comprises a second handle positioned on the second plate along the central axis and proximate the fourth end of the second plate. The third wing of the second plate comprises a fifth aperture, having a circular shape, at the second end of the second plate; and a sixth aperture, having an oval shape, at the second end intermediate the fifth aperture and the second oblong slot.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first wing of the first plate comprises a first aperture, having a circular shape, at the second end of the first plate; and a second aperture, having an oval shape, at the second end intermediate the first aperture and the central axis.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the second wing of the first plate, comprises a third aperture, having a circular shape at the second end of the first plate; and a fourth aperture, having an oval shape, at the second end intermediate the third aperture and the central axis.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the fourth wing of the second plate, comprises a seventh aperture, having a circular shape at the fourth end of the second plate; and an eighth aperture, having an oval shape, at the fourth end intermediate the seventh aperture and the central axis.

In a third aspect, a cable winder system is disclosed herein. The cable winder system having a first plate and a second plate configured to couple along a central axis. The first plate having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first plate having a first oblong slot, along a central axis, intermediate a first wing and a second wing. The second plate having a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the second plate having a second oblong slot, along a central axis, intermediate a third wing and a fourth wing. The cable winder system further comprises a first handle positioned on the first plate offset from the central axis and proximate the second end of the first plate. The cable winder system further comprises a second handle positioned on the second plate along the central axis and proximate the fourth end of the second plate. The cable winder system includes a means of securing a cable to at least one of the first wing, the second wing, the third wing, and the fourth wing.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the means of securing the cable is on the first wing. In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the means of securing the cable is on the second wing. In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the means of securing the cable is on the third wing. In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the means of securing the cable is on the fourth wing.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the means of securing a cable is on two of the first wing, the second wing, the third wing, and the fourth wing. In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the means of securing a cable is on three of the first wing, the second wing, the third wing, and the fourth wing. In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the means of securing a cable is on each of the first wing, the second wing, the third wing, and the fourth wing.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, the first handle is a revolving handle. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, the second handle is a revolving handle. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, both the first handle and the second handle are revolving handles. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, a width of the first oblong slot and a width of the second oblong slot is equal to a depth of the first plate and a depth of the second plate.

In another aspect, a method of winding a cable is described herein. The method of winding a cable includes: (a) obtaining a cable winder system as described herein; (b) engaging the first plate and the second plate of the cable winder system; (c) securing a first end of a cable through any one of the apertures or other securing methods of the cable winder system; and (d) rotate the cable winder system by winding the first handle to collect wound cable on the cable winder system.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: (e) placing one or more cable ties around the wound cable; and (f) securing the one or more cable ties.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: (g) dis-engaging the first plate and the second plate; and (h) removing the wound cable from the cable winder system.

In some embodiments, the method may further include, prior to step (a), driving a ground staple into a surface; and running the cable through the ground staple.

The above summary is to be understood as cumulative and inclusive. The above described embodiments and features are combined in various combinations in whole or in part in one or more other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes for selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dis-engaged cable winder system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an engaged cable winder system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a step of the method of winding a cable, which includes securing a staple, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating a step in the method of winding a cable, which includes running a cable through the staple, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view illustrating a step in the method of winding a cable, which includes engaging the two plates of the cable winder system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view illustrating a step in the method of winding a cable, which includes inserting the cable through the apertures of the cable winder system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3E is a perspective view illustrating a step in the method of winding a cable, which includes rotating the cable winder system to collect the cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3F is a perspective view illustrating a step in the method of winding a cable, which includes securing the cable with a cable tie, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3G is a perspective view illustrating a step in the method of winding a cable, which includes dis-engaging the two plates and retrieving the wound cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although steps may be expressly described or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated.

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing.

Like reference numbers used throughout the drawings depict like or similar elements. Unless described or implied as exclusive alternatives, features throughout the drawings and descriptions should be taken as cumulative, such that features expressly associated with some particular embodiments can be combined with other embodiments.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained within the scope of these descriptions. As used herein, the term “about,” when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in some embodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments +/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are within the scope of these descriptions. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of a, b, c, and d” is defined as including at least one of the members of the group consisting of a, b, c, and d.

Referring for FIGS. 1 and 2, the cable winder system 300 includes a first plate 100 and a second plate 200. The first plate 100 has a first handle 105 positioned off-set from a central axis 50.

The second plate 200 has a second handle 205 positioned along the central axis 50. One or both of the first handle 105 and the second handle 205 may be a revolving handle configured to revolve around an axis superimposed with the handle.

The first plate 100 has a first oblong slot 120 formed along the central axis 50 that is intermediate a first wing 130 and a second wing 140. The second plate 200 has a second oblong slot 220 formed along the central axis 50 that is intermediate a third wing 230 and a fourth wing 240. The first plate 100 and the second plate 200 are configured to engage at the first oblong slot 120 and the second oblong slot 220 along the central axis 50 to form the cable winder system 300. The cable winder system 300 is configured so that it is easy to store when not assembled. It's also configured to be easily turned by hand.

In one embodiment, each oblong slot is as wide as each plate is deep, which allows for snug engagement without the use of tools. In other embodiments a different methodology may be used for ease of assembly and disassembly, with or without tools. The width of each oblong slot is defined as the distance between each wing of the plate. The depth of the plate is defined as the distance from one surface of the plate to the second surface of the plate.

Each of the first wing 130, the second wing 140, the third wing, 230, and the fourth wing 240 may have two apertures for securing an end of a cable to be wound. The first wing 130 has a first aperture 110 that is circular shaped and a second aperture 115 that is an oval shape. The second wing 140 has a first aperture 110 that is circular shaped and a second aperture 115 that is an oval shape. The third wing 230 has a first aperture 210 that is circular shaped and a second aperture 215 that is an oval shape. The fourth wing 240 has a first aperture 210 that is circular shaped and a second aperture 215 that is an oval shape. The apertures can be essentially any shape including a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, irregular, etc; the circular and oval shapes of the apertures shown in the drawings are selected for simplified manufacturing.

Only one set of two apertures on one of the first wing 130, the second wing 140, the third wing, 230, and the fourth wing 240 is required for the cable winder system 300 to work properly. However, the cable winder system 300 may have a set of two apertures on two of the first wing 130, the second wing 140, the third wing, 230, and the fourth wing 240 for user convenience and simplified manufacturing. The cable winder system 300 may have a set of two apertures on three of the first wing 130, the second wing 140, the third wing, 230, and the fourth wing 240 for user convenience and simplified manufacturing. The cable winder system 300 may have a set of two apertures on all four of the first wing 130, the second wing 140, the third wing, 230, and the fourth wing 240 for user convenience and simplified manufacturing.

While the embodiments shown in the drawings include the set of two apertures for securing the cable to the cable winder system, other securing means such as a clamp, an adhesive, an elastic tie, and others have been explored and are just as effective as the set of apertures shown in the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3G, the method of using the cable winder system 300 may include the optional step of securing a ground staple 500 into a surface such as the ground 550 with some force 600. This is followed by the optional step of running the cable 400 through the ground staple 500. This allows the cable to be aligned and detangled prior to, and adds friction while winding onto the cable winder system 300.

The cable winder system 300 is assembled by engaging the first oblong slot 120 of the first plate 100 and the second oblong slot 220 of the second plate 200. The cable 400 is inserted first through the aperture 110 and through the second aperture 115 to secure the end of the cable 400 on the cable winder system 300. The cable 400 can be inserted into any one of apertures 110 and 115 or 210 and 215, as long as the cable 400 is secured on the cable winder system 300. Once the cable 400 is secure, the first handle 105 is manually turned while holding the second handle 205 to rotate the first plate 100 and second plate 200 of the cable winder system 300 about axis 50. This rotation causes the cable 400 to become wound about the cable winder system 300.

The wound cable can be stored on the cable winder system 300. Additionally, the first plate 120 and the second plate 220 can be disengaged to allow for removal of the wound cable from the cable winder system 300. One or more cable ties 700 may be secured around the wound cable prior to disengaging the first plate 120 and the second plate 220.

Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.