Universal cord winder

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a universal cord winder apparatus comprising a winding cap having a center spindle. The spindle includes a cord accepting groove that creates two halves to said spindle and each half contains a recessed post with an external spline disposed thereon. A semi-cylindrical bottom has a center opening with internal splines and a cut in the annular wall through which to pass the cord. The spindle of the winding cap is able to be detachably thrust into the opening of the semi-cylindrical base to form a closed cylinder. The winding cap rotates relative to the semi-cylindrical base. The splines provide for a ratcheted resistance allowing the user to adjust the amount of cord while being able to keep it at the desired length.

1 ) A cord winder apparatus for winding a cord, comprising: 
 a) a winding cap having a spindle, said spindle including a cord accepting groove that creates two halves to said spindle and each half containing a recessed post with an external spline disposed thereon;    b) a semi-cylindrical bottom having a center opening with internal splines and a cut in the annular wall thereof; and    c) said spindle of said winding cap able to be detachably thrust into said opening of said semi-cylindrical base to form a closed cylinder wherein said winding cap rotates relative to said semi-cylindrical base.    
     
     
         2 ) A cord winding apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said spindle further includes a tapered tip and hooked edge.  
     
     
         3 ) A cord winding apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein said accepting groove of said cylindrical stud is lined with a compliant material to accept and secure cords of varied diameter size and shape.  
     
     
         4 ) A cord winding apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said external and internal splines interlock to provide a ratcheted resistance when rotating said winding cap relative to said semi-cylindrical bottom.  
     
     
         5 ) A cord winding apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein said external and internal splines are shaped to provide for more ratcheted resistance when turning said winding cap in one direction than the other.  
     
     
         6 ) A cord winding apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said winding cap has a textured surface around the edge to create a gripping force to assist in rotating said winding cap relative to said semi-cylindrical bottom.  
     
     
         7 ) A cord winding apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer edge of said winding cap includes a channel that fits over a lip on the annular edge of said semi-cylindrical bottom.  
     
     
         8 ) A cord winding apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein cut in said annular wall of said semi-cylindrical bottom includes a rounded edge.  
     
     
         9 ) A cord winding apparatus according to  claim 2 , further comprising a disengagement mechanism attached to said semi-cylindrical bottom, said disengagement mechanism used to disengage said winding cap from said semi-cylindrical bottom when pressed.  
     
     
         10 ) A cord winding apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein said disengagement mechanism is also a clip.