Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING AND ORGANIZING ELECTRICAL
CORDS AND CABLES
[0001] Related Applications
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No.
61/143302 titled System and Apparatus For Managing and Organizing Electrical
Cords and
Cables, filed on January 8, 2009 and also U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Serial No.
61/254348 titled System and Apparatus For Managing and Organizing Electrical
Cords and
Cables, filed on May 29, 2009, the contents of which are herein incorporated
by reference in
their entireties.
[0003] Field of the Invention
[0004] This application relates generally to a system and apparatus for
organizing and
enclosing substantially from view one or more electrical cables or cords that
originate from
and are connected to separate electronic devices and appliances.
[0005] Background of the Invention
[0006] The electrical cables or cords that connect electronic devices and
appliances to a
power source (e.g. an AC power outlet, a surge protector or power strip), a
data source (e.g. a
modem), or to another electronic device (e.g. an I/O peripheral computer
device, a router, a
mobile communications device, an iPod(V, etc.) are typically a bold color and
dangle from the
electronic device or appliance and therefore, create an unsightly appearance.
More
importantly, the dangling cables or cords create a cumbersome and unsafe
condition as they
can easily become tangled on furniture articles, on a person's limbs or with
other nearby
cables or cords. Where there are several electrical devices adjacent to one
another and are
plugged into the same power source, data source or other electronic device, as
is typical in an
office or multimedia setting, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage the
cables or cords
such that the cable or cord from a particular device can easily be identified
apart from the
other cables or cords and can be prevented from becoming entangled with the
other cables or
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cords. In addition, the structural and electrical integrity of the cable or
cord is more easily
damaged when it is left substantially exposed and dangling. Accordingly, there
exists a need
for a system and apparatus that can organize into a single unit a number of
electrical cables or
cords originating from separate electronic devices and appliances such that
the cables or cords
may be effectively shortened and substantially hidden from view.
[0007] In addition, it would be desirable for the container to also enclose
the power or data
source where practicable in order to simplify the structural features of the
container, to conceal
the unsightly appearance of the power or data source, and to ensure that the
cables or cords do
not have to also exit the container.
[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a container
(or enclosure)
that both encloses the power or data source where practicable and organizes,
effectively
shortens, and substantially conceals from view a number of electrical cables
or cords that are
plugged into the enclosed power or data source.
[0009] Summary of the Invention
[0010] The invention provides a modular mapping system and apparatus for
organizing into a
single unit and enclosing substantially from view one or more electrical
cables or cords that
originate from and are connected to separate electronic devices and
appliances. In addition,
the system and apparatus can also be made of a suitable size and dimension to
house one or
more electrical devices whereby the individual electrical cables or cords can
be connected to
or plugged into the electrical device. For example, the electrical device
could comprise a
power strip, standard or more complex, larger-sized surge protector, cable
modem, router, etc.
Therefore, the individual electrical cables or cords advantageously never exit
the apparatus
and the electrical device is also concealed from view.
[0011] A wide variety of electrical cables or cords may be organized and
concealed from
view by the system and apparatus, including but not limited to, power cables
and data cables
connected to computer equipment, gaming system equipment, telecommunication
devices,
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electronic household appliances, power strips, surge protectors, cable modems,
routers, and
home theater devices, etc. Furthermore, as described in detail below, the
system and apparatus
can be made of a suitable size and dimension to also secure and contain an AC
adapter,
voltage appliance controls or other components that are incorporated into
various power cables
or cords.
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the cables and cords are organized
and restrained
using wrapping system units whereby the user wraps the cables and cords around
the housing
of the wrapping system units to shorten them to a desirable and more
manageable length. In
one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of wrapping system units are
mounted in the
interior of the apparatus. In another embodiment of the invention, a rail is
mounted in the
interior of the apparatus and a plurality of cable and cord restraints are
removably attached to
the rail such that the plurality of restraints can be selected according to
the type of cable or
cord to be restrained or any other purpose. In one embodiment of the
invention, several of the
components of the apparatus are modular for accommodation of a variety of
electrical devices
and cables and cords. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus can be
extended in
size to hold one or more electrical devices of various sizes and shapes.
[0012] Another embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for
organizing and
concealing for easy transport the various cables and cords of the AC adapter
and/or peripheral
devices (e.g. mouse, keyboard, audio/visual equipment) of a computer. In this
embodiment,
the system and apparatus comprises a body that is made of a substantially
collapsible and
flexible material that encloses the cables and cords by being securely folded
around the cables
or cords in a closed configuration. The cables and cords can be restrained
using wrapping
system units and/or Velcro wraps.
[0013] Description of the Drawings
[0014] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in
which like elements are referenced with like numerals.
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[0015] Figure la is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and
organizing
cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] Figure lb is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and
organizing
cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0017] Figure 2a is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and
organizing
cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0018] Figure 2b is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and
organizing
cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0019] Figure 3a is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and
organizing
cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] Figure 3b is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and
organizing
cables and cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] Figures 4a and 4b are a front view and a side view, respectively, of
wrapping system
units according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0022] Figure 5a is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and
organizing
cables and cords in a closed position according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0023] Figure 5b is a front perspective view of an apparatus for managing and
organizing
cables and cords in a closed position according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0024] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are front perspective views of a restraint unit
for restraining
cables and cords according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0025] Figures 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are front perspective views of a restraint
unit comprising a
hook and a clip housing for restraining cables and cords according to one
embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] Figures 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d are front perspective views of a restraint
unit comprising a
hook and a loop housing for restraining cables and cords according to one
embodiment of the
invention.
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[0027] Figures 9a, 9b and 9c are front perspective views of a restraint unit
comprising a hook
and a fold housing for restraining cables and cords according to one
embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] Figures 10a, 10b and 10c are front perspective views of a restraint
unit comprising a
hook and a ring housing for restraining cables and cords according to one
embodiment of the
invention.
[0029] Figures 1la, 1lb, 11c, lid, He and 11f are front perspective views of
restraint units
comprising an integral hook and housing, such as a clip housing or a vertical
loop housing,
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0030] Figures 12a and 12b are front perspective views of an extendible
apparatus for
managing and organizing cables and cords in an open and a closed position
according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0031] Figures 13 and 15 are top views of an apparatus for organizing and
concealing for easy
transport of the various cables and cords of the AC adapter cables and/or
peripheral devices of
a computer in its open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0032] Figures 14 and 17 are front perspective views of an apparatus for
organizing and
concealing for easy transport of the various cables and cords of the AC
adapter cables and/or
peripheral devices of a computer in its closed position according to one
embodiment of the
invention.
[0033] Figures 16a and 16b are front and side views of a wrapping system for
an apparatus
for organizing and concealing for easy transport of the various cables and
cords of the AC
adapter cables and/or peripheral devices of a computer according to one
embodiment of the
invention.
[0034] Figure 18a is a front view of an apparatus for managing and organizing
cables and
cords in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
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[0035] Figure 18b is a front view of a self-securing aperture for an
electrical cord or cable
incoming into an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords
according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0036] Figure 18c is a front view of secured electrical cords and cables in an
apparatus for
managing and organizing cables and cords according to one embodiment of the
invention
having the self-securing aperture seen in Figure 18b.
[0037] Figure 19a is a front view of an apparatus for managing and organizing
cables and
cords having parallel conduits for routing electrical cords and cables into
the apparatus in an
open position according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0038] Figure 19b is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 19a depicting
electrical cords and
cables routed into the apparatus through parallel conduits.
[0039] Figure 20 is a side perspective view of the exterior of an apparatus
for managing and
organizing cables and cords having an external coaxial cord wrapping system
unit according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0040] Figure 20b is a front view of a system wrapping unit for wrapping
coaxial cable on the
exterior of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords
according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0041] Figure 20c is a side view of a system wrapping unit for wrapping
coaxial cable on the
exterior of an apparatus for managing and organizing cables and cords
according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0042] Figure 20d is a side perspective view of the exterior of an apparatus
for managing and
organizing cables and cords having an external compartment or slot for
containing electrical
devices such as A/C adaptor fastened to the exterior of the apparatus
according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0043] Figures 21a and 21b are front views of an electrical cable wrapping
device according
to one embodiment of the invention.
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[0044] Figure 21c is a side view of an electrical cable wrapping device
according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0045] Description of the Invention
[0046] The present invention provides a modular mapping system and apparatus
for
organizing into a single unit and enclosing substantially from view one or
more electrical
cables or cords that originate from and are connected to separate electronic
devices and
appliances. In addition, the system and apparatus can also be made of a
suitable size and
dimension to house one or more electrical devices whereby the individual
electrical cables or
cords can be connected to or plugged into the electrical devices. For example,
the electrical
devices could comprise a power strip, standard or more complex, larger-sized
surge protector,
cable modem, router, etc. Therefore, the individual electrical cables or cords
advantageously
never exit the apparatus and the electrical devices are also concealed from
view.
[0047] A wide variety of electrical cables or cords may be organized and
concealed from
view by the system and apparatus, including but not limited to, power cables
and data cables
connected to computer equipment, gaming system equipment, telecommunication
devices,
electronic household appliances, power strips, surge protectors, cable modems,
routers, and
home theater devices, etc. Furthermore, as described in detail below, the
system and apparatus
can be made of a suitable size and dimension to also secure and contain an AC
adapter,
voltage appliance controls or other components that are incorporated into
various power cables
or cords.
[0048] Fig. la depicts an embodiment of the present invention in an open
configuration. The
system and apparatus 1 comprises a body 20 and a top cover 10. As shown in
Fig. 5a, the top
cover 10 covers the body 20 thereby creating a box-like enclosure when the
apparatus 1 is in a
closed configuration. The top cover 10 may be mechanically fastened to or
attached to the
body 20 such that the top cover 10 and the body 20 are a single unit whether
in an open or
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closed configuration. The body 20 and top cover 10 may be comprised of any
suitable
material, including, but not limited to, nylon, plastic, aluminum or wood.
[0049] Although the body 20 and top cover 10 of the apparatus 1 can be made in
a variety of
shapes and sizes, the body 20 is, in one disclosed embodiment, in the shape of
a rectangle
having a base 23 and four vertical side walls 22, including front wall 25 and
back wall 27,
whereby the base 23 and the side walls 22 form a container (or enclosure) of
suitable size and
dimension to contain the majority of the length of the one or more cables or
cords 2 (as seen in
Fig. 3a). As shown in Fig. 2a, the base 23 and the side walls 22 are also of
suitable size and
dimension to house electrical devices 3 and 5, such as a surge protector
and/or A/C adaptor,
whereby the one or more cables or cords 2 are connected or plugged into the
electrical devices
3 and 5 (as seen in Fig. 3a). It is contemplated that the apparatus 1 may be
made of various
sizes and dimensions in order to house larger and/or more complex surge
protectors than are
currently available or in widespread use and to house the various cables that
may be handled
by such a surge protector unit. For example, a surge protector may incorporate
not just
standard AC electrical outlets, but may also include jacks or outlets for
providing electrical
protection for cable, telephone and broadband data line cables in a single
surge protection unit.
[0050] Electrical devices 3 and 5 may be secured or otherwise attached to the
base 23 of the
body 20 in order to prevent electrical devices 3 and 5 from shifting around
inside the body 20
during use. Various structural and fastening mechanisms can be used to hold
electrical
devices 3 and 5 in place. For example, Velcro may be applied to the underside
of electrical
devices 3 and 5 and the base 23 of body 20. In another embodiment, a separate
cordoned off
compartment area or slot 40 may be formed in the base 23 of body 20 to further
contain
electrical devices 3 and 5 in place.
[0051] In operation, while the apparatus 1 is in an open configuration, the
one or more
individual cables or cords 2 are drawn into and enter the body 20 through one
or more
apertures 31 formed in the upper edge 28 of the one or more vertical side
walls 22, for
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example front wall 25, as shown in Fig. 3a. Each aperture 31 may be
apportioned to only a
single cable or cord 2 in order to prevent the several cables or cords from
becoming entangled
with one another and to ensure that each cable or cord can be easily mapped to
its
corresponding electrical device and accessed by the user. In addition, as
shown in Fig. la, a
conduit 50 may be incorporated into the exterior surface of the body 20 at the
upper edge 28 of
front wall 25 for further managing and organizing the one or more cables or
cords 2, which are
first routed through the conduit 50 before entering the one or more apertures
31. Access to the
conduit 50 may be provided through a small opening along the conduit or, in
the alternative,
the conduit 50 may be made to open and close vertically.
[0052] In order to maintain the organization of the electrical cables and
cords once they are
drawn into the body 20, one or more wrapping system units 30 may be provided
along the
inside surface of the one or more side walls 22, for example front wall 25,
proximate to each
of the apertures 31. As shown in detail in Figs. 4a and 4b, wrapping system
units 30 are
generally comprised of housings 34 that protrude from and are removably
attached to or
slidingly engaged with side wall 22 whereby the user manually wraps the cable
or cord 2
around one or more of the housings 34 such that the length of the cable or
cord 2 may be
effectively shortened to a desirable and more manageable length. Accordingly,
the various
cables or cords are effectively compartmentalized such that they do not become
commingled
inside the body 20 of the apparatus 1 as the majority of the length of each
cable or cord is
wrapped around a separate wrapping system unit(s) 30. As a result, a
convenient mapping
system is created whereby a user can easily locate and access a particular
cable or cord. In
one embodiment, there exists a one-to-one ratio between the number of possible
cables or
cords 2 that can be introduced into the body 20 of the apparatus and the
number of wrapping
system units 30 that are provided. However, where convenient or suitable, a
single cable or
cord may be wrapped around a set of adjacent wrapping system units 30. In
addition, the
shape and size, as well as the protruding distance between the wrapping system
units 30 and
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the side wall 22 of the body 20, of the various wrapping system units 30
inside the apparatus 1
may vary in order to accommodate electrical cables or cords of different
lengths and
thicknesses.
[0053] In addition to the wrapping system units 30, each cable or cord 2 may
be further
secured to the inside of the body 20 by one or more locking protrusions 32 and
33 that
compressibly engage the cable or cord 2 and hold it in place prior to and/or
after the cable or
cord is wrapped around the wrapping system units 30.
[0054] After the one or more cables or cords 2 are wrapped around wrapping
system units 30
to the length desired by the user, the plug portion 4 of each cable or cord is
preferably plugged
into an electrical device 3 or 5, such as a surge protector, that is also
enclosed in apparatus 1.
In order to connect electrical device 3 or 5 to a power source, data source or
other electrical
device outside of apparatus 1, one or more apertures or tunnels 21 are
provided for the cable or
cord 24 of electrical device 3 or 5 to exit apparatus 1. In addition, one or
more wrapping
system units 30 may be placed proximate to exit aperture 21, for example on
back wall 27 in
order for cable or cord 24 of electrical devices 3 and 5 to be similarly
wrapped and shortened
as described above before exiting apparatus 1 (not shown).
[0055] Alternatively, where an electrical device 3 or 5 is not present,
apparatus 1 may be used
with cables or cords 2 that may exit the apparatus 1 at the exit aperture 21
after they are
wrapped around one or more wrapping units 30 in order that they may be
shortened to the
desirable length and organized. Thereafter, the cables or cords 2 can be
plugged into AC
power receptacles located in a nearby wall or baseboard or a power strip,
surge protector,
cable modem, or router, etc. that is not enclosed inside apparatus 1.
[0056] As mentioned above, the body 20 of the apparatus 1 can be made of a
suitable size and
dimension to also secure and contain one or more of an AC adapter, voltage
appliance control
or other component that is incorporated into the midsection of various power
cables or cords.
For example, as depicted in Figs. la and 2a, the body 20 of apparatus 1 can
include an
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assigned and separate space, such as a compartment or slot 40, in which the AC
adapter or
other electrical device 3 or 5 is captured or contained in place after the
corresponding cable or
cord is wrapped around the wrapping system units 30. The incorporation of the
compartment
or slot 40 may be accomplished using a holding strip or other suitable
mechanism. For
example, the compartment or slot 40 may be delimited by two or more small
vertical walls
that can accommodate electrical devices 3 or 5, such as an AC adapter or other
component of
any length. The small vertical walls of compartment or slot 40 may be
collapsible or
removable in the event that the user does not use the compartment or slot 40
or for
accommodating larger electrical devices 3 or 5, such as an AC adapter or other
components.
Alternatively, a Velcro strap can be used to secure electrical devices 3 or
5, such as an AC
adapter or other component, to the base 23 of the body 20. Electrical devices
3 and 5 may be
placed in any orientation with respect to each other.
[0057] In order to accommodate the size of the electrical devices 3 or 5, such
as an AC
adapter or other component of the cable or cord 2, the conduit 50 may be
eliminated entirely at
the aperture 31 provided specifically for the cord or cable having an AC
adapter or other
component or, a separate and a larger conduit may be provided.
[0058] As illustrated in Fig. 5a, once each cable or cord 2 and electrical
device 3 or 5 is set in
place inside the body 20 as desired by the user, the top cover 10 is closed
and the various
cables or cords 2 and the electrical devices 3 and 5 are substantially hidden
from view.
[0059] Furthermore, apparatus 1 may be adapted to be secured in place to a
floor or connected
to or hung on a wall, desk, or other type of furniture article.
[0060] In another embodiment of the invention, a rail is mounted on the
interior of apparatus
1 and a plurality of cable and cord restraint units can be removably attached
to the rail such
that the plurality of restraint units can be selected according to the type of
cable or cord 2 to be
restrained or any other purpose. Fig. lb depicts one embodiment of this
invention in an open
configuration. The system and apparatus 1 comprises a body 20 and a top cover
10. As shown
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in Fig. 5b, the top cover 10 covers the body 20 thereby creating a box-like
enclosure when the
apparatus 1 is in a closed configuration. The top cover 10 may be mechanically
fastened to or
attached to the body 20 such that the top cover 10 and the body 20 are a
single unit whether in
an open or closed configuration. The body 20 and top cover 10 may be comprised
of any
suitable material, including, but not limited to, nylon, plastic, aluminum or
wood.
[0061] Turning back to Fig. 1b, although the body 20 and top cover 10 of the
apparatus 1 can
be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, the body 20 is, in one disclosed
embodiment, in the
shape of a rectangle having a base 23 and four vertical side walls 22,
including front wall 25
and back wall 27, whereby the base 23 and the side walls 22 form a container
(or enclosure) of
suitable size and dimension to contain the majority of the length of the one
or more cables or
cords 2 (as seen in Fig. 3b). As shown in Fig. 2b, the base 23 and the side
walls 22 are also of
suitable size and dimension to house one or more electrical devices 3 and 5,
such as a surge
protector and an A/C adaptor, whereby the one or more cables or cords 2 are
connected or
plugged into the electrical devices 3 and 5 (as seen in Fig. 3b). It is
contemplated that
apparatus 1 may be made of various sizes and dimensions in order to house
larger and/or more
complex surge protectors than are currently available or in widespread use and
to house the
various cables that may be handled by such a surge protector unit. For
example, a surge
protector may incorporate not just standard AC electrical outlets, but may
also include jacks or
outlets for providing electrical protection for cable, telephone and broadband
data line cables
in a single surge protection unit.
[0062] Electrical devices 3 and 5 may be secured or otherwise attached to the
base 23 of body
20 in order to prevent electrical devices 3 and 5 from shifting around inside
the body 20
during use. Various structural and fastening mechanisms can be used to hold
electrical
devices 3 and 5 in place. For example, Velcro may be applied to the underside
of electrical
devices 3 and 5 and the base 23 of the body 20. In another embodiment, a
separate cordoned
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off compartment area or slot may be formed in the base 23 of the body 20 to
further contain
electrical devices 3 and 5 in place.
[0063] In operation, while apparatus 1 is in an open configuration, the one or
more individual
electrical cables or cords 2 may be drawn into and enter the body 20 through
one or more
apertures 31 formed in the upper edge 28 of front wall 25, as shown in Figs.
lb, 2b and 3b.
Each aperture 31 may be apportioned to only a single electrical cable or cord
2 in order to
prevent the several electrical cables or cords 2 from becoming entangled with
one another and
to ensure that each cable or cord can be easily mapped to its corresponding
electrical device
and accessed by the user. In addition, as shown in Fig. lb, a conduit 50 may
be incorporated
into the upper edge 28 of body 20 at the upper edge 28 of front wall 25 for
further managing
and organizing the one or more cables or cords 2, which are first routed
through the conduit 50
before entering the one or more apertures 31. Access to conduit 50 may be
provided through a
small opening along the conduit or, in the alternative, the conduit 50 may be
made to open and
close vertically. Alternatively, or in addition, an inlet port 49 may be
located in the upper
surface of the body 20 to allow access by cables and cords 2 to conduit 50.
[0064] In order to maintain the organization of the cables and cords 2 once
they are drawn
into the body 20, a rail 42 may be provided along the inside surface of front
wall 25 in close
proximity to the apertures 31. Rail 42 is provided for one or more restraint
units 43 to be
releasably attached for restraining the cables and cords 2 that enter body 20
through apertures
31. Restraint units 43 (as seen in Fig. 6a-6c) may comprise a hook 44, a slot
45, a
protuberance 47 and a housing for restraining cables or cords 2, such as a
clip housing 51 as
seen in Figs. 7a-7d; a vertical loop housing 61 as seen in Figs. 8a-8d; a fold
housing 71 as
seen in Figs. 9a-9c; or a circular housing 81 as seen in Figs. 10a-10c. Any
combination of
restraint units 43 can be used as desired. Further, restraint units 43 can be
changed as desired.
To attach restraint units 43 to rail 42, hook 44 may be sized to slide over
rail 42 and the
desired housing 51, 61, 71 or 81 is attached to slot 45 in hook 44.
Protuberance 47 can be
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clipped to the underside of rail 42 to further secure restraint unit 43.
Restraint units 43 are slid
over rail 42 to the spot under the appropriate aperture 31 to restrain an
incoming cord or cable
2. Restraint units 43 must be slid onto rail 42 in the order that they are to
be situated under
apertures 31. In other embodiments, rail 42 may comprise an upper lip and a
lower lip (not
shown) in which restraint units 43 may be configured to slide. In other
embodiments, restraint
units 43 may be clipped onto rail 42 at any time and in any order of
placement, as desired by
the user.
[0065] Figs. 7-11 depict examples of restraint units 43. Fig. 7 depicts a
restraint unit 43
comprising a hook 44 and a clip housing 51. Hook 44 comprises a slot 45 and
protuberance
47 configured for attachment of arm 46 of clip housing 51. Hook 44 is
configured to slide
over rail 42. Clip housing 51 further comprises a clip 52 for directing
incoming cable or cord
2. Incoming cable or cord 2 is then wrapped using Velcro 53 after passing
through clip
housing 51. Although this embodiment is described as using Velcro to wrap
incoming cable
or cord 2, this description is not intended to be limiting and any other
suitable device or
material now known or later developed may be used in place of Velcro .
[0066] Fig. 8 depicts a restraint unit 43 comprising a hook 44 and vertical
loop housing 61.
Hook 44 comprises a slot 45 and protuberance 47 configured for attachment of
arm 46 of
vertical loop housing 61. Hook 44 is configured to slide over rail 42.
Vertical loop housing
61 further comprises a vertical loop 62. Incoming cable or cord 2 is wrapped
using Velcro
and the wrapped cable or cord 2 is held with vertical loop housing 61.
Although this
embodiment is described as using Velcro to wrap incoming cable or cord 2,
this description
is not intended to be limiting and any other suitable device or material now
known or later
developed may be used in place of Velcro .
[0067] Fig. 9 depicts a restraint unit 43 comprising a hook 44 and fold
housing 71. Hook 44
comprises a slot 45 and protuberance 47 configured for attachment of arm 46 of
fold housing
71. Hook 44 is configured to slide over rail 42. Fold housing 71 further
comprises a Velcro
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strip 72. Incoming cable or cord 2 is wrapped using Velcro strip 72. Although
this
embodiment is described as using Velcro to wrap incoming cable or cord 2,
this description
is not intended to be limiting and any other suitable device or material now
known or later
developed may be used in place of Velcro .
[0068] Fig. 10 depicts a restraint unit 43 comprising a hook 44 and circular
ring housing 81.
Hook 44 comprises a slot 45 and protuberance 47 configured for attachment of
arm 46 of
circular ring housing 81. Hook 44 is configured to slide over rail 42.
Circular ring housing 81
further comprises housings 89 that protrude from circular housing 81 whereby
the user
manually wraps the cable or cord 2 around one or more of the housings 89 such
that the length
of the cable or cord 2 may be effectively shortened to a desirable and more
manageable length.
[0069] Referring to Figs. lla-11f, in one embodiment, restraint unit 43
comprises an integral
hook 48 which comprises hook 44 and clip housing 51 or vertical loop housing
61 as a single
unit. Integral hook 48 with clip housing 51 or vertical loop housing 61 is
directly slidably and
releasably attached to rail 42.
[0070] After the one or more cables or cords 2 are restrained by restraint
units 43 and
shortened to the length desired by the user, the plug portion 4 of each cable
or cord is
preferably plugged into an electrical device 3 or 5, such as a surge
protector, that is also
enclosed in apparatus 1. In order to connect electrical device 3 or 5 to a
power source, data
source or other electrical device outside of apparatus 1, one or more ingress
and egress slots
26 are provided for the cable or cord 24 of electrical device 3 or 5 to exit
apparatus 1. For
example, cable or cord 24 of electrical devices 3 and 5 may include telephone
lines and/or
coaxial cables. In addition, as seen in Figs. 1b, 2b and 3b, one or more
wrapping system units
30, as previously described with respect to Figs. 4a and 4b, may be placed
proximate to the
ingress and egress slot 26, for example on back wall 27, in order for cable or
cord 24 to be
similarly wrapped and shortened as described above before exiting the
apparatus 1.
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[0071] Alternatively, where a separate electrical device 3 or 5 is not
present, cables or cords 2
may exit the apparatus 1 at the ingress and egress slots 26 after they are
restrained by one or
more restraint units 43 in order that they may be shortened to the desirable
length and
organized. Thereafter, cables or cords 2 can be plugged into AC power
receptacles located in
a nearby wall, baseboard, power strip, surge protector, cable modem, router,
phone jack, etc.
that is not enclosed inside apparatus 1.
[0072] As mentioned above, the body 20 of apparatus 1 can be made of a
suitable size and
dimension to also secure and contain an AC adapter, voltage appliance control
or other
component that is incorporated into the midsection of various power cables or
cords. For
example, the body 20 of apparatus 1 can include an assigned and separate
space, such as a
compartment or slot 40 (not shown), in which the electrical devices 3 or 5,
such as an AC
adapter or other component, are captured or contained in place after the
corresponding cable
or cord is wrapped around the wrapping system unit(s) 30. The incorporation of
compartment
or slot 40 may be accomplished using a holding strip or other suitable
mechanism. For
example, compartment or slot 40 may be delimited by two or more small vertical
walls that
can accommodate an electrical device 3 or 5, such as an AC adapter or other
component of
any length. The small vertical walls of compartment or slot 40 may be
collapsible or
removable in the event that the user does not use compartment or slot 40 or
for
accommodating larger AC adapters or other electrical devices 3 or 5.
Alternatively, a
Velcro strap can be used to secure electrical devices 3 or 5, such as an AC
adapter or other
component, to base 23 of body 20. Electrical devices 3 and 5 may be placed in
any orientation
with respect to each other. In another embodiment, electrical devices 3 and 5
can be
positioned as desired by the user and secured to base 23 of body 20 by any
fastening means,
such as Velcro or straps.
[0073] In order to accommodate the size of the AC adapter or other component 6
of cable or
cord 2, the conduit 50 may be eliminated entirely at the aperture 31 provided
specifically for
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the cord or cable having an AC adapter or other component or, a separate and
larger conduit
35, as seen in Fig. 2b, may be provided.
[0074] As illustrated in Fig. 5b, once each cable or cord and electrical
device is set in place
inside the body 20 as desired by the user, the top cover 10 is closed and the
various cables or
cords and the electrical device are substantially hidden from view.
[0075] In one embodiment of the invention, as seen in Figs.12a and 12b,
apparatus 1 can be
extended in size to hold electrical devices 3 and 5 of various sizes and
shapes.
[0076] The invention may be modular in design to accommodate electrical
devices and cables
and cords of various sizes. For example, one modular section (not shown) may
comprise rail
42, conduit 50, inlet port 49 and apertures 31 and may be configured to be
mated to apparatus
1 at upper edge 28 of front wall 25. A variety of such modular sections may be
provided with
varying dimensions to accommodate various incoming cables and cords, and
components 6 of
cables and cords 2. Similarly, a modular section (not shown) may comprise one
or more
wrapping system units 30 for placement proximate to ingress and egress slot
26, for example
on back wall 27, to wrap cable or cord 24 of electrical devices 3 and 5.
Again, a variety of
such modular sections may be provided with varying dimensions to accommodate
various
cables and cords 24 of electrical devices 3 and 5. Such a modular section may
be configured
to slide over back wall 27 and may comprise one or more wrapping system units
30.
[0077] Figs. 13 through 17 depict a second embodiment of the present invention
that is
suitable for organizing and concealing for easy transport the various
electrical cables and
cords of the AC adapter cables and/or peripheral devices (e.g. mouse,
keyboard, audio/visual
equipment) of a computer. In order that the system and apparatus 101 can be
easily stored and
carried, for example, in a laptop carrying case, the system and apparatus 101
is comprised of a
body 120 that is made of a substantially collapsible and flexible material
that encloses the
cables or cords 102 by being securely folded around the cables or cords in a
closed
configuration. For example, the body 120 may be comprised of nylon.
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[0078] As shown in detail in Fig. 13, the inside surface of body 120 contains
a single
wrapping system unit 130 that is comprised of a single or multi-level housing
135 that
protrudes from and is removably attached to or slidingly engaged with the
inside surface of the
body 120. Housing 135 may also be made of a flexible material that easily
collapses when the
system and apparatus 101 is not in use.
[0079] In addition, the interior surface of the body 120 of the apparatus 101
can be made of a
suitable size and dimension to secure and contain an AC adapter, voltage
appliance control,
computer peripheral device or other component that is incorporated into or
connected to the
electrical cables or cords 102. For example, as depicted in Figs. 13 and 15,
the body 120 can
include an assigned and separate space 111, such as a compartment or slot 140,
in which the
AC adapter 103 (as shown in Fig. 15) or other component is captured or
contained in place.
The incorporation of the compartment or slot 140 may be accomplished using a
holding strip
or other suitable mechanism 112. For example, the compartment or slot 140 may
be delimited
by two or more small vertical walls that can accommodate an AC adapter or
other component
of any length. The small vertical walls may be collapsible or removable in the
event that the
user does not use the compartment or slot 140 or for accommodating larger AC
adapters or
other components. Alternatively, a Velcro strap can be used to secure the AC
adapter or
other component to the inside surface of the body 120 or corresponding Velcro
patches may
be applied to the underside of the AC adapter or other component and the
inside surface of the
body 120.
[0080] In operation, while the apparatus 101 is in an open configuration and
the body 120 is
in an unfolded position, the AC adapter 103 or other component is placed in
its assigned and
separate space 111 and is mechanically fastened or secured in place.
Thereafter, the one or
more electrical cables or cords 102 that originate from or are connected to
the AC adapter 103
or other component are manually wrapped around the housing 135 such that the
length of the
cables or cords 102 may be effectively shortened to a desirable and more
manageable length.
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As mentioned above and as shown in detail in Fig. 16b, the housing 135 may
contain multiple
levels or parts (e.g. 131 and 133) in order that more than one cable or cord
102 can be
wrapped around the housing 135. For example, where the apparatus 101 is used
to organize
and conceal an AC adapter 103, the cord 104 that exits the AC adapter 103 and
is intended to
be plugged into a power outlet or AC source may be wrapped around the second
level or part
131 and the cord 105 that exits the AC adapter 103 and is intended to be
connected to the
user's computer may be wrapped around the first level or part 133 in order to
advantageously
keep the two cords separate in order to ensure that they do not become
commingled.
[0081] Furthermore, the multiple levels or parts of the housing 135 also allow
the user to
wrap one or more of the cables or cords in an opposite direction (i.e. in a
clockwise or
counterclockwise direction) from the other cables or cords in order to more
easily
accommodate the position of the cords or cables as they exit the AC adapter
103 or other
component. In addition, the multiple levels or parts of the housing 135 also
allow the user to
enclose more than one component (e.g. an AC adapter in addition to an USB
cable) inside the
portable and confined space of the apparatus 101 as each of the several cables
or cords 102
can be wrapped around a different level or part of the housing 135. As a
result, a convenient
mapping system is created whereby a user can easily locate and access a
particular electrical
cable or cord.
[0082] In addition to the wrapping system unit 130, each cable or cord 102 may
be further
secured to the inside of the body 120 by one or more locking protrusions 132
and 134 that
compressively engage the cable or cord 102 and hold it in place prior to
and/or after the cable
or cord is wrapped around the wrapping system unit 130.
[0083] As shown in detail in Fig. 14, after the one or more electrical cables
or cords 102 are
wrapped around the wrapping system units 130 to the length desired by the
user, the user may
fold the apparatus 101 around the cables or cords 102 such that the cables or
cords 102 are
fully contained within the apparatus 101 and can be easily transported or
stored when not in
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use. A suitable fastening mechanism may be used to keep the apparatus 101
securely closed.
For example, the apparatus 101 may be kept closed using corresponding Velcro
patches 121.
[0084] Alternatively, as depicted in Fig. 17 the user may leave a portion of
the length of the
cables or cords 102 unwrapped prior to folding the apparatus 101 such that the
cables or cords
102 may exit the apparatus 101 and be connected to AC power receptacles
located in a nearby
wall or baseboard or a power strip, surge protector, computer, cable modem, or
router, etc. that
is not enclosed inside the apparatus 101. Once the user has arranged the
cables or cords for
the user's particular use, the apparatus 101 is then folded around the cables
or cords such that
only a portion of the cables or cords is fully contained.
[0085] Figures 18-20 depict additional embodiments of a system and apparatus
for managing
and organizing electrical cords and cables. As seen in Fig. 18a, aperture 31
of apparatus may
comprise a self-securing V-shaped notch capable of accommodating electrical
cords and
cables 2 of various widths and diameters. Electrical cord or cable 2 enters
apparatus 1 through
conduit 50, whereupon it passes through aperture 31. Electrical cord or cable
2 is forced
downward into aperture 31 until it is secured. Electrical cord or cable 2 can
then be wrapped
and secured with, for example, Velcro or any other method for securing folded
cords or
cables now known or later developed, without the need for additional system
wrapping units
before being plugged into electrical device 3 or 5.
[0086] Another view of self-securing aperture 31 is depicted in Fig. 18b. Fig.
18c depicts
electrical cords and cables 2 entering apparatus 1 through conduit 50 and
through self-securing
apertures 31. Electrical cords and cables 2 are wrapped and secured with hook
and loop
fasteners such as Velcro . Plug 4 can then be plugged into electrical device 3
or 5.
[0087] Fig. 19a is a front view of an apparatus 1 for managing and organizing
cables and
cords 2 having parallel conduits 50 for routing electrical cords and cables 2
into the apparatus
1 in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention. Apparatus
1 works as
previously described in connection with Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 18 except that
apparatus 1 comprises
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two parallel conduits 50 and can be sized to accommodate electrical devices 3
and 5 having a
plurality of rows of electrical outlets. Fig. 19b is a side view of the
apparatus 1 of Fig. 19a
depicting electrical cords and cables 2 routed into the apparatus 1 through
parallel conduits 50.
[0088] Where desired, certain electrical devices 3 and 5, such as A/C adaptor,
and certain
electrical cords and cables 2, such as coaxial cable, can be mounted and
wrapped external of
apparatus 1. Fig. 20a depicts a side perspective view of the exterior of
apparatus 1 having an
external coaxial cable wrapping system unit 30 and external compartment or
slot 40 for
containing electrical device 3 or 5 according to one embodiment of the
invention. Electrical
cord or cable 2 can enter apparatus 1 through ingress and egress slot 26 after
being wrapped
around external system wrapping unit 30 as seen in Figs. 20b and 20c. External
system
wrapping unit 30 may comprise housing 34 substantially similar to that seen in
Figs. 4a and
4b. Locking protuberances 32 and 33 may also be used in connection with
external system
wrapping unit 30.
[0089] The invention further comprises an electrical cable wrapping device
that can be used
in connection with apparatus 1. Electrical cable wrapping device 2100 is
depicted in Fig. 21a
- 21c. Fig. 21a depicts a front view of electrical cable wrapping device 8
comprising a handle
2110, a housing 2120, a fastener hook 2130 for securing a fastener such as a
hook and loop
fastener (e.g., Velcro ) and an electrical cord or cable hook 2140 for
securing an electrical
cord or cable 2. Housing 2120 protrudes from electrical cable wrapping device
2100 in a
manner similar to wrapping system units 30 depicted in Figs. 4a and 4b. Fig.
21b depicts a
side view of electrical cable wrapping device 2100.
[0090] Electrical cable wrapping device 2100 operates as follows. A suitable
fastener, such
as a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro ) is placed across the electrical
cable wrapping
device 2100 and secured in fastener hook 2130. The end of the electrical cord
or cable 2 with
plug 4 is secured in electrical cord or cable hook 2140. A user holds
electrical cable wrapping
device 2100 by handle 2110 in one hand. With the other hand, the user grasps
electrical cord
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or cable 2 and wraps electrical cord or cable 2 around housing 2120. Once
electrical cord or
cable 2 is wrapped around housing 2120 and sufficient electrical cord or cable
2 is left
unwrapped as desired by the user, the user secures wrapped electrical cord or
cable 2 with the
fastener by removing the end of the fastener from fastener hook 2130 and
securing the fastener
around electrical cord or cable 2. The wrapped end of electrical cord or cable
2 can then be
removed from electrical cord or cable wrapping device 2100 and placed into
apparatus 1, for
example as seen in Figs. 18a and 18c.
[0091] In the foregoing description, the present invention has been described
with reference to
specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be apparent to those skilled
in the art that a
person understanding this invention may conceive of changes or other
embodiments or
variations, which utilize the principles of this invention without departing
from the broader
spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are,
therefore, to be regarded
in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Accordingly, it is not
intended that the
invention be limited except as may be necessary in view of the appended
claims.
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