FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the coiling of elongated articles, such as cords, ropes, tubes, straps, electrical cords, and the like. More particularly, relating to a method and apparatus for coiling an elongated article into a number of generally equal circumference coils.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus for coiling an elongated article into a number of generally equal circumference coils is provided. The method includes the coiling of an elongated article into a number of generally equal circumference coils through the provision of indicators spaced along a length of the article. There are at least two sets of indicators each having markings or coloring common to one another and unique to all of the other sets of indicators. Aligning the indicators of one set of indicators, a person can coil the elongated article into a first number of generally equal circumference coils and aligning the indicators of another set of indicators, a person can coil the elongated article into a second number of generally equal circumference coils. The first and second number of circumference coils not being equal, i.e. the first number of coils may be four total coils of and the second number of coils may be two total coils. The general circumferences of the second number of coils being greater than the general circumferences of the first number of coils, thereby allowing a person to choose how small or how large of a circumference of coil to create.
In general, in one aspect, a method of coiling an elongated article into a number of generally equal circumference coils is provided. The method includes the steps of:
- providing an article of a length, the article having at least two sets of indicators, wherein a first set of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators, each being common to each other and unique from all indicators not part of the first set of indicators, and being generally equally spaced apart a first distance along the length of the article, and wherein a second set of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators, each being common to each other an unique from all indicators not part of the second set of indicators, and being generally equally spaced apart a second distance along the length of the article, the first distance being greater than the second distance; and
- coiling the article into a number of coils of generally equal circumferences by either aligning each indicator of the plurality of individual indicators of the first set of indicators to one another or aligning each indicator of the plurality of individual indicators of the second set of indicators to one another.
In general, in another aspect, a method of coiling an elongated article into a number of generally equal circumference coils is provided. The method includes the steps of:
- providing an article of a length, the article having at least two sets of indicators, wherein a first set of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators, each being common to each other and unique from all indicators not part of the first set of indicators, and being generally equally spaced apart a first distance along the length of the article, and wherein a second set of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators, each being common to each other an unique from all indicators not part of the second set of indicators, and being generally equally spaced apart a second distance along the length of the article, the first distance being greater than the second distance, the article further having a pair of start-end indicators being common to each other and unique from all of the other indicators, one indicator of said pair of start-end indicators being positioned about the article approximate a first end thereof, and the other indicator of the pair of start-end indicators being positioned about and approximate a second end of the article; and
- wherein the article is coiled into a number of coils of generally equal circumference by either aligning each indicator of the plurality of individual indicators of the first set of indicators to one another and the pair of start-end indicators or aligning each indicator of the plurality of individual indicators of the second set of indicators to one another and the pair of start-end indicators.
In general, in another aspect, a method of coiling an elongated article into a number of generally equal circumference coils is provided. The method includes the steps of:
- a providing at least two sets of indicators, wherein each set of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators that are common to each other and unique from all other indicators not part of its set;
- attaching each indicator of the plurality of indicators of a one set of the at least two sets of indicators at generally equally spaced distances of a first distance along a length of an elongated article;
- attaching each indicator of the plurality of indicators of the other set of the at least two sets of indicators at generally equally spaced distances of a second distance along the same length of the article, the first distance being greater than the second distance; and
- coiling the article into a number of generally equal circumference coils by either aligning each indicator of the plurality of indicators of one set of the at least two sets of indicators to one another or aligning each indicator of the plurality of indicators of the other set of the at least two sets of indictors to one another.
In general, in another aspect, a method of coiling an elongated article into a number of generally equal circumference coils is provided. The method includes the steps of:
- a providing at least two sets of indicators, wherein each set of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators that are common to each other and unique from all other indicators not part of its set;
- attaching each indicator of the plurality of indicators of a one set of the at least two sets of indicators at generally equally spaced distances of a first distance along a length of an elongated article;
- attaching each indicator of the plurality of indicators of the other set of the at least two sets of indicators at generally equally spaced distances of a second distance along the same length of the article, the first distance being greater than the second distance;
- providing a pair of start-end indicators each being common to one another and unique from all other indicators;
- attaching one indicator of said pair of start-end indicators about and approximate one end of the article and attaching the other indicator of said pair of start-end indicators about and approximate a second end of the article; and
- coiling the article into a number of coils of generally equal circumference by either aligning each indicator of said plurality of individual indicators of said first set of indicators to one another and said pair of start-end indicators or aligning each indicator of said plurality of individual indicators of said second set of indicators to one another and said pair of start-end indicators.
In general, in another aspect, an elongated article that can be coiled into a number of coils is provided. The article includes a body of a length and a least two sets of indicators, wherein a first set of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators, each being common to each other and unique from all indicators not part of the first set of indicators, and being generally equally spaced apart a first distance along the length of the body, and wherein a second set of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators, each being common to each other an unique from all indicators not part of the second set of indicators, and being generally equally spaced apart a second distance along the length of the body, the first distance being greater than the second distance.
In general, in another aspect, an elongated article that can be coiled into a number of coils is provided. The article includes a body of a length; a least two sets of indicators, wherein a first set of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators, each being common to each other and unique from all indicators not part of the first set of indicators, and being generally equally spaced apart a first distance along the length of the body, and wherein a second set of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators, each being common to each other an unique from all indicators not part of the second set of indicators, and being generally equally spaced apart a second distance along the length of the body, the first distance being greater than the second distance; and a pair of start-end indicators being common to each other and unique from all of the other indicators, one indicator of the pair of start-end indicators being positioned about the body approximate a first end thereof, and the other indicator of the pair of start-end indicators being positioned about and approximate a second end of the body.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an elongated article having a plurality of sets of indicators spaced along a length of the article and illustrating the article coiled into a number of equal circumference coils in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 2
a is a plan view of the coiled elongated article of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2
b is an enlarged detail view of a section of the elongated article of FIG. 2;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the elongated article of FIG. 1 illustrating the article coiled into two coils of equal circumferences by aligning the indicators of a second set of indicators from that as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the elongated article of FIG. 1 illustrating the article coiled into four coils of equal circumferences by aligning the indicators of a third set of indicators from that as shown in FIGS. 1, 2; and 3;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the elongated article of FIG. 1 stretched out a length of the elongated article illustrating the spacing of different sets of indicators along a length of the article;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an elongated article coiled into two coils through the use of at least one set of indicators and a pair of start-end indicators;
FIG. 7 is a transverse cross sectional view of the elongated article taken an indicator;
FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a plurality of sets of indicators each having a plurality of individual indicators bearing markings, indicia or being of a color common to one another and unique from the other sets of indicators;
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the elongated article showing an example of an indicator in the form of a heat-shrinkable tubing or band;
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the elongated article showing an example of an indicator in the form of a clip; and
FIG. 11 is the cross sectional view of the elongated article showing an example of an indicator in the form of a label or appliqué adhesively attached to the elongated article.
The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to FIG. 1, an elongated article 10, such as an electrical extension cord, is shown coiled into a number of coils of generally equal circumferences in accordance with the methods of the present invention. While an electrical extension cord is shown by way of example, the elongated article 10 may be of any article having a length that is greater than its width or circumference, and can include but is not limited to an electrical extension cord, an electrical cord, a cord, a rope, a strap, a pipe, a tube or a hose.
In FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b the elongated article 10 is shown coiled into two coils 20 of generally equal circumferences. As seen from these figures, there are a plurality of sets of indicators generally designated by element 12. A first set of indicators 14 having a plurality of individual indicators 14a is shown in alignment and a second and third set of indicators 16 and 18 having a plurality of individual indicators 16a and 18a respectively are shown not in alignment. The individual indicators 14a, 16a and 18a each have indicia or markings coloring 14b, 16b, and 18b respectively or coloring which distinguish the 14a indicators from the 16a and 18a indicators, the 16a indicators from the 14a and 18a indicators and so forth. The indicia or markings 14b or coloring are common or identical to each other 14b indicia or marking or coloring, the indicia or markings 16b or coloring are common or identical to each other 16b indicia or marking or coloring, the indicia or markings 18b or coloring are common or identical to each other 18b indicia or markings or coloring, and so forth.
While three sets of indicators 14, 16 and 18 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there can be as few as at least two sets of indicators to as many sets of indicators as required or desired, and this concept carries throughout this entire disclosure.
Aligning the each indicator 14a, 16a, or 18a of one set of indicators 14, 16 or 18, a person can coil the elongated article 10 into a first number of generally equal circumference coils 20 and aligning the indicators of another set of indicators, a person can coil the elongated article into a second number of generally equal circumference coils 20, and so forth. The first, second or other number of circumference coils not being equal, i.e. the first number of coils may be two total coils and the second number of coils may be four total coils, and a third number of coils of may total a number of coils which is not equal to the first and second number of coils. The circumferences of the first number of coils being greater than the circumferences of the second number of coils, etc, thereby allowing a person to choose how small or how large of a circumference of coil to create.
This concept is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein FIG. 3 the elongated article 10 is shown coiled into three coils of generally equal circumferences by aligning the individual indicators 16a of the second set of indicators 16 and in FIG. 4, the elongated article is shown coiled into four coils of generally equal circumferences by aligning the individual indicators 18a of the third set of indicators 18.
Now with reference to FIG. 5, a length of the elongated article 10 of FIG. 1, is shown stretched out with a plurality of indicators 14a, 16a, and 18a spaced along the length of the elongated article. As shown there are three indicators 14a spaced at generally equal distances of a first distance C1 along the length of the elongated article 10, there are four indicators 16a spaced at generally equal distances of a second distance C2 along the same length of the elongated article, and there are five indicators 18a spaced at generally equal distances of a third distance C3 along the same length of the elongated article. The first distance C1 is greater than the second distance C2, and the first distance C1 and the second distance C2 are each greater than the third distance C3.
The value of the distance C1 is equal to the circumference of a coil of the elongated article 10 if coiled using the indicators 14a of the first set of indicators 14. Likewise the value of the distances C2 and C3 are equal to the circumference of a coil of the elongated article 10 if coiled using the indicators 16a and 18b respectively. There are three sets of indicators 14, 16 and 18 shown here; however, as few as two sets as many sets of indicators required or desired may be used.
With references to FIG. 6, in another embodiment, the elongated article 10 can further include a pair of start-end indicators 22a and 22b positioned approximate the ends 24a and 24b of the elongated article. The pair of start-end indicators 22a and 22b aid a user in locating and positioning the ends and of the elongated article 10. The pair of start-end indicators 22a and 22b are each aligned with either set of indicators 14, 16 or 18 to coil the elongated article into a number of coils of generally equal circumferences. The start indicator 22a beginning the coils and the end indicator 22b ending the coils. It is important to note, that while only three sets of indicators are shown used along with the pair of start-end indicators 22a and 22b, any number of sets of indicators as few as two sets as many sets of indicators required or desired may be used.
Individual indicators, such as indicators 14a, 16a, 18a or the start-end indicators 22a and 22b can be made integral with the elongated article 10 or can be printed, painted or spray coated onto the elongated article as shown in FIG. 7. The indicators, can be formed to completely encircle the circumference or perimeter of the elongated article 10, or formed to only partially encircle the circumference or perimeter of the elongated article 10.
With reference to FIG. 8, each individual indicator 14a, 16a, and 18a of each set of indicators 14, 16 and 18 or the start-end indicators 22a and 22b can be provided separate of the elongated article 10 and can be attached to the elongated article during manufacture or can attached to the elongated article post manufacture, by a consumer, following provided instruction. As shown in FIG. 9, each indicator can be in the form of heat-shrinkable tubing or bands 26, which are applied along the length of the elongated article 10 and heat shrunk to adhere to the elongated article at each desired location. As shown in FIG. 10, each indicator can be in the form of a clip 28 can attached to the elongated article 10 by slipping the clip over the elongated article 10. As shown in FIG. 11, each indicator can be in the form of label 30 that can adhesively attached to the elongated article. Moreover, each set of indicators can be color coded to correspond to each other indicator within the set, or can be marked with a code or indicia to correspond to each other indicator within the set or can include a combination of coloring coding and markings or indicia.
The above only describes a fraction of the possible forms the indicators can take and attached to the elongated article 10. As such, the invention should not be limited to only the example forms as described above and should encompass any indicator attached to an elongated article for the use in aiding a person in the coiling of the elongated article into a chosen number of coils each having generally equal circumferences. In the case of a strap or the like, each coil or loop may be formed over the previous coil or loop and remain in accordance with the principals of the present invention.
In general, in one aspect, and by way of example using at least two sets of indicators, a method of coiling the elongated article 10 into a number of generally equal circumference coils 20 includes the steps of:
- providing an article 10 of a length, the article having at least two sets of indicators 14 and 16, wherein a the first set 14 of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators 14a each common to each other and unique from all other indicators not part of the first set, each individual indicator 14a of the plurality of individual indicators of the first set 14 of indicators being generally equally spaced apart a first distance C1 along the length of the article 10, and wherein a second set 16 of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators 16a each being common to each other and unique each of the plurality of individual indicators of the first set 14 of indicators, each individual indicator 16a of the plurality of individual indicators of the second set of indicators 16 being generally equally spaced apart a second distance C2 along the length of the article 10, the first distance C1 being greater than the second distance C2; and
- coiling the article 10 into a number of coils 20 each having generally equal circumferences by aligning either each indicator 14a of the plurality of individual indicators of the first set 14 of indicators or each indicator 16a of the plurality of individual indicators of the second set 16 of indicators.
While only at least two sets of indictors where used in the above method, as few as two sets as many sets of indicators required or desired may be used. For example, the article 10 can include a third set or additional sets of indicators having a plurality of individual indicators each common to each other and unique from the each other of the plurality of individual indictors of the first and second sets of indicators, each individual indicator of the plurality of individual indicators of the third set of indicators being generally equally spaced apart a third distance along the length of the article, the first and second distances each being greater than the third distance.
In another aspect, a method of coiling the elongated article 10 into a number of generally equal circumference coils 20, the method includes the steps of:
- a providing at least two sets of indicators 14 and 16, wherein each set of the at least two sets of indicators includes a plurality of individual indicators 14a and 16a bearing indicia 14b and 16b common to each other and unique to the other set of indicators of the at least two sets of indicators;
- attaching each indicator 14a of the plurality of indicators of a one set 14 of the at least two sets of indicators at equally spaced distances of a first distance C1 along a length of an elongated article 10;
- attaching each indicator 16a of the plurality of indicators of the other set 16 of the at least two sets of indicators at equally spaced distances of a second distance C2 along the same length of the article, the first distance C1 being greater than the second distance C2; and
- coiling the article 10 into a number of generally equal circumference coils 20 by either aligning each indicator 14a of the plurality of indicators of one set 14 of the at least two sets of indicators or aligning each indicator 16a of the plurality of indicators of the other set 16 of the at least two sets of indictors.
Again, while only at least two sets of indictors where used in the above method, as few as two to as many sets of indicators may be used. For example, a third set of indicators 18 or any number of additional sets could be provided. By way of example, the third set 18 has a plurality of individual indicators 18a being common to each other and unique to the other sets of indicators 14 and 16 of the at least two sets of indicators. The third set 18 or any number of additional sets are of indicators 18a are attached at equally spaced distances of a third distance C3 or Cx along the same length of the article, the first and second distances each being greater than the third distance.
A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Patent Application
20070245585
